Karnataka govt issues new Covid guidelines; gyms, swimming pools to remain closed
Bengaluru, Apr 2: With rising coronavirus cases, the Karnataka government on Friday took a slew of decisions including shutting down boarding and residential hostels for primary and secondary schools and optional attendance for students of Classes 10, 11 and 12.
The government also ordered closure of gymnasium, party halls, club houses and swimming pools while occupancy in buses should not exceed beyond the seating capacity.
The order was issued by Karnataka Chief Secretary P Ravi Kumar.
Besides suspending physical classes for classes six to nine, Kumar said in his order, "Classes 10, 11 and 12th can continue in the existing mode. However, attendance to these classes in person is not mandatory."
Further, classes of higher and professional courses have been suspended except classes due for Board or University examinations and of Health Sciences.
The order said rallies and Dharna (sit-in) will be prohibited.
The government asked companies to follow the work from home mode as far as possible whereas cinema halls should follow alternative seating subject to a maximum of 50 per cent seating capacity in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kalaburagi, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Bidar and Dharwad.
In these districts, pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants should not have people above 50 per cent capacity.
Shopping malls, departmental stores, pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants have been told to abide by the COVID protocol such as mandatory face masks, hand sanitisers and physical distancing should be followed strictly.
"If there is any violation, the facility shall be closed till the COVID epidemic is over," the order said.
Police and the civic agencies have been asked to ensure that people follow the norms strictly.
The restrictions will be in force till April 20.
In view of increasing COVID-19 cases Karnataka Government has issued Guidelines to contain the spread.@CMofKarnataka @mla_sudhakar @WHO @UNICEFIndia @UNDP_India @MoHFW_INDIA @PIBBengaluru @CovidKarnataka pic.twitter.com/lJGlY0HY7z
— K'taka Health Dept (@DHFWKA) April 2, 2021
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
