Siddaramaiah demands accountability on Ram Mandir donations
Mysuru: Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Saturday said he is having a Ram temple constructed in his village, as he urged those involved in collection of donations for the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya to be accountable to the people of the country, as it is public money.
Accusing the BJP of playing with the emotions of people in the name of God, the former Chief Minister said he too has faith in God, but for him beliefs are personal issues and should not be used as a political tool. ".. there is nothing that only those who have given the money should ask for accounts. What I have said is, in the past too money and bricks were collected for Ram Mandir during Ayodhya agitation... did they account for it?" Siddaramaiah said.
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, he said, it is said that Rs 1,500 crore has been collected so far, an account should be given, all 135 crore people might not have given, but it is public money.
"I'm not mentioning about any corruption, but an account has to be given.. they are accountable... if they don't give an account, doesn't it give rise to suspicion about misuse?" he asked, adding that those collecting donations are accountable to the people of the country.
He was responding to a BJP leaders' statements questioning who Siddaramaiah was to seek an account, when he has not given any donations. Siddaramaiah had earlier in the week said that he will not give a donation to build Ram Mandir in Ayodhya since it will be built in a disputed place. The Leader of Opposition in the state assembly accused the BJP of trying to gain sympathy as part of its propaganda inthe name of God.
People are giving money for Sri Rama and his temple, not for BJP, he said adding that "there are Ram Mandirs everywhere, also in villages, not only in Ayodhya.. I also have a Ram temple constructed in my village..the public have contributed to it."
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
