Karnataka HC upholds opening of additional fair price shop in village, dismisses monopoly claims
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court today observed that the purpose of fair price shops is to ensure easy and accessible distribution of essential commodities to all citizens, especially those from impoverished backgrounds. The court made this observation while dismissing a petition by Mahatma Gandhiji Grama Hitha Mandali, a fair price shop operator, challenging the government's decision to open another fair price shop in the same village.
A single judge bench of Justice Suraj Govindaraj clarified that the Karnataka Essential Commodities Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2016, does not promote monopolies by authorizing only one fair price shop in a locality. Instead, the Order aims to facilitate speedy and affordable distribution of goods to all citizens.
The petitioner argued that the new shop would reduce the number of ration cardholders attached to his shop, thus impacting his business. However, the government contended that the decision was made following a representation from villagers and assured that a minimum of 500 cardholders would remain attached to the petitioner's shop as mandated by Rule 11 (2) of the Control Order, 2016.
The court, in its findings, noted that the petitioner's shop had more than 1,200 cardholders, which is double the minimum requirement in rural areas. The court further stated that there is no vested right for the petitioner to retain all cardholders, and the authorities are within their rights to establish additional fair price shops as long as the minimum requirement is met.
The petition was dismissed accordingly.
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Use AI-based security system to ensure safety of women healthcare personnel: Sharan Prakash Patil
Bengaluru, Sep 13: Karnataka's minister for Medical Education & Skill Development Sharan Prakash Patil on Friday suggested integration of AI technology in the security system to ensure safety of women healthcare personnel across Karnataka, an official release said.
The minister chaired a high-level meeting at Vikasa Soudha to discuss measures aimed at strengthening security at medical colleges, hospitals and hostels. This follows a previous meeting led by Patil to review the current security systems and propose enhancements.
During the meeting, Patil also emphasised the importance of integrating feedback from women healthcare professionals and other stakeholders. “Directors of medical institutions must gather feedback in writing and take concrete steps to implement necessary measures."
Patil suggested that a security audit committee should be formed with monthly meetings to review the safety protocols. Additionally, thorough background checks must be conducted for all security personnel, according to the release.
“To further ensure safety, 24/7 canteen facilities should be available so that women healthcare staff do not need to leave the premises,” the minister said.
Patil also announced that a panel will be formed at the State Secretariat to oversee the implementation of these measures.
B L Sujatha Rathod, Director of Medical Education, provided a detailed presentation on the current security initiatives. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Mohammad Mohsin, Principal Secretary of Medical Education, Mission Director of National Health Mission Y Naveen Bhat and Venkateshmurthy, Joint Secretary.
ಇಂದು ವಿಕಾಸಸೌಧದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಹಿಳಾ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿ ಸುರಕ್ಷತೆಯ ಕುರಿತ ಉನ್ನತಮಟ್ಟದ ಸಭೆಯ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷತೆ ವಹಿಸಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದೆ.
— Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil (@S_PrakashPatil) September 13, 2024
ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದಾದ್ಯಂತ ಮಹಿಳಾ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಭದ್ರತೆ ಹಾಗೂ ರಕ್ಷಣೆ ಒದಗಿಸುವ ನಿಟ್ಟಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಅತ್ಯಾಧುನಿಕ ಕ್ರಮ ಕೈಗೊಳ್ಳಲಾಗುವುದು.
ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ ಭದ್ರತಾ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆಗಳನ್ನು ಪರಿಶೀಲಿಸಿ ವೈದ್ಯಕೀಯ ಕಾಲೇಜು,… pic.twitter.com/cEsiOYtYm0
