PIL against Suvarna Soudha being built in Vaccine Depot:

This is the PIL field by the Social Justice forum against the building of the Suvarna Soudha at Vaccine Depot.
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BANGALORE
Original Jurisdiction WRIT PETITION NO. ___________ OF 2008 ( PIL ) BETWEEN Social Justice Forum Represented by its President Sri S.B.Hundre Age: Major, Occ: Business, R/o 333, Roy Road, Tilakwadi, Blegaum Tal and Dist:Belgaum. .. Petitioner
AND 1. The State of Karnataka, Represented by its Chief Secretary Vidhanasoudha, Bangalore. 2. The Deputy Commissioner Belgaum District, Tal and Dist: Belgaum. 3. The Government of Karnataka Represented by its Secretary to the Department of Public Works Department M S Building, Bangalore. 4. The Government of Karnataka Represented by its Secretary to the Department of Executive and Legislative Wing, Vidhanasoudha, Bangalore. 5. The Government of Karnataka Represented by its Secretary to the Revenue Department M S Building, Bangalore 6. The Government of Karnataka Represented by its Secretary to the Department of Forest M S Building, Bangalore. 7. The Government of Karnataka Represented by its Secretary to the Department of Health and Family Welfare, M S Building, Bangalore. 8. The Government of Karnataka Represented by its Secretary to the Department of Environment, M S Building, Bangalore. ...Respondents
PETITION UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA
The petitioner above named states as follows: ---
1. The subject matter of this petition is the area measuring 50acres under the actual possession and enjoyment of the 7th respondentwherein the Vaccine Institute is set up. The said Vaccine Institute isin possession of 156 acres 10 Guntas of land under different Sy.Nos.bearing Sy.Nos.715,716A,716B/2,717,718,719,720,727,728,729/1 of Angolvillage. Out of the Sy.Nos. mentioned, in an area measuring 25 Acrescomprised in Sy.No.1409/B/A+B2/2 the offices and staff quarters of 7threspondent are constructed. The remaining 83 Acres 24 Guntas is thickly forested area with old full grown forest species interspersedwith grass land and seasonal streams. The land bearing Sy.No.715 and716 measuring 19 Acres and 15 Guntas is also thickly forested areawith grass land patches and seasonal streams. The land under theremaining Sy. nos. also displays similar geographic, topographic andforest cover. About 38 acres of land is already earmarked as deemedforest. This Vaccine Institute is a thick forest in itself, and is located in a residential area ofBelgaum city. The buildings of the institute are located in a verysmall part of the entire 156 acres as stated hereinabove. The rest of the land, though it is in the Campus of the Institute, it is not atall in the actual use and enjoyment by the offices and staff and iscovered with natural vegetation, forest trees and shrubs.
2. The Government of Karnataka has proposed to utilize an areameasuring 50 Acres out of the total area measuring Acres156-10 Guntasas described in Para no.1 above for the construction of SuvarnaVidhana Soudha.
3. That, it is pertinent to note that, this Vaccine Institute of Science and its campus though comes within the city of Belgaum, it is a fully dense forest with rare species of trees , birds, wild animals,and rarest of rare botanical plants. It is home of several species ofminor fauna, insects, archnids, birds, amphibians, reptiles, birds andmammals. It can by no means be considered for fragmentation ordevelopmental activity as it would grievously harm its unique nature.
4. Being located in an Urban area in the midst of thicklypopulated residential area, the Forest in the Vaccine Institute i.e.Urban forest enjoys an unique status, alongside serving innumerablefunctions in terms of controlling the pollution levels of the area,recharging ground water levels, maintaining cooler temperatures etc.The urban forest in the said Vaccine depot as described in so manywords consists of open scrub forests, grass lands and seasonal streamsshowing all the characteristics of a forest Ecosystem.
5. That, the correspondence made to the Forest Departmentclearly shows that 38 Acres of land comprised in the said Vaccinedepot is reserved as deemed forest and it is duly recorded in the listmaintained by the Forest Department. The copy of the list disclosingthe deemed forest area in the said Depot along with the forwardingletter issued by the Forest department is produced as Annexure-A. Thepetitioner is producing herewith the copy of the aerial photograph ofthe Vaccine Institute campus as Annexure-B. The petitioner isproducing herewith the list of plantations, trees, and vegetationavailable in the said campus of 156 acres which is produced asAnnexure –C. The petitioner is producing herewith the copy of the listof birds which are found and are available in the said campus asAnnexure-D.
6. The petitioner states that, after knowledge of the proposedacquisition of the said Vaccine Institute campus for the purpose ofconstructing Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, a representation was made to theHon'ble Governor of the State of Karnataka, by 'Save Vaccine Institute Action Committee' which is produced as Annexure –E. Therepresentations given by other social organizations and the petitionerare produced as Annexure –F, G, H The copies of the R of R pertainingto the Vaccine depot and the area covered by it, are produced asAnnexures –J to J 10.
7. That, the petitioner, considering the situation,location and the rarest of rare heritage conserved in the said Vaccinedepot, made a representation to the State to form an Eco park inVaccine depot on 8.04.2006 the copy of the said representation isproduced as Annexure –K. The copy of the reply given by the DyCommissioner Belgaum on 26.12.2006 to the petitioner stating that thesaid Vaccine depot area is proposed for Suvarna Soudha is produced asAnnexure –L.
10. That, the petitioner and its members has taken severe painsto collect the necessary documentation from the appropriatedepartment. The copy of the note prepared on the Ecological, Economicand Social importance of the Campus of Vaccine depot is produced asAnnexure-P. The copy of the Ecological report of Flora of the VaccineInstitute is produced as Annexure-Q.
11. That, various institutes, social organizations, and thepresent petitioner made several representations to the respondents.Several alternative locations were suggested to the respondents. The access to the said Vaccine depot is solely through the residential colony of Tilakwadi Belgaum; in fact the said Vaccine depot is located at the end of Tilakwadi Belgaum. It is surrounded on the other side byArmy area and except the city approach road there is no other road to approach the said depot. This being the fact, it is very hard anddifficult to set up Suvarna soudha when the approach road fully goesthrough calm and quiet residential area of Tilakwadi. The housing of Suvarna Vidhan Soudh in the said Vaccine depot campus would upset,alter, remove, and change wholly and solely the total complexion ofthe Campus in the depot.
12.The House to be constructed in the Vaccine depotCampus is intended to be used only for a short period of wintersession. That, though the area sought to be used by the State is to anextent of 50 acres, yet the State will grab and destroy the entireuniqueness of the Forest Campus in the said depot. That, on therequest of several interested persons in the past, an inspection ofthe said vaccine depot and its campus was done, and the thenDevelopment Commissioner for Northern Karnataka Sri.Chiranjiv Singh,even recommended to set up an Art gallery and Museum in the buildingand to turn the remaining area into a Botanical Garden., the copy ofthe recommendation is produced herewith and marked as Annexure –R.
13. That, the Government of Karnataka on 23.8.2007 by its orderbearing No. Kome.107WBR 2006 Bangalore has unanimously decided toacquire 50 acres of land of the said vaccine depot campus and hasfurther formed several committees and has also sanctioned the workestimate to the tune of 30% of total Rs.230 Crores i.e. 70 Crores and hasty steps are being taken up to uproot all the forest trees andvegetation available in the said vaccine depot campus, the copy of thesaid order is produced as Annexure –S. The copy of the recommendationletter sent by the Deputy Commissioner, Belgaum, to the ChiefSecretary, State of Karnataka, Vidhan Soudh, proposing to acquire thearea in Vaccine Depot Campus, is produced as Annexure T. The copy ofthe letter iaddressed by the MLA Campus of Vaccine Depot is producedas Annexure –U. The Deputy Commissioner and the Tahasildar of the Cityof Belgaum have committed a blunder mistake in selecting the Vaccinedepot area; the respondents have not even consulted the Department of Forest and Pollution Controlboard before proposing the construction of Suvarna Soudh in the saiddepot. The 7th respondent is insisted to handover the possession ofthe vaccine depot area to the department of PWD and other departmentsso as to start the work.
14. It is pertinent to note that the said vaccine depot campus is rarest specie of forest and it is unique one. There are several other options available to the respondents to acquire alternative areas which would be nearer to the National Highways and to theAirport considering the badly needed requirement. If a barren or otherwise suitable area abutting to the Highways and away from thecity area is chosen for housing the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, that would meet the convenience and keep the nature and identity of theVaccine Depot Campus from being ruined and destroyed of its richheritage.
16. That the petitioner Forum is an Association registered under the provisions of the Society Registration Act with registrationno.DR/SOR/267/2000-01 and having its registered office at 333, Royroad, Tilakwadi, Belgaum. The petitioner association is activelyinvolved in taking steps to secure protection of public rights and interests in order to have fair and fearless life to the citizen ofBelgaum. The present petition is filed to secure protection to the Campus in the Vaccine Institute and it is essentially to protect the public interest. The petitioner does not have any individual interestin the subject matter of this petition. Hence this petition is filedin the form of PIL. That the petitioner is actively trying its levelbest to protect and preserve the said Vaccine depot since more than 3to 4 years ; there was not even a proposal to construct the SuvarnaSoudh in the said Campus and the petitioner was consistentlypersuading the Deputy Commissioner Belgaum T he copy of the intimation issued by the Dy.Commissioner Belgaum,assuring to take suitable action to protect the Vaccine Depot area, isprodued as Annexure V. The copy of the representation given by theG.S.Science College, Tilakwadi, Belgaum, to the Dy.CommissionerBelgaum, requesting to protect and preserve the Vaccine Depot area isproduced as Annexure W. The leading news papers have time and againinsisted to protect the Vaccine depot area and its heritage to strikeecological balance; the copies of some of the paper publications areproduced as Annexures X and X-1.
17 . That the respondents are not at all inclined to listen to the reasoned say of the petitioner or other social organizations andthey are bent upon to start the construction work in the said vaccinedepot at the earliest and hence there being no other alternativeremedy available to the petitioner, this petition in the form of P I Lis filed under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India. Thepetitioner states that there is no other petition or case pending inthis court or before any other court on the same cause of action. Grounds
18. That, the decision taken by the respondents to house SuvarnaVidhansoudha in Vaccine depot campus (hereinafter referred to as thesaid campus for the purpose of brevity), is improper, incorrect ,andunjust, apart from being violative of the provisions of the ForestConservation Act 1980 and other enactments.
19. That the said campus is unique in its nature and is the lungarea of the city of Belgaum. 38 Acres of the portion of the saidCampus comes under the reserved deemed forest. Rare forest trees,beautiful and unique breed of birds and rare vegetation is the mark ofthe said campus. In the guise of constructing over an area of 50 acresof the said campus , the respondents would one day or the otherdestroy the entire campus and its uniqueness only for accommodatingthe House for a short period of winter session which is absolutelyillogical , and unjustifiable.
20. That, there are several other options available to therespondents to select an appropriate area abutting to the NationalHighway and to the Airport. It is advisable to construct the saidSuvarna Vidhansoudha on the outskirt of the city, so as to strike abalance to the convenience of members of house on one side and thecitizens of the city on the other.
21. That if the said campus is not preserved and maintained, itwould cause ecological imbalance destroying the rare breeds of birdsand unseen kind of forest trees which are standing in the said campusfor more than 300 to 400 years, in the lung area of city of Belgaum.
22. That, there was a recommendation by the earlier Commissionerof the City of Belgaum by name Sri Chiranjeev Singh to earmark thesaid campus for eco park, but over looking the said recommendation thepresent task undertaken by the respondents is unjust, incorrect, andillegal.
23. That the students of various colleges have made a survey andsubmitted their reports which would definitely reflect that the saidcampus is useful for the purpose for which it is kept and housing amuseum , art gallery, and reserving the said area for eco park woulddefinitely enrich the cultural asset of the State of Karnataka .
24. That several acres of land are available near Airport area and near Bhutaramatti area on the outskirts of the city of Belgaum which are abutting to National Highway. If the Suvarna Vidhanssoudha is constructed on such an area, it would do justice to the unique campus,environment and heritage..
25. That the respondents are not making use of the saidproposed soudha for the whole of the year but only for a short periodof winter session and the said building would be used for the otherpurposes which are not at all permissible within the campus of the said vaccine depot.
26. That the petitioner and other social organizations including all the leading news papers have discussed the pros and consof housing the said soudha in the said campus but unfortunately therespondents without considering the just and judicious balance is bentupon to destroy and remove the unique vaccine depot once for all fromthe map of the city of Belgaum.
27. That, despite the description of the Vaccine Instituteand its Campus as narrated in this petition, the Belgaum Development Authority or the concerned Authority has not taken any steps to earmark the area in the Campus of the Vaccine Institute as 'Green Belt area' or in other words an area that needs to be preserved andprotected to keep Forest Asset in the Urban area alive.
28. That, the said Vaccine depot is surrounded on threesides by thickly populated area residential area with narrow congestedroads. The Air Force residential quarters and Commondo and shootingareas are abutting to the said Vaccine Institute. Hence it is notsafer to house the Soudh in the said Campus area part from the factwhether it is legally permissible.
29. The Vaccine Institute provides an a uniquelaboratory and natural museum for school and college children toobserve and study the nature. There is diverse assemblage of allanimal life; studies from simple studies to more serious ones can beundertaken by students at all levels. It is pertinent to note that nodangerous animals are present in the Campus and as such it becomessafe for the study and use of the said Campus. The children of lowerclass who can not afford to take expensive excursions outside the cityfor enjoying and learning about the nature can exploit the opportunityin the said Vaccine depot Campus.
30. The Flora of the Vaccine Institute is unique andremarkable one in as much as the Campus represents a mini eco-systemthat has evolved and stabilized over hundreds of years and as such allcomponents within it are equally important as they are interlinked andcontribute to the over all biodiversity of the Campus. The Campus is made up of Mosaic of different vegetation types, ranging from grasslands, to scrub to trees and thus has great diversity. All these are natural systems and as such the whole area represents a heterogeneousnatural habitat. The tress which are more than 100-150 years old arethe assets of the said Campus. These tress and the natural heritagebadly require full protection and care. Hence even imagining theconstruction of Suvarna Soudh also in the said Campus would beillogical and ridiculous.
31. The Vaccine Institute Campus attracts differentspecies of birds, mammals and invertebrates and as such their losswill result in the loss of biodiversity and hence construction insidethe Campus is not advisable.
32. It goes without saying that once the Soudh is built in the said Campus it will result in increased traffic causing air and noisepollution. This will in turn affect the beneficial effect of the saidCampus on the locality. That apart the present area is residentialarea but if the Soudh is constructed in the Campus the whole areawould eventually become a commercial area rendering it congested andhardly useful for other purposes.
33. It is therefore advisable to construct the Suvarna VidhanSoudh outside the city limits in a well planned and well developed layout to stop any problem in future for expansion and for spreading ofplanned commercial, administrative and residential areas to enhanceoverall quality of city and to reduce the congestion within theexisting city.
34. It is pertinent to note that, within the meaning of section 2of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, as laid down by the Hon'bleSupreme Court in the case T.N.Govadvarman Thirumalpad vs. Union ofIndia reported in 2006 (6) Scale 582, 'if a land answers thedefinition of a forest land even though it is not so reserved, itcould be considered as forest land'. It is submitted that if a reportfrom the Competent Committee is solicited, it would resolve the matterin controversy in a justifiable manner. That apart several otherissues which have got bearing, on the matter in controversy in thepresent petition are discussed meticulously in the said case. Thestress and tenor of the ratio laid down in the said judgment isprotection of the environment and Ecological balance.
35. It is submitted that the Hon'ble Supreme Court, in the caseof Live Oak Resort Pvt.Ltd. Vs Panchagani Hill stations MunicipalCouncils, reported in 2001(8) SCC Page 329, has opined that, the development of the area shall not be at the cost of ecologicalimbalance. The Apex court has made it clear in several cases that, theprotection of environment and preservation of ecological balance isthe need of the hour and all developmental activities aimed atdeforestation shall have to be considered with utmost circumspection.
36. It is pertinent to note that, the Hon'ble Supreme Court, inthe case of KIADB Vs C. Kencheppa reported in 2006 (6) SCC 371, hasopined that, the development should not impair ecology andenvironment.
37. It is submitted that, in the case of Bombay Dyeing and Mfg.Co. Ltd. Vs Bombay Environmental Action Group, reported in 2006(3)SCC 434, the Hon'ble Supreme Court has laid down that, in a case wherein the matter in controversy pertains to violation of Environmentor Ecological balance, Public Interest Litigation, is the remedy forredressal of grievance.
38. The setting up of Suvarna Vidhan Soudh in the Campus ofVaccine Depot, seriously impairs environment and ecological balanceand hence it is in brazen breach of the provisions of the law ofenvironment and ecology, as enjoined under The Environment ProtectionAct, 1986, The Forest Conservation Act 1980, The KarnatakaPreservation of Tress Act, 1976, The Indian Forest Act, 1927 and otherallied enactments. In the light of the various provisions of theenactment referred supra, it becomes abundantly clear that, thesetting up of Suvarna Vidhan Soudh, in the Campus of Vaccine Depot, isabsolutely illegal and illogical. The action on the part of therespondents in purporting to set up the said Soudh in the Campus ofVaccine Depot, is operating contrary to the law of Environment and Ecology and as such it is oppressive, inequitable and contrary to thereal justice in the matter.
39. The reading of the facts and grounds and circumstances narrated supra makes it clear that, the Deputy Commissioner Belgaum,the Development Commissioner North Karnataka, the Sicence colleges ofBelgaum, all the leading news papers of the State of Karnataka andIndia , the Social organizations of the city of Belgaum in general and the petitioner in person, unanimously assert and appeal that theflora and fauna of the Vaccine depot Campus is stretching its hands tosave it from being ruined and destroyed at the hands of respondents,in brazen breach of the laws of Forest, Ecology and environment.
GROUNDS FOR INTERIM RELIEF
39. That the said Campus as narrated is an Urban Forest withremarkable uniqueness. It is the asset of the State and treasure ofnatural vegetation. The forest department has already enlisted an areameasuring 38 Acres within the said Campus as deemed forest. The saidCampus requires timely protection from being ruined and destroyed oncefor all from the map of city of Belgaum. The paras and grounds as narrated supra make it very much clear that, looked at from any angle,it is not advisable to construct the Suvarna Vidhan Soudh in the saidCampus. As such the interim order as prayed deserves to be granted.
PRAYER .WHEREFORE, under the facts and circumstances stated supra it isrespectfully prayed that this Hon'ble court be pleased to A] Issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of Certiorari,quashing Annexure- i.e. the Government order dated 23.8.2007 bybearing No. Kome.107WBR 2006 Bangalore, proposing to construct SuvarnaVidhan Soudh, in the Vaccine Depot Campus, Belgaum; B] Issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of Mandamusdirecting the respondents not to change the nature and identity of theEntire Vaccine Depot Campus measuring 156 acres and its rich heritagetherein.
INTERIM PRAYER It is further prayed that pending hearing and the disposal of the topnoted petition on merits, the respondents be restrained from changingthe nature and identity of the said Vaccine Depot Campus measuring 156Acres, situated in the city of Belgaum.

Basvanna Mandir:Yearly fest: JP Foundries Wins Rajiv Gandhi National quality award

Inox to open doors by March 2009

Multiplex scene may be getting crowded in places like Mumbai, but in Bangalore and other cities multiplex operators see a big untapped market waiting to be explored.

Multiplex operators are taking their operations to tier II cities now. Inox, the multiplex operator, which claims to be the first to move into untapped markets, now plans to enter Belgaum and Hubli with multiplexes of 4-screen. It plans to have a four-screen multiplex in Belgaum and another four screens in Hubli.
It has signed up developers in Hubli and Belgaum for setting up its multiplexes. The eight screens will be operational by February-March ‘09. The multiplex operator spends an average of Rs 2.5 crore per screen.

Don’t speed on Belgaum roads now

Now all those who speed up on the road while driving will be fined Rs.300. The district administration has commenced this venture from yesterday. Various roads have been identified and the speed on each road has been defined.
Photos taken from Tarun Bharat
If you are found crossing the prescribed speed limit you will be fined Rs.300. I hope speed signs with the prescribed speed limits might have been put on the said roads. I have not been able to see those yet but I guess signboards must have been put up.
Prescribed speed limit (km/hr) on various roads in the city of Belgaum.
May be this was required but till when will the speed gun work? Anyways hope for the best.

Bahubali idol to be consecrated in Belgaum

Four brothers may contest polls:4 different parties

LG Announces Lifestyle Digital Home Exhibition in Mahaveer Bhavan , Belgaum

In Keeping with its commitment to re-defining the standards of Indian living style, LG Electronics India, the leader in consumer durables has announced a lifestyle digital home exhibition at Belgaum . The exhibition will highlight the experience of living in a LG digital home. The exhibition starts from the 04th April to 8th April 08 at Mahaveer Bhavan , hindwadi Belgaum the timing of it will be from 11 AM to 9 PM. The LG exhibition aims to create a sophisticated brand experience of a modern household for consumer durable buyers.

Marathi group to challenge election of Belgaum Mayor

Belgaum will vote on 22nd May

Voting for the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka, 2008 for Belgaum(Belgaum North, Belgaum South & Belgaum Rural) will be held on 22.05.2008 (Thursday).

Date of Issue of Gazette Notification will be 26.04.08 (Saturday).

Last Date for making Nominations would be 03.05.08 (Saturday)

Last Date for withdrawal of candidatures would be 07.05.08 (Wednesday)

Polling date:22.05.08(Thursday)
Counting will be done on 25-05-2008

Belgaum north:Belgaum South Assembly Constituency Map

Electoral Rolls of Delimited Assembly Constituencies of Belgaum published: belgaum north,belgaum south & belgaum rural

Electoral Rolls of Delimited Assembly Constituencies of Belgaum published as on 29-03-2008.

Belgaum North

Belgaum South

Belgaum Rural

Click on the links Above to search for your name in your constituency. If you dont know in which constitunecy you fall into then read this below post for details.

http://belgaumblog.blogspot.com/2008/01/ek-se-do-bhale-do-se-teen-bhale-belgaum.html

Belgaum Video Destination of the Next Generation

Mr. Prasad Prabhu gave me this link of a Belgaum Video Destination of the Next Generation.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8014863488600729000

Have a look...

Property of Telgi's mother goes under the hammer:Crop loss in Belgaum district put at Rs. 26.52 cr

Travelguru introduces Cash-on-Delivery mode of payment for Belgaum

Holi celebrated with great fanfare

Source: The Hindu
Unique ritual: Holi revellers performing ‘Lotangan puja’ in Belgaum on Saturday.

Holi was celebrated with great fanfare and enthusiasm in Belgaum on Saturday with people from all communities participating in the festivities.
Men, women and children came out in groups, splashed colours and greeted each other and danced to the drumbeats.
Rain and cloudy weather did not dampen their enthusiasm.
In Pangul galli, a large number of revellers and devotees performed “Lotangan puja” (“urulu seve”) at Ashwathama temple.
The festivities started on Friday night with the lighting of bonfires to signify the burning of demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashyapu. Pujas were also offered to Kamadev.
Power supply was disrupted in several areas on Saturday owing to technical problems. However, the supply was restored in the evening.

Now science is only confirming it

Source: The Hindu
Vijaykumar Patil

It was an outrageous claim then but Moringa leaves help prevent 300 diseases
A NATURAL SHIELD: Moringa leaves help prevent various diseases in human beings.
Some time ago in a remote village of eastern India, Balbir S. Mathur, a naturalist who heads a United States-based organisation called Trees for Life, came across a traditional medicine practitioner who made an outrageous claim saying that the "leaves of the Moringa tree prevent 300 diseases".

His claim was based on real life experience. Now science is confirming it. The more we study, the more it seems that the Moringa oleifera tree truly delivers wonders, said Mr. Mathur in his note circulated at the launch of the "Ankur-Save the Sight" project on prevention of blindness programme in children at KLE Prabhakar Kore Hospital in Belgaum on Monday.

Trees for Life has been working to create awareness, train people to plant and take care of trees. It is providing them with the resources needed to accomplish their tasks in different parts of the world, including the U.S. and India, for more than two decades now. Moringa leaves or drumstick (known as Nugge kayi in Kannada and Munaga in Hindi) leaves contain vitamin A, which acts as a shield against diseases of the eyes, skin and heart, diarrhoea, and many other ailments. Carrots are high in vitamin A, but moringa leaves are even higher, he said.

Importantly, his claims on nutritional value of moringa leaves are based mostly on the analysis done at the National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad and the information on dried moringa from an analysis sponsored by the Church World Service and the Department of Engineering at the University of Leicester and performed by Campden & Chorleywood Food Research Association in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom. According to Mr. Mathur, Moringa leaves are one of the richest sources of essential nutrients often lacking in people's diets. They even contain all of the essential amino acids, which is unusual for a plant source. Experts agree that the long-term solution to malnutrition is the use of foods rich in the essential nutrients often lacking in people's diets. Modern scientific research is proving that Moringa leaves are one of the richest sources of such nutrients.

Moringa leaves provide two times the protein of yogurt, seven times the vitamin C in oranges, three times the potassium in bananas, four times the vitamin A in carrots and four times the calcium in milk, he said and added that the figures reflect gram-for-gram comparisons with Moringa leaves.

Meanwhile, Cdr. (retd.) Kailash Girwalkar, Director, Blindness Prevention Project, Somaiya Trust, Mumbai, and M.V. Jali, Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of KLES Prabhakar Kore Hospital, pointed out that though Moringa tree fruit or drumsticks are used in almost every kitchen, it was mainly for its taste. Many are not aware of such rich nutrient value in the leaves of this tree. Using these leaves in the daily diet will shield against long-term blindness and other diseases. It is a must for the children as it an very important role in preventing visual impairment or early loss of vision.

Labels: belgaum, cure, disease, Moringa leaves

25 lakhs paid for Urdu Corporators in Belgaum Mayor Election

10:41 AM Posted by ukmad

3 comments

In what is either a display of misplaced bravado, or a Freudian slip, the chief of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, T.A. Narayana Gowda, has admitted that "money power" had to be used in securing the victory of a Kannada-speaking corporator as mayor of the Belgaum City Corporation for the first time in 17 years, earlier this month.

In a 58-strong House dominated by members of the Maharashtra Ekikarana Samithi, Prashantha Budvi beat the MES' Neelima Pavshe by a slender margin of two votes, after Kannada and Urdu speaking corporators, numbering 29 in all, formed a forum called the Sarva Bhashik Samavichar Vedike. The deputy mayorship went too in favour of Yunus Momin of the Vedike, by an identical margin, 30-28.

The victory has been painted as a major victory for Kannada forces, with the newly elected mayor and deputy mayor being felicitated with great fanfare in Bangalore. But, in an admission that could have serious ramifications, Narayana Gowda has publicly admitted that money was used to lure a corporator.

"To get the support of an Urdu speaking corporator, the need arose to pay Rs 25 lakh," Gowda has been quoted as saying by Vijaya Karnataka, at a function in Arsikere.

Gowda has not revealed who paid the money, or to whom, but the paper reports that the disclosure has sowed several doubts in the minds of self-respecting Kannadigas.

Source: http://churumuri.wordpress.com/2008/03/20/going-price-for-a-corporators-loyalty-rs-25-lakh/

Admission time: Is raat ki Subh Kabhi

7:41 PM Posted by ukmad

0 comments

Its that time of the year when all young parents will be praying and hoping to get their kids admitted to a school of their choice, if they are lucky or into any school otherwise.

Many parents start the school rounds (not those rounds during lunch break you used to take when you were in school) from January month itself just to know when the forms will be given for Jr.KG. As time passes by the blood pressure of the parents start to rise for no reason. Some might even think getting a baby born or delivering a baby was not so terrible.

This year February came and still the schools had not decided when the admission process would begin. Parents used to visit all the probable schools they could and check when the forms would be given.

March arrived and still the school authorities were uncertain about the dates. Some schools said by March 15 something will be made clear and yes at last the dates were out. I have seen happy faces when they just read the dates of the admission process on the board. But friends this is just the start.

Herwadkar School started the admission process on 18-03-2008. And in the morning there were about 200 parents lined in to get forms even before the school gates were opened. I had been there also and decided that I would try my luck the next day but luckily in the afternoon, just to see how much the rush is I went in and to my surprise the queue was very small only 30 parents and I said this is the time to get a form at least and make a Shri Ganesha. I got the forms in about 20 minutes and to tell you I wasn’t happy like this in my life not even when I passed my SSLC in distinction. Now I got the forms, from here the other story, fill the form submit it. Then the forms will be scrutinized and a list will be put and if my daughters name comes in it, wow my life has become fruitful. Not as easy as said. After the list is put up, there will be a parent’s interview and what I will be asked is quite clear, how much? Now that the biggest Q. How much? (All know how much in what context) Lets see cant say now until I have been there. Past experienced parents do help out with their experience.

The forms for Divine Providence and St.Joeshps Convent will be given form the 1st april to 3rd april. Last year scenes at the convent in camp were dreadful. Parents lined up at 9 pm in the previous night it self just to get the forms, leave admission aside, just forms. So this time special instructions have been put up for the same. See in the photo.

This time areas have been specified so if you don’t fall in those areas you might not be getting a seat I guess. See the photo for details.

I hope I get my daughter admitted to a school and my blood pressure comes down….

I wrote this post only as I thought many of those young parents, grand parents reading this might just feel, hey it's my story.
Hope all their dreams of getting admissions are fulfilled.

Photos of Notices: UkMaD

Labels: admission, belgaum, jr.kg, jrkg, kg, lkg, ukmad

Where is this photo Taken ?

10:27 AM Posted by ukmad

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Source: Sakal
Look at the picture and let me know where you think this is from.
Clue: these our our elected representatives.

Now I think why did we elect them.

Labels: belgaum, picture, ukmad

MORE: sort of MORE & not so MORE

9:44 PM Posted by ukmad

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I had been to the MORE store in RPD cross in the evening at around 730pm. Initially I had a problem to find place to park my two wheeler. At last I found a place, which if the police thinks could be no parking area, but parked and went in. Theresa security guard who takes the baggage and then u enter the store. First impression great looking means goods placed correctly and in good order, I meant to say food grains on one side and toiletry on the other side etc. Vegetable stall is just at the entrance and after having a look at them you can guess what is in store for you later.
This picture is not of the Belgaum store. Its a archive photo form their website.
One more thing if you think you have some time and you can spend it in here, wrong impression, this is not air-conditioned and at times especially these days you could have a nice work out with doing much.

Goods variety is great I should say when compared to Big Bazaar. But again not all brands are available. Variety in some goods was good and not so many to choose from a few like Deodorants & jams. Prices are not cheap. I mean sugar was Rs.18/kg in the market its Rs.16/Kg. And similar rates for others so you can think.

Chocolates variety is good with some great value big value packs, which you normally don’t get to see in town. The staff I did not really interact so cant tell you but they were normal I guess. NO special offers like big bazaar here. Some small offers on atta and some small products I could see.

Billing, this is a problem as of now. There are 3 billing counters and the process is very slowing even tough there are touch screen panels for billing. The guys are not so familiar with the items still and at times you will have to wait for 10 mins to get your bill. One incident happened in front of me only when a person had taken a lot of material and when he went out and checked his bill he was charged Rs.90 for 1 Cauliflower. Its should have been Rs.9. They said a billing mistake and to rectify it poor guy had to wait for 20 mins (15 mins for my bill as my bill was being made and then the refund stuff).

In all not a great experience which will induce me to go again and again. One time purchase is ok. On a scale of 5, I would rate it 3. Let you reviews also come in on this.

I have received a response from Mr. Mr.Shriniwas M Katti on the MORE store: I visited MORE today and made a shopping of more than Rs.1200/- . It is certain that the staff is untrained and speaks Marathi and Kannada very rash. Sophistication is totally absent. And most important the prices are at least 10-15% more.
So Did you go shopping for MORE.

Labels: belgaum, more, more store, review, ukmad

Mantri Realty in Belgaum

7:29 AM Posted by ukmad

3 comments

Mantri Realty Ltd, a Sunil Mantri Enterprise, Mantri Realty said, "these projects consist of innovative ideas and quality construction. All these projects have been designed by international architects and we want to price it as a premium category and give amenities which make luxurious living a basic minimum standard."
The company has also been promoting projects in Belgaum, one of largest cities in Karnataka.
The company has already acquired two prime properties in Belgaum. One property is of around 300 acres for a residential township, where around 5,000 houses would be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 500 crore.
The second property is around 200 acres at the outskirts of Belgaum costing Rs. 200 crore.
The overall investment in the City of Belgaum by Mantri Realty would be to the tune of Rs 700 crore.
Source: Yahoo.com

Labels: belgaum, Mantri Realty, real estate

MORE to open its 2nd store: Reliance Fresh at Hotel Hanuman Site

1:10 PM Posted by ukmad

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MORE the AV Birla group company which opened its first store in the city is now gearing up to open its 2nd store at Kolhapur Cross, opposite to Adishwar electronics.

Confirmed news is also here from sources that Hotel Hanuman near JNMC will become the Reliance Fresh with an area of about 5000 sq.Ft.

Belgaumites, city is now seeing the birth of a retail revolution, how many will survive for many years is the question tough?
Any way a welcome thing for us.. I Guess

Basic Inputs: Prasad Prabhu

Labels: belgaum, kolhapur cross, more, more store, prasad prabhu, reliance fresh

MORE opens store

12:55 PM Posted by ukmad

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MORE  the AV Birla retail grocery outlet has started its operations at its first store situated at RPD Cross, next to ICICI bank.

 

This could now start a fresh organised retail war in the city. It has also made  some offers for the coming week.

 

So shoppers Happy Shopping!

I will give you a first investigation report once I visit it.. by the time if some you manage to peek in do give me feedback.

 

Ranis say Hello to Belgaum

3:14 PM Posted by ukmad

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Its 3.15 and in Tilakwadi the first few drops of rain of this summer is pouring down. The intensity is not very high tough and since noon the weather was some what overcast. May be we will witness rains a few showers may be later in the evening.

Labels: belgaum, rains

Two escape death near Fish Market

2:26 PM Posted by ukmad

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Source: Tarun Bharat

Two people Abhilash & Balraj escaped death yesterday afternoon when they tried to evade a Road hump and over take and hit a tanker. Gods Grace nothing happened to them.

I had raised this particular point of people trying to evade the road humps will cause accident in my blog story http://belgaumblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/road-humps-for-what.html

Labels: accident, belgaum

Belgaum getting many Traffic Signals:Khanapur Road widened

9:05 PM Posted by ukmad

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These are new on the Belgaum roads now. New traffic signals are being put up at RPD Cross & Cantonment Bord cricle(near Globe Theatre). No doubt these were necessary but with these the road humps near the signals should be removed otherwise the traffic will become dead slow. and hope they will be on for quite a some time other than those installed earlier.

Khanapur Road (camp) being widened















These are pictures oft he Khanapur Road (camp, infront of police quarters) near to Sanchayni circle. the said road is being widened by 3 feet. In the above pics you can see the JCB digging out the earth and on the other side is the already dug part. Due to this the traffic is very slow on this road after Fish market to Sanchayani circle.
Photos courtesy: UkMaD

Labels: belgaum, camp, khanapur road, road widen, rpd corner, signal, traffic jam

50 crores for Suvarna Soudha at Belgaum

9:28 AM Posted by ukmad

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The Karnataka Budget for 2008-09 presented by Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram had no fanfare, no announcements of new schemes and no new "populist" initiatives.

Mr. Chidambaram presented the budget proposals for the State for 2008-09 in the Lok Sabha on Monday.

The budget allocates Rs.1 billion for upgrading airports in Mangalore, Mysore, Hubli, Bijapur, Shimoga, Hassan, Gulbarga, Karwar, Bidar and Belgaum.

An amount of Rs.500 million is earmarked for a new state secretariat building, Suvarna Soudha in Belgaum.

Labels: airport, belgaum, Karnataka Budget for 2008-09, soudha, suvarna soudha, upgadation, vidhan

Major Fire at Campbell Knitwear destroys stocks

10:03 AM Posted by ukmad

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A major fire broke out on Sunday night at around 11pm at the Campbell knitwear factory and stocks of cores of rupees must have been destroyed. The fire broke out due to a short circuit sources said in the stores dept. where a huge amount of ready material to be exported and was stored as it was to be dispatched today. No loss of human life is still reported.

EARLY MORNING TRAFFIC JAM AT GOGTE CIRCLE:

A view of the traffic jam from the Shivteerth. A major traffic jam was caused as a Sand loaded truck broke down in the middle of the road exactly at the Gogte circle causing the morning commuters a hard time.

Picture courtesy :UkMaD

Labels: belgaum, campbell knitwear, fire, traffic jam, ukmad

Ganpat Galli Breathes at last

7:57 AM Posted by ukmad

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Source: Tarun Baharat

Ganpat Galli, the heart of Belgaum market even after the road widening the road never seemed to be wide. After various memorandums to the civic authorities, the police have at last given life to Ganpat Galli as all the hawkers from the galli have been removed and the Belgaumites on a whole have a taken a breather. All the businessmen and local people have welcomed the this act of the police and have asked the police to see to that the road is free from hawkers. But in a democracy there are a few local politicians who are taking the hawkers side and fighting it out with the police.

The step the police has taken is a very welcoming step I guess, as going through Ganpat Galli even after it was widened was a great hard work.

Labels: belgaum, free, ganpat, ganpat galli, hawkers

Belgaum getting ready to be FIT

1:11 PM Posted by ukmad

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In this busy world people tend to very little time for themselves and their health. For all those Belgaumites who wanted to make a fresh start of life with exercising, here is a good news to all of you.

Talwalkars, India's largest chain of health centers with over 47 branches all over India
with more than with 50,000 members has opened its branch at 775, Big Baazar Complex, Khanapur road, Angol Cross, TilakwadiBelgaum 590 006. Phone: 0831-2423315 / 2423316 Email: tilakwadi@talwalkars.net.


Established in 1932, Talwalkars Better Value Pvt Ltd (TBVF), commonly famous as Talwalkars, is India's largest chain of health centres.

Talwalkars' phenomenal growth can be attributed directly to the trust our customers have in us, and the benefits they derive from our expert advice, personalised supervision, on-going facility upgrades, result-oriented approach, and above all from Talwalkars' immense know-how and experience in this field over 70 years of existence.
A Talwalkars' gym is a specialised area where people of all ages come to spend some time on their health and body. It is spacious, and designed to ensure safety and comfort in movement. Typically, a Talwalkar's facility has the following features:
It has aesthetically designed interiors and is fully air-conditioned.Usually divided into sections which include:
Cardio facility, Strength training, Free weights, Massage, Steam / sauna, Nutrition, counseling, Changing area with lockers, Juice bar and garden.
I hope many of you would aspire to be an Hritik Roshan, can give it a try, heard he also goes to Talwalkars.

Disclaimer: I by no means promote this gym nor I have been there personally still. I have posted this story for all those Belgaumites for information purpose only. Readers should take their own risk.

Labels: belgaum, gym, stay fit, Talwalkars

SMK to Bangalore via Belgaum

12:08 PM Posted by ukmad

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Source: Deccan Herald
S M Krishna, who is branded as urban leader, has decided to take North Karnataka route to reach the IT city, from Mumbai. His journey from Belgaum will begin in a bus along with senior party leaders on March 14.

According to party sources, Krishna will be arriving in Belgaum from Mumbai by air. Though the local leaders of the party are planning to take him in a procession, he is not inclined for it, it is said. He is scheduled to address a public meeting in Belgaum.

As per the tentative programme, Krishna will be travelling by Volvo bus and likely to address meetings at Dharwad, Hubli, Haveri, Davangere, Chitradurga and Tumkur before reaching Bangalore on March 18. A big function is planned at Banglore.

Helping Hands: Volunteers paying back to the Society

4:29 PM Posted by ukmad

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Young generation or the aforementioned Next Generation these days go to pubs, discos and booze around and the parents say work hard, concentrate on your work. In all this busy scheduling of time for home, parents, and a host of girl friends or boy friends and of course work, the next gen tends to give away most of the time.

A few young lads going through this mundane job came together faraway from their home town in Bangalore where they were working just to meet each other and share their joys and sorrows. And with these meetings happening every week, there spurt an idea. Why don’t we do something for the society?
"A Journey of thousand miles must begin with a single step"
This is a story of a group of people mainly working themselves out in front their Pc's coding things out and getting some other codes out.

Vvolunteers was the name that thought suited them best.
These volunteers are mainly from north Karnataka mainly from Belgaum and others from places like Hubli, Chikodi, Bijapur etc.

This Organization will be strongly built by collecting funds through teamwork. Each member can willingly to donate according to her/his own interest. (It's your own interest of helping in kind or in cash). This collection of funds would be utilized in different forms like paying school fees for poor student, operation for the poor/unaffordable people and also these funds will be given to the Charity, to Blind School, Orphanage, Old Age Homes, etc.

It is precisely the reason Vvolunteers are calling you as to add about your planning and funds to the Organization. However, in any point of time Vvolunteers would clearly explain how their solutions work and how it will be helpful to the poor. Of course they assure that you are free to add your thinking and valuable suggestions.

On 13th Jan 2007 VVolunteers team had been to "Tunga Bhadra Oldage Home" Bangalore. This was the First Step towards their journey, they all had a lots and lots of beautiful & Unforgettable memories of it. They not only donated money but also spent quality time by cooking for the old.

A girl named Gayatri from Dharwad who has finished her SSLC this year and has secured fabulous 95%. She was willing to do her further studies, but she had financial problems. Vvolunteers (Kiran and Ravi ) came to know about this through some source and went to their home and asked them what exactly the matter is and in which way they can help her and assured that they will be helping her.

On behalf of the group they paid her college fees. Now she will be pursing her further studies. She has taken admission in J.S.S. College, Dharwad for PUC 1st year (Science).
Now On 2nd October Vvolunteers again visited one more "OLD AGE HOME" near Basaveshwar Nagar, Bangalore. This time we are able to sponsor Medicines for around 10 Mentally retarded people for a 15 Days and provided some Food grains.

The point of sharing this story is to highlight the possibilities that can emerge when the next gen comes together keeping aside their differences and instead focusing on their positives. The story of Vvolunteers has shown that even in this self lived world one can still stay together to make a meaningful difference by collaborating.

" A Ship Is Always Safe In The Shore But That Is Not It Is Built For "

I hope this post encourages some of you to come together and make a difference to society – no matter how small it may seem in the beginning.
For more details visit: http://vvolunteers.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer: The author of this blog does not take any responsibility for any monetary donations made and how they will be utilized. It’s the donor’s sole responsibility. I am just trying to encourage them.

Labels: Ajay Hiremath, Amol Munase, Asha Kamatagi, bangalore, belgaum, Girish Hegade, vvolunteers

Stars of Belgaum: Atul Kulkarni

10:35 AM Posted by ukmad

2 comments

From Today I am starting a new feature Stars of Belgaum. This will include stars related to Belgaum from all fields. If you know anyone like that kindly email me and I will surely share the word with others.

Atul Kulkarni: Atul was born on September 10, 1965 in Belgaum. His father, a businessman and mother, a housewife were settled in Solapur where he was brought up and educated.
His first appearance on stage was in his school, Haribhai Devkaran High School, Solapur. In his first play as a child, he personified colour BLUE! His friends remember him as a very quiet and introvert student. Academically he was an average student. His parents were always worried about his performance in exams...and his future too...!
Atul preferred home rather than play grounds... books than sports! Atul was always found in his favourite corner of his house...Reading...
His parents sent him to Belgaum for Junior College. He appeared for the 12th standard board exam...TWICE!!
Still entered into an Engineering College in Pune... and appeared for the First Year exam...THRICE!!!
He quit engineering......came back to Solapur. Finally Atul entered the field where he always wanted to be...Arts! And he topped at the graduation level from D. A. V. College, Solapur!
While in college, he helped his father in his business and also worked in an insurance company for a while.
During his college days, he appeared in a comedy at a cultural gathering...and he realised what he wanted!Atul joined Natya Aradhana, an amateur theatre group from Solapur.
Natya Aradhana groomed Atul as an actor under the able stewardship of Dr. Waman Degaonkar. He worked at back stage for two years and then got a chance to act on the stage of Natya Aradhana. These years of serious theatre ignited his passion for theatre; especially acting...the bug had bit him!
The part time activity was insufficient to quench his thirst. He decided to take acting as his profession. Feeling the need for a formal training, he decided to enter into the premier institute in theatre training in India, National School of Drama, New Delhi. Atul passed out from NSD in 1995 and at the age of 30, he became a professional actor.
Since 1995, Atul has acted in 8 plays in 4 languages, 26 films in 6 languages and has won several awards, including Two National Awards. His few acclaimed films include Rang De Basanti, Khakee, Valu and many others.

Labels: actor, atul kulkarni, belgaum

Bam Bam Bhole

8:11 AM Posted by ukmad

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Source: The Hindu

There was heavy rush at Kapileshwar temple on Mahashivaratri

prayers on their lips: Devotees thronged the Kapileshwar temple in Belgaum on the occasion of Mahashivaratri on Thursday. There was hevy rush at all the Shiv temples in the city mainly Kapileshwar and Military Mahadev temple.

E-governance only on paper

8:05 AM Posted by ukmad

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Source: The Hindu Dated: 06-03-2008
Many government department websites are yet to be updated
Belgaum corporation website not updated for five months. Website does not have information on job scheme.
Karnataka takes pride in being the torchbearer of the information technology sector in the country.
But the initial enthusiasm about e-governance seems to be on the wane with the passage of time, thanks to the failure to update official websites. Many websites posted by the State Government have not been updated for long.
Under the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the Government had facilitated web services to its various departments, institutions and organisations by equipping them with computers and Internet facilities. The objective was to facilitate quick access to “information” to the people.
The citizens visiting the official portals are often disappointed to see them not updated. Uday Kinjwadekar, a computer expert who has posted his own blog to provide information on various aspects and events happening in Belgaum city and district.
A glaring example is found with official portals on Belgaum City Corporation and Belgaum Zilla Panchayat. It is more than five months since the civic elections were held (September 28, 2007). But the corporation website does not display names of any corporator. Today, it is more than 24 hours since the mayoral elections. Yet, there is no one in the corporation’s “Computer Room” to display the names of Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors. The “birth and death” section does not display any figure.
Interestingly, despite commencement of mayoral term since March 4, the corporation website continues to display the name of Deputy Commissioner M.E. Shivalingamurthy as Administrator of the civic body.
Although the State Assembly was dissolved three months ago, the names of Ramesh L. Kudachi, Abhaykumar Patil and Manohar Kinekar continue to be displayed as Vidhan Sabha members. The Belgaum district website providing information about the zilla panchayat is no different.
There is no information about the centrally sponsored National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, which is being implemented in the district for the past one year.
The related page is blank. If some body wants to know about the “Projects Planned” and “Ongoing projects” in the zilla panchayat, the web pages continue to display “coming soon”. The last information about the Western Ghats Development Programme available refers to October 2001.
The other pages on various schemes and programmes have not been updated since 2003-04 and 2004-05. Mr. Kinjawadekar says hardly any government portal is found updated. While it is so important to be number one in the IT sector in the country, it is equally important for the government departments and organisations to update their websites. Otherwise, the objective of providing accurate and quick information to the citizen will be defeated, he said.

Labels: belgaum, e governance, hindu, Kinjawadekar

Belgaum gets its second Kannada-speaking Mayor

7:59 AM Posted by ukmad

4 comments

Source : The Hindu
SURPRISE WINNERS: Prashanta Shantinath Budavi (left) and Yunis B. Momin who were elected as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Belgaum respectively on Tuesday.
Belgaum: A Kannada-speaking candidate on Tuesday was elected Mayor of Belgaum, which is considered a stronghold of the Maharashtra Ekikarani Samiti (MES). The MES lost the Deputy Mayor’s post to an Urdu-speaking candidate.
Regional Commissioner, Amita Prasad, who officiated as Returning Officer, declared Prashanta Shantinath Budavi elected as Mayor and Yunis B. Momin elected as Deputy Mayor.
The post of Mayor was reserved for woman (general) and that of Deputy Mayor for “general”. Ms. Budavi and Mr. Momin polled 30 votes each as against 28 votes polled by MES candidates Neelima Paushe and Netaji Balu Mangutkar. The Kannada organisations and workers, who had all the reasons to celebrate the victory, had to be content with offering floral tributes to the statue of Rani Channamma at Channamma Circle, thanks to the prohibitory orders in force.
Ms. Budavi and Mr. Momin belong to Sarvabhashik Samvichar Vikas Vedike floated by a Kannada-Urdu speaking corporators with the help of a small breakaway group of MES led by the former Mayor Sambhaji Patil.
Belgaum MP Suresh C. Angadi, who did not vote in the past mayoral polls, yielded to pressure from the BJP leadership and Kananda groups and cast his vote in favour of the vedike candidates.
Thirty-seven-year-old Ms. Budavi hails from Kittur. She is the wife of Shantinath Budavi, City president of Kannada Rakshana Vedike. A home-maker, she represents Ward No.58 in the Council. Mr. Momin, 44, is a Science graduate and represents Ward No. 47 in the city.
However, Ms. Budavi is the second Kannada-speaking candidate to be elected Mayor. The first Kannada candidate who held the Mayor’s post was veteran Kannada leader Siddangouda Patil from June 30, 1991 to December 25, 1992.
The then Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) coalition government led by the former Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh had yielded to pressure from Kannada organisations and on November 21, 2005 superseded the corporation Council headed by the then Mayor Vijay Pandurang More for taking a stand favouring merger of areas dominated by Marathi-speaking people in Belgaum with Maharashtra.
Ms. Budavi and Mr. Momin expressed their gratitude to SSVV members, their leader Sambhaji Patil and Mr. Angadi for their election.
The reservation for women has ensured 16 women being elected to the civic body in September 2007 polls. Ever since the formation of the corporation, four of the 19 Mayoral terms hitherto, were led by three women corporators. Vijayalakshmi Vishnu Chopde was the first woman Mayor who completed her term from February 15, 1996 to February 15, 1997.
Vandana Mohan Belgundkar was the only woman to have served two full mayoral terms in same Council from June 16, 2001 to June 19, 2002 and later again from September 3, 2004 to September 5, 2005. Neelima Chavhan was the third woman to head the Council from June 29, 2002 to June 29, 2003.
Also, five deputy mayoral terms were served by four women members — Kusuma Krishna Tapale (Mayor 24, 1990 to June 29, 1991), Gourabai Jaipal Londe (February 15, 1997 to March 30, 1998), Asma Tahsildar (April 17, 2000 to February 13, 2001) and Veena Kolkar (from June 16 to 19, 2001 and June 30, 2003 to September 3, 2004). Unity paid off
Mr. Angadi has attributed the victory of Kannada speaking candidate belonging to Sarvabhashik Samvichar Vikas Vedike as Mayor of the 58-member corporation to the vedike members who remained united until the end. He told The Hindu soon after the results of the Mayoral polls were declared here on Tuesday afternoon that the credit should go to all the corporators, including the Urdu and two Marathi-speaking corporators who were united under the banner of the vedike to create a history of sorts.
Nobody else could claim the success of the vedike candidates, he said. Kannada Rakshana Vedike’s office-bearer said that but Mr. Angadi’s vote, no body else in the city or district came forward to support the vedike.

Labels: Angadi, belgaum, Budavi, city corporation, dy.mayor, elections, kannada, marathi, mayor, Momin

Kannada Mayor after 26 years

8:35 PM Posted by ukmad

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Mrs.Prashanta Budvi is the new Mayor for Belgaum and Mr.Younis Momin is the Dy.Mayor.
After 26 years Kannada group has made it to the Mayors post and the king maker Shambhaji Patil played his cards correctly.

Labels: belgaum, city corporation, dy.mayor, elections, mayor

Urdu corporators fix trade at Rs 15 lakh

9:40 PM Posted by ukmad

2 comments

Even after assuring deputy mayor's post, the eight member Urdu speaking corporators of Belgaum City Corporation, have demanded Rs 15 lakh from Kannada group to stand in favour of them in the mayoral polls.However, the Kannada faction which was all prepared for the elections have agreed for the new demand with a condition of not to support the Urdu group in the elections to deputy mayor's post. Urdu group, according to sources, was expected to withdraw the demand to enjoy the deputy mayor's post.Kannada corporators are angry on former MLA Ramesh Kudachi and Deputy Speaker in Legislative Council Sachidanand Khot for not showing interest in the mayoral polls. The 11 member Maharashtra Ekikaran Samithi was trying to dominate the 18 member Marathi speaking corporator group. Renu Killekar, Manda Balekundri, Neelima Pawase and Anita Kutre are in the race for mayor elections. MES, according to sources, has ‘auctioned' the mayor's seat for which the lowest ‘EDM' is Rs 10 lakh. Neelima is the favourate candidate as she, according to sources, is a successful ‘bidder'. The sum of EMD, except successful bidder, is refundable.MES may field Sambhaji Chavan for deputy mayor's post as he once was a strong contender of Sambhajirao Patil. Kannada aspirant candidates- Jyoti Bhavikatti, Shanta Uppar and Prashnata Budavi, according sources, have given Rs 6 lakh each to a senior corporator to make them first citizen of the city.
source: New Indian Express

Labels: belgaum, city corporation, elections, mayor

Corporators come out of hibernation

4:51 PM Posted by ukmad

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As the day to elect the Belgaum Mayor is fast approaching, the corporators who were cooling their heels for the last five months after winning the polls, are active again. If observed the present political scenario, the group of corporators led by Kannada group may sit on the driver’s seat to drive the Corporation bus.Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) has failed to gather the Marathi linguistic corporators under one roof and has adopted ‘wait and watch’ policy which indicates its helplessness.Even though the number of seats won by MES, non-MES Marathi linguistics, Kannada and Urdu groups are equal, non-Marathi factions has upper hand to rule the BCC as it has an extra vote of MP Suresh Angadi.MES has won 11 seats, Marathi linguistics 16, Kannada including Sambhajirao Patil and two of his supporters has 21 seats and eight corporators belong to the Urdu group.Urdu group, who will play a decision making role in holding power, had played a little political gimmick in the beginning to establish its importance. After the election, they had extended their support to Kannada group and announced its solidarity with the Kannada group. However, later, they decided to remain independent and kept their options open to back any faction that will support an Urdu candidate for the Mayor’s post.This decision by the Urdu group gave MES a re-birth, who made a vain bid to attract the Urdu group. However, the Urdu candidates refused to go with the MES and decided to remain with the Kannada group. It was decided that a Kannada corporator will be the Mayor, while an Urdu candidate will enjoy the powers of Deputy Mayor.It was also decided to keep four-time mayor Sambhajirao Patil away from the decision making process. Patil, who played vital role in electing mayors in previous terms, will now stay away from the mayoral activity.Even though it is an insult to Patil, he has no other option but to accept the Kannada group’s decision.According to latest developments, the Kannada candidates have suggested the names of Jyoti Bhavikatti and Shanta Uppar for the Mayor’s post. Jyoti is the favourate as Shanta was one of the six corporators who had cast their votes in favour of former mayor Vijay More in the last election. If things go according to the plan, Belgaum city will get second Kannada and Urdu linguistics mayor and deputy mayor. Siddangouda Patil and Nisarahmed Sanadi were the first Kannada and Urdu mayor and deputy mayor, respectively.Manda Balekundri, Latha Patil, Renu Killekar, Neelima Pawase, Anita Kitwadkar and Aruna Kutre are interested to contest for the mayor’s post from the MES camp.

Source: The NewIndian Express

Labels: belgaum, city corporation, elections, kannada, marathi, mayor, urdu

Things getting hotter for the Post of Mayor

4:51 PM Posted by ukmad

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The election of the post of Mayor and Dy.Mayor will be held on 4th of March. It has been over 4 months the corporators have been elected but the city did not have a Mayor. The tug of war between Kannada group and Marathi group is on its acme. The best thing is the equation is 30-29 in favor of the Kannada group. The urdu group is with the Kannada Group. The marathi group has been taken to somewhere in Konkan area so that there is no more infighting and divide.
If the situation goes as it is now a Kannada group mayor is certain this time I guess.

But in politics anything can happen. I will keep you all posted.

Labels: belgaum, city corporation, elections, mayor

I feel I am in Maharashtra:Thanks to HESCOM

7:06 PM Posted by ukmad

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Since the past week or so, I and Belgaumites as well must be feeling as if they are in Maharashtra. Thanks to HESCOM (Hubli Electric Supply Company). In the past few days there has been un disclosed load shedding twice to thrice a day. The best part is the lights go off at nay time they wish, no timetable at all. I guess this is because of the shortage, but friends be ware this is first week of March and still April land May have to come, we can only expect the load shedding to go up and may be even we will face the power shortage as in Maharashtra, where there is load shedding for 12 to 16 hours in the whole state. Lets hope for the best…

 

 

Common man budget

10:59 AM Posted by ukmad

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View on The budget by Chetan.Chougule B.COM A.C.A
It looks like P Chidambaram and Co is very much inspired by the “RobinHood” story. This year Government has a record tax collection even surpassing the budgeted estimates. The excess tax collection has totally been diverted to Farm Loan waiver of Rs. 60000 cr.
I don’t think farmers suicide rate will go down with this wavier. The same farmer will apply for fresh loan next year.
Exemption Limit.
Finance minister has taken a bold decision of increasing the tax emption limit and reducing the tax rates. I think this tax rate structure will prevail for the next 3 to 4 years. Individuals will have more money in their hand to spend or invest. But this tax cut may not be a good news for IT employees. The struggling sector due to US recession and Dollar will cut the salaries of the employees to the extent of benefit they get from this tax savings.
Education:
The increased allocation to Education sector is welcome. The strength of India is its
young generation. 50% of Indians are below 30 age. Education is of prime importance for nation building.
Increase in Short Term Capital Gain:
With the increase in Short Term capital gain on shares by 5% Investors may hold their shares for Mid Term to Long Term. But we may see a reduction in daily turnover in stock market which is not a good sign.
Corporate to Gain Nothing:
This years record tax collection is largely contributed by corporate sector. There are no reductions in FBT and corporate taxes in this budget. The reduction in Excise duty will be passed on to consumers.
In all it is a common man budget. Due to the American pressure on Nuclear Deal , if the deal go through we may see a early elections. With this budget it looks like Government is getting ready for early election.
Chetan.Chougule B.COM A.C.A

Labels: 2008-09, belgaum, Chetan Chougule, union budget, views

KEEPING A SECTION OF POPULATION HAPPY AT WHOSE COST

1:03 PM Posted by ukmad

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The union budget was presented by Mr.Chidambaram today. The views of various Charetred accountants and Stock market investors of Belgaum is here below:
Mr.Nitin Nimbalkar (Investor)
KEEPING A SECTION OF POPULATION HAPPY AT WHOSE COST
The finance minister rose to the occasion and delivered a budget, which vowed a large section of the society with the intention of nothing, more than a vote.
The minister was more of a politician today rather that a economist.
The same thing happened today sincere and faithful farmers had to sacrifice and the one who were not that sincere got the benefit. I don’t say that all the farmers who don’t pay are not sincere but 75% of the farmers are capable of paying back.
This is giving a very wrong signal to the sincere farmers, friends be rest assured that the government will have to shell out a lot more in years to come because of the mindset of the farmers.
By increasing the exemption limit the minister has helped the Income tax department of the hardship of handling unwanted stationery.
By reducing the Bank transaction tax the minister has reduced the complexity in cash dealings, this will definitely bring in more liquidity in day today Bussiness.

Regarding customs and excise he did good job by neutralizing what he shelled out in the individual tax collections.
Because of depreciating dollar he did not reduce the peak customs duty.
Service tax limit hike will help a lot of people.
All in all I feel that the finance minister has intelligently used the surplus of tax collections of last year to give away the sops to the individuals be it a farmer , a businessman or a salaried employee.
He has clearly ignored the near future in trying to buy out the votes.
Because friends if next year if Mr. Chidambaram rises to present the budget (if UPA Govt returns to power) Be rest assured that it will be a completely different Ride.
So friends enjoy the year 2008-2009 this might be a peace before a storm…. so enjoy……..
Mr.Nitin Nimbalkar is my blog Financial Editor.

Labels: 2008-09, belgaum, nitin nimbalkar, union budget, views

Jodha Akbar Row in Belgaum Also

9:54 AM Posted by ukmad

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Marching ahead: Activists of Sri Shiv Pratishthan taking out a procession in Belgaum on Thursday in protest against the alleged assault by the police on their leader Sambhajirao Bhide in Sangli on Wednesday.
The Jodha Akbar Show in Nartaki was cancelled.
Source: The Hindu

Labels: belgaum, jodha akbar, nartaki, Shiv Pratishthan

Belgaum gets NOTHING

2:23 PM Posted by ukmad

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The Rail budget presented by Lalu Prasad as every time has nothing for us Belgaumites. All those demands made by the Belgaum Chambers and others have gone on deaf ears. What we got from the budget is here.

Increase in frequency of Trains:
1561/1562 Miraj-Belgaum Passenger (from 6 days in a week to daily)

1563/1564 Miraj-Belgaum Passenger (from 6 days in a week to daily)

Survey works are proposed to be taken up:Dharwad-Bayalahongal-Belgaum. This survey is being done from the last budget and still is nothing has been done. In all the Rail budget in line with expectations as I atleast had no expectations what so ever with my city in mind. The only plus thing is, if I get a ticket to travel I would just save 5% of my travel allowance.

Labels: 2008-09, belgaum, rail budget, railway

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