No plans to shift Jakkur Flying Training School: Shivakumar tells K'taka assembly
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday clarified that the state government has no plans to relocate the Jakkur Flying Training School, a heritage aviation institution, out of Bengaluru.
Shivakumar, who is also the Minister in-charge of Bengaluru development, was responding to the allegations of Leader of Opposition in the assembly, R Ashoka, that the government is attempting to shift the school to favour real estate interests, and the officials have held meetings to facilitate this.
Ashoka sought to know from the Deputy CM what the government intends to do with the Jakkur Flying Training School and 217 acres of prime land associated with it.
"There is no such proposal regarding Jakkur, there is nothing. Yes, the subject had come, when it came for discussion, our Krishna Byre Gowda (Revenue Minister) took a strong stand against it, the government and the Chief Minister have agreed to that stand. There is no such discussion as of now," Shivakumar said.
Recalling that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had laid the foundation stone for an aviation training school on a forest land in Jakkur, which was given by the Maharaja of Mysuru in 1940, Ashoka said tall buildings cannot be constructed nearby due to air traffic restrictions, which is why the real estate mafia is interested in shutting the school there.
During the previous Congress regime (2013-18), there was a plan to build an Executive Club for MLAs and officers on the land, which was cancelled during the BJP regime that came to power next, he said.
"Now, the government is attempting to close the school to favour real estate interests. Officials have held meetings to discuss shifting the school," he added.
Citing records, Ashoka said, Principal Secretary (Youth Empowerment & Sports) Naveen Raj Singh had called a meeting regarding shifting of Jakkur training school to Mysuru. "How did the officer convene this meeting without the knowledge of the government?”
Pointing out that Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who is also the local MLA, had admitted that the plan for executive club was a "mistake" during the earlier Congress government’s tenure; and had said that the school should be saved.
Discussions have also taken place in the past to build a sporting complex on the school’s land. Even though there is plenty of land available in other parts of the city, there is a clever move to acquire this particular land.
"If the school is closed, real estate developers will build tall buildings and make huge profits. The school land should not be handed over to real estate," he demanded.
Intervening, Energy Minister KJ George said he had suggested in the past that the school be shifted out to make way for a “big sports complex”.
With Ashoka pointing to Shivakumar’s recent meeting with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on increasing building height limits around airports, including Jakkur, the latter said he only sought uniformity as the limits are different in Karnataka.
"We have introduced a premium floor area ratio (FAR), this can bring money to Bengaluru. We have asked for some relaxation so that people can use the premium FAR,” he said.
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J&K CM Abdullah inaugurates upgraded hospital, key road link during Rajouri visit
Nowshera/Jammu (PTI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated a vital upgraded road and a 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his visit to the border belt of Nowshera in Rajouri district, emphasising that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
The chief minister received a rousing welcome on his arrival, with people lining both sides of the road, showering flower petals.
Soon after he arrived in Nowshera, Abdullah inaugurated a vital road link from the highway bridge to Nowshera town and the 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his tour of the area.
The visit of the chief minister, along with his cabinet colleagues, marked a major push towards strengthening connectivity and healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The upgraded road project, executed by the PWD department for Rs 7.99 crore, is expected to significantly improve connectivity, streamline traffic movement and reduce travel time for commuters, officials said.
The chief minister also inaugurated the upgraded 100-bedded sub-district hospital, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 18.18 crore. The facility is equipped with modern healthcare infrastructure aimed at enhancing patient care and expanding access to quality medical services for the people of Nowshera and adjoining areas, they said.
During his visit, Abdullah took a detailed tour of the hospital and inspected key sections, including X-ray, ECG and ultrasound rooms, examination rooms, and the blood storage unit. He interacted with doctors, staff and patients, enquiring about the availability and quality of healthcare services.
Addressing a massive public gathering, Abdullah emphasised that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
"Positions of power are not meant for personal comfort but to bring relief to the people and make their lives easier. Our priority is to strengthen schools, hospitals, roads, and address unemployment and poverty," he said.
He highlighted key initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity, healthcare and overall socio-economic growth in Rajouri and adjoining areas.
Interacting with the public, he assured that the voices and aspirations of the people of the Pir Panjal region would continue to guide policy decisions and drive responsive governance on the ground.
The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to regularising daily wagers and ensuring justice for Anganwadi and ASHA workers through improved wages and stipends.
He also highlighted various welfare initiatives, including the provision of free gas cylinders to the poorest households, electricity support and free bus travel for women.
Highlighting recent developmental achievements, he noted that projects like the Nowshera road and hospital, which had remained pending for years, were completed due to the focused efforts of the present government.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that key infrastructure projects in the region have been realised under the leadership of the chief minister, reaffirming the government's commitment to balanced and equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
