Karnataka likely to open gyms, fitness centres, golf courses after May 17
Bengaluru: Karnataka Tourism Minister C T Ravi on Wednesday hinted at the government permitting opening of gyms, fitness centres and golf courses after May 17 when the third phase of the COVID-19 induced lockdown comes to an end.
"Today I met the Chief Minister and discussed opening of fitness centres, golf courses and giving permission for hotels to provide service... to encourage revival of tourism at local level while maintaining social distancing," he told reporters.
Stating that sportspersons' fitness will take a hit if fitness centres are not opened, the Minister, who also holds the sports portfolio, said following the request by several of them, he brought it to the notice of the Chief Minister, who responded positively.
"CM has said we will give permissions to open gyms after May 17, while ensuring all safety precautions.
Also, golf is something where distance is usually maintained, they (golfers) too had come and submitted an appeal. I brought it to the notice of CM...we will give permission, ensuring safety," he added.
With all tourism activities having come to a standstill and all bookings cancelled, following the coronavirus-driven lockdown, the tourism department is focusing on promoting local tourism with the concept of "Love Your Native".
Ravi said he had drawn the Chief Minister's attention to a "survival and revival" plan for the tourism sector and added that the mindset will have to change towards "Love Your Native" concept, aimed at encouraging local tourism.
"Then comes inter-district with the concept 'Nodu baa Nammura' (Come, See Our City). After that we will consider inter-state and international tourists, while maintaining safety and hygiene," he said.
"We are also waiting for a central package. We expect tourism will get boost from it," he added.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Bengaluru jail introduces biometric tracking system for prisoners
Bengaluru: In a bid to curb misconduct and illegal activities inside Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, prison authorities have introduced a new ‘Prisoners Tracking Movement System’ under which inmates will have to undergo biometric verification while entering every barrack.
According to jail officials, biometric systems have been installed across all major sections of the prison, including barracks, visitor rooms, hospital, canteen, kitchen, library, playground, handicraft units and bakery sections. Staff members have also been deployed at these locations.
Officials said inmates visiting the visitors’ room must now obtain a digital token after biometric verification. Details such as the prisoner’s name, identification number and entry time will be updated in the prison software system. This will help authorities maintain a complete digital record of inmates visiting and returning from meeting rooms.
Similar systems have also been introduced at entry points of the hospital, library and other barracks accessed for work-related purposes. Officials said the system will help identify prisoners involved in suspicious or illegal activities with other inmates and enable authorities to track how much time a prisoner spends at different locations inside the prison.
Authorities stated that AI-powered cameras were already being used inside the prison to monitor inmates as well as prison staff. Along with this, digital tracking of prisoner phone calls and a digital token system for visitor meetings have now been added to strengthen surveillance over inmate movement. Officials said the project has been implemented at a cost of around Rs 2.25 crore.
The prison department has also introduced a canteen usage tracking system to monitor prisoners’ spending patterns. Instead of direct cash payments, inmates can purchase bakery items and snacks using wallets or coupons issued within the prison system.
Officials said the digital system will record details including the buyer’s name, items purchased, quantity, date, time and remaining wallet balance. This will allow prison authorities to maintain complete expenditure records of inmates.
