Reports of temple construction in Bangalore University: Activists write to VC demanding action
Bengaluru: Taking note of the reports of the construction of a temple on the premises of Bangalore University, several activists have written an open letter to the Vice Chancellor of the University adding that the construction was against the rules set by the UGC Act 2000.
In an open letter written to the VC of the University, the forum has added that the UGC Act 2000 bars educational institutions from having religious structures on campus, and despite this, a temple is reportedly being constructed in violation of this law in the Bangalore University premises.
The forum has also expressed shock over the development as the temple is being constructed on the premises of the university under the watch of the VC.
“The focus should be on setting up libraries and research centers on the university campuses not temples, churches, or mosques of any religion. We should construct what is required for the overall development of the students.” The letter stated.
“In your administration, the construction work of a temple is underway unnoticed by you and under the watch of police. Hence we are questioning your position. It is unfortunate that Bangalore University is in news for this reason.” It further told the VC.
The letter further added “Crematoriums have already been constructed on the premises of Bangalore University. Students are also claiming that there are tens of temples and marriage centers.
“What the students need is libraries, not fancy churches and mosques. As the head of the syndicate that runs the university administration, you have a huge responsibility. We are confident that by being in such a position you will adequately handle the basic objectives of the University without giving rise to any kind of controversy.” It added.
Earlier, the students and staff members of the Bangalore Agricultural University broke out and protested against the government's move to build a biotechnology park on the campus. We want to bring the matter to your notice that the government has withdrawn from its decision, the letter asserted.
“In this regard, the Honorable Vice-Chancellors should take this matter seriously and not give a chance to any government or non-governmental organizations behind the construction of this temple, if necessary, they should also consider taking legal measures to fix the issue,” the letter added.
The letter was signed by activists HM Venkatesh, HG Ramesh, CP Thippeswamy, MG Vasudev Murthy, Pradeep Mendonca, and Handralu Nagabhushan
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Bihar: Over 150 children fall ill after consuming 'mid-day meal' in Saharsa
Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.
The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.
“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.
“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.
Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.
Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.
“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.
