District Minister Rizwan Arshad announced Sunday that a crucial meeting is scheduled for November 3 in Bengaluru to address the prolonged delay in inaugurating the new Udupi District Hospital. Speaking to reporters in Udupi, Arshad confirmed that an appointment has been sought with the Health Minister, with the Deputy Commissioner, elected representatives, and senior officials expected to attend.
Arshad emphasized the Health Minister's awareness of the situation, stating that discussions at the upcoming meeting would lead to a definitive course of action for the hospital's opening.
Shifting focus, the minister also addressed the cancellation of the District Rajyotsava Award in Udupi. He noted similar cancellations in one or two other districts across Karnataka and called for a uniform statewide policy for these prestigious awards. The Department of Kannada and Culture is currently deliberating on the matter, aiming to finalize a procedure for award presentations across the state. Plans include establishing guidelines and forming a selection committee this year, ensuring the process remains free from political or external pressures to uphold the award's dignity. Arshad committed to discussing this further with the department.
On the recent increase in milk prices, Arshad defended the government's decision, highlighting its responsibility to farmers' livelihoods. He pointed out that Karnataka's milk prices were lower than those in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. A price revision was essential, he explained, to prevent farmers from selling milk to other states, avert a potential milk shortage in Karnataka, and guarantee better returns for dairy farmers.
Regarding claims of an empty state treasury, Arshad clarified that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had never made such a statement. He also commented on the INDIA bloc's planned protest in Delhi, stressing the enduring importance of protecting the democratic process and the system through which citizens elect their representatives, irrespective of changing governments. Arshad insisted on an impartial Election Commission, asserting that any perceived alignment with the ruling party or alliance warranted public outcry. He further alleged that the EC's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process aimed to remove people from electoral rolls and confirmed that protests against this exercise would continue, with the INDIA bloc and youth groups organizing a major gathering in Delhi.
Finally, Arshad clarified his recent remarks about "communal actors." He specified that his comments, made at an event the previous day, were directed solely at Bollywood actors, not those from Karnataka. He maintained that Karnataka actors were not communal, while alleging that several Bollywood actors had displayed communal behavior and produced films reflecting such views.
Image: mangalorean.com
đź“° Source: Mangalorean News