Theatre hall occupancy in Karnataka not to be restricted to 50 per cent: CM Yediyurappa
Bengaluru, Mar 19: Theatre hall occupancy in Karnataka would not be restricted to 50 per cent though there has been a spurt in COVID-19 cases in the state, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said here on Friday.
He also urged theatre owners, the viewers and the general public to abide by all the government guidelines to help control the spread of the pandemic.
"There is no such proposal before the government to allow a maximum of 50 per cent occupancy in cinema theatres," he tweeted after a section of media reported that such a move was on the cards.
Noting that COVID-19 cases are again on the rise, the CM, in an open letter to the public, posted on twitter, said the government has taken all necessary steps to contain the pandemic. However it would not be possible without people's support, he said.
Asking people to wear facemasks, maintain hand hygiene and follow social distancing, he requested the elderly and people above 45 years with comorbidities to get vaccinated.
The appeal came as the state recorded 1,587 infections on Friday, including 1,037 in Bengaluru.
There were 10 deaths in the state with six fatalities in Bengaluru alone.
Meanwhile the sudden spurt in cases in Bengaluru and speculations of a possible lockdown prompted the city civic agency to state it would submit a report to the government on the reasons behind it and abide by their decision
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike commissioner N Manjunath Prasad told reporters that contact tracing of the 925 cases reported on Thursday revealed that the maximum were from apartments due to partying and various events.
there were also cases of people going to temples and attending marriages, all of which would be brought to the notice of the state government
"BBMP will abide by whatever decision is taken by the government," Prasad said.
He said the civic agency was making arrangements to increase testing and would deploy more 'corona warriors' in areas where more cases have been reported and focus on conducting vaccinations in these places
The number of cases in the city, which had been below the 300 mark for more than three months, saw a sharp rise this month, crossing the 600 mark on March 14 and 900 on March 18.
ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಮಂದಿರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಶೇ. 50ರಷ್ಟು ಪ್ರೇಕ್ಷಕರಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಅವಕಾಶ ನೀಡುವ ಯಾವ ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾಪವೂ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಮುಂದಿಲ್ಲ. ಪ್ರೇಕ್ಷಕರು ಮತ್ತು ಥಿಯೇಟರ್ ಮಾಲೀಕರು ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಆವಶ್ಯಕ ಮುಂಜಾಗ್ರತಾ ಕ್ರಮಗಳನ್ನು ತಪ್ಪದೇ ಪಾಲಿಸಿ, ಕೊರೋನಾ ನಿಯಂತ್ರಣಕ್ಕೆ ಸರ್ಕಾರದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸಹಕರಿಸಿ.
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) March 19, 2021
"ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಸುರಕ್ಷತಾ ಮಾರ್ಗಸೂಚಿಗಳನ್ನು ತಪ್ಪದೇ ಪಾಲಿಸುವ ಮೂಲಕ ಕೊರೋನಾ ನಿಯಂತ್ರಣಕ್ಕೆ ಸರ್ಕಾರದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸಹಕರಿಸಿ" : ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಸಮಸ್ತ ನಾಗರಿಕರಲ್ಲಿ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ @BSYBJP ರವರ ಮನವಿ.#KarnatakaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/LbQBfOAl2u
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) March 19, 2021
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
