Karnataka govt warns of action against violations of loudspeaker rule
Bengaluru (PTI): With the Karnataka government issuing a circular regarding use of loudspeakers following the azaan and Hanuman Chalisa row, state Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on Wednesday said its implementation will be strictly monitored and action will be taken as per law in case of any violations.
He also said fair and transparent probe are on into the police sub-inspector recruitment scam and the alleged suicide of contractor Santosh Patil.
"Regarding the loudspeaker issue, guidelines have been issued yesterday and 15 days time has been given to file applications, (designated) authorities have also been mentioned in it (guidelines). It is being strictly followed up, loudspeakers cannot be used between 10 pm to 6 am," Jnanendra said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said strict action will be taken in accordance with law, in case of any violation.
"Without permission no one can use loudspeakers, and everyone should abide by the guidelines issued," he added.
The circular issued by the government on Tuesday mandates users of loudspeakers and public address systems to obtain written permission from the "designated authority" within 15 days.
It also bans the use of loudspeakers between 10 pm and 6 am, except during public emergencies.
Recently, some Hindu groups, including Sri Rama Sene, had launched a campaign alleging failure on part of the government to take action against loudspeakers installed at mosques, by playing 'Hanuman Chalisa', 'Suprabhata', 'Omkara' and other devotional songs at temples in different parts of the state.
On contractor Santosh Patil suicide case, the Home Minister said there is no attempt to shut the case, police teams are investigating it under the leadership of Superintendent of Police, Udupi, and a detailed inquiry is on.
To a question whether former Minister K S Eshwarappa has been issued any notice, he said, "probe is on from all angles....If there is a need he will be served notice, if not it will not be, police investigating the case will decide."
Santosh Patil, a Belagavi-based contractor, was found dead at a hotel in Udupi last month, weeks after accusing Eshwarappa, who is also a senior BJP leader, of corruption.
As political furore erupted following the contractor's death, Eshwarappa, against whom police have booked a case of abetment to suicide, resigned as the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Minister.
To another query regarding the PSI recruitment scam probe, Jnanendra said, "Congress people are also involved.....no matter of any party affiliation....all those behind the scam will be found, arrested and it will be ensured that they are punished in accordance with law."
The scam is about large-scale rigging or malpractices in the examination that was held in October last year to recruit 545 police sub-inspectors in the State.
The state government had annulled the results of the examination held for the recruitment and decided to hold a re-exam.
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Hajj 2024: Indian Pilgrims await clearance for stay in Mina
Bengaluru: As the countdown to the sacred Hajj pilgrimage commences for Indian pilgrims, uncertainty looms over their stay in the Mina zone (Place where the ‘stoning of devil’ takes place across three days). Despite private Hajj tour operators facilitating the journey of the pilgrims, the absence of clearance for Indian pilgrims to stay in Mina has caused much dissatisfaction among tour operators and pilgrims.
Meanwhile, Private Hajj tour operators also have to make other preparations before the beginning of the pilgrimage, including verification of pilgrims' documents, booking hotels, arranging accommodation for pilgrims at Arafat and Mina, appointing Muallims (a guide appointed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah).
Pilgrims from different states, including Karnataka and Kerala, are scheduled to begin their journey for Hajj through private tour operators from the third week of May.
While private tour operators would deposit the money of pilgrims into the IBAN (International Bank Account Number) account, this year as per the new regulations of the Saudi Arabian government, private Hajj tour operators were asked to deposit the money into the Indian Haj Mission account, from where the pilgrims would draw the money to cover the expenses incurred during the pilgrimage.
Tour operators have expressed facing difficulties in collecting money owing to the new regulations made by the Saudi government, as the process of depositing money to the IBAN account would be completed within 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Karnataka State Hajj Organizers Association General Secretary Shafi Ahmed, speaking to the Vartha Bharathi, highlighted that owing to the delays by the Indian Haj Committee and the Indian Haj Mission, tour operators have not been able to book hotel accomadation for piligrims. “Vaccinations should be given to the pilgrims. So far there is a lack of vaccination supply from the Ministry of Health. We have brought this matter to the attention of the Indian Hajj Committee and the State Hajj Committee.”
“Airline tickets are booked for Hajj pilgrims through operators. If the pilgrims get a chance to stay in Mina, where should we accommodate the pilgrims? If the pilgrims are not able to travel on the day we have booked air tickets, we will reportedly face a major financial hardship,” Shafi expressed concern.
“The Union government should pay attention to this matter immediately. In addition, The Government of Saudi Arabia should initiate discussions with the Indian Hajj Mission and facilitate the accommodation in Mina. At least 3 thousand pilgrims from our state will travel for Hajj this year,” he added.
Expressing that the Government of India and the Indian Hajj Mission have to work seriously in this matter, Shoukal Ali Sultan, the President of the Karnataka Hajj Organizers Association said, “Currently we are facing problems in transferring pilgrims' money to the Indian Hajj Mission account. Additionally, the fact that we are yet to get approval to stay in the Mina zone has added to our problems. We are in constant touch with the State Hajj Committee and will solve the problem as soon as possible and facilitate the pilgrims going for the pilgrimage through private tour operators.”
