Tech-driven system to be introduced to beef up security at Vidhana Soudha: K'taka Speaker UT Khader
Bengaluru, July 10: Following the incident of an imposter gaining entry to the Assembly hall during the session last week, Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader on Monday said a new technology-driven system will be introduced to beef up security at Vidhana Soudha, the High Court and Raj Bhavan.
He made this suo motu announcement from the Chair, during the Assembly proceedings today.
Pointing out that on July 7, as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was presenting the Budget, a man named Thipperudrappa managed to enter the Assembly hall claiming to be the Molakalmuru MLA, Khader said.
"Preliminary inquiry by the Assembly marshalls revealed that the person is 76-year-old, hailing from Chitradurga."
He has been handed over to the Vidhana Soudha police, who have arrested him, he said, and the police department has been asked to take action as per law.
Stating that this must be "God's warning" to all members and officials, the Speaker requested all lawmakers and reporters to cooperate with security personnel.
"I have held discussions and it has been decided to introduce a new security system incorporating technology for the region comprising Vidhana Soudha, the High Court and the Governor's office," he said, without elaborating about the system.
On Monday, security was beefed up at Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the state legislature, where security personnel were seen thoroughly checking the credentials of people and also their belongings, before letting them in.
Earlier in the day, Khader himself inspected the existing security setup and protocols at Vidhana Soudha.
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Liquor manufactures can sell liquor on tetra packs in Odisha: Minister
Bhubaneswar (PTI): Odisha Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Friday said the government has allowed the sale of liquor on tetra packets with certain criteria in its new Excise Policy for 2026-29.
Speaking to media persons here, Harichandan said selling liquor in tetra packs was there in the state's excise policy since 2014. However, it is not yet made available in the Odisha market, he said.
"If any licensed liquor manufacturer or vendor wants to produce or sell the liquor on tetra pack, they can do it. The government will not restrict them," he clarified.
The state government is giving priority for proper regulation of manufacturing and selling of liquor in the state, the minister added.
"We just ensure that there is no illegal sale of liquor in the state," he stated.
As per the new Excise Policy, which came into force from April 1, India-made foreign liquor (IMFL) manufacturers can supply their products in tetra packaging and in glass bottles in specified sizes. Only 180 ml can be supplied in tetra packs.
The tetra packs must have six protective layers and must have the shelf life or the date fit for consumption clearly mentioned on the packaging, the policy guidelines said.
Before using the tetra packs for packaging of liquor, the manufacturing units must take certification from the Central Food Technology Research Institute or Indian Institute of Packaging, or any such institute as notified by the excise commissioner, it said.
Earlier, opposition leaders had demanded the rollback of the government's decision to introduce the sale of liquor in tetra packs, calling the move "unethical" and "anti-youth".
