Star of Mysore

Mysuru COVID-19 Update: January 19, 2021

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 14:49:47 GMT

Mysuru reports 34 new COVID-19 positive cases, 36 discharges, and 0 deaths today.

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Jumbo Rescue!

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 13:15:00 GMT

An elephant gets entangled in fishing net in Nugu Backwaters, battles for life; Freed eight hours later

Saragur: In a jumbo rescue operation, a wild elephant, which was found struggling to free itself after its legs got entangled in the fishing nets cast by fishermen in Nugu backwaters in H.D. Kote taluk this morning, was rescued at around 2.30 pm.

The Forest Department officials, who rushed to the spot after being informed about an elephant struggling in the backwaters by local villagers, who noticed it at 6 am today, said that they were not sure if the elephant got entangled in the nets yesterday night or this morning.

With no clear information as to when the elephant was trapped, the rescue team had a tough time to ascertain the time they had to rescue the animal.

The Police and the Forest Department personnel, who rushed to the spot, took a boat near the elephant, but could not get closer to it as it panicked and splashed water making the boat unstable. As a result, the team had to return to the banks.

When SOM spoke to a few local residents and asked them if such an incident had happened earlier, they replied in the negative and said that this incident could be because of fishing contractor casting nets in the restricted part of the backwaters.

Forest and Police Department personnel seen discussing about strategy to rescue the elephant.

It may be recalled that fishing contracts have been issued for many years now in the backwaters with certain conditions which includes not casting nets in certain portion of the backwaters as elephants and other wild animals come there to quench their thirst and for a swim.

It is yet to be known whether the nets in which the elephant was caught, was cast in the restricted portion of the backwaters or not.

Meanwhile, the Forest Department staff found old nets in the water when they went to rescue the elephant. This means that old nets are being discarded in the backwaters which is illegal as they pose a threat to wild animals.

Meanwhile, H.D. Kote Fire and Emergency Service personnel – Ramesh, Ashok, Vinay Kumar and Dinesh — arrived and came up with the idea to use multiple hooks to drag the nets entangled to the elephant’s feet.

After taking the boat close to the elephant when it was too tired to splash water, the fire personnel dropped the metal hooks with ropes attached to them and slowly tugged at the entangled nets until they came free from underneath the elephant’s legs.

The elephant then mustered all its strength, swam to the shore and then walked into the forest. There was a sigh of relief and celebration among the huge crowd that had gathered at the spot to witness the rescue operation.

Saragur Sub-Inspector Divya, Nugu Range Forest Officer (RFO) Geetha, Hediyala RFO Manjunath, farmer leader Vivek Cariappa and others were present at the spot.

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MCC goes all guns blazing for Swachh Survekshan-2021

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 13:14:00 GMT

Urges citizens to give positive feedback and help obtain better rank

Mysore/Mysuru: The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has started gearing up for the Swachh Survekshan-2021 rankings awarded by the Swachh Bharat Mission, which will depend on scores obtained in three parts of the survey.

The Swachh Survekshan Cleanliness Survey-2021 will consist of physical inspection, service-level progress as presented by the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), citizens’ feedback and garbage-free city certification. The MCC has urged the citizens to give positive feedback and help the Corporation obtain better rank. Instructions have been issued to officials to spread awareness among public about the questions.

Addressing a meeting on Swachh Survekshan-2021, MCC Commissioner Gurudatta Hegde said that this year’s survey has already begun and will be done for three months instead of one month as in the earlier years. Of 6,000 marks, citizens’ feedback has 1,800 marks, which will be based on questions asked about garbage collection and plastic use. The survey for citizens’ feedback will be conducted through phone calls between Jan. 1 and Mar. 31. On-field validation will be held from Mar. 1 to 28.

The questions will be about segregation of waste, door to door garbage collection, measures towards eradicating open defecation and urination, ban on plastic covers less than 50 microns in thickness, and awareness campaigns about cleanliness, he informed. The feedback also questions how well the citizen is aware of the on-going survey and previous survey. Apart from the number of people giving feedback, the category also includes the number of active users of the Swachhata app.

Number of cities rise

The first survey was undertaken in 2016 and covered 73 cities; by 2020 the survey had grown to cover 4,242 cities and is said to be the largest cleanliness survey in the world. In 2021, over 3,898 cities (1 lakh population), 423 cities with 1 to 10 lakh population, 53 cities with more than 10 lakh population are expected to take part in the survey under various categories and strength of population.

One of the important aspects of this year’s survey is waste water recycling. MCC Health Officer Dr. D.G. Nagaraj said that Mysuru city was already recycling 30 percent of its water and utilising it for secondary purposes such as gardening and fountain maintenance.

Apart from categorising cities and ranking them on the basis of their population, the cities will also be evaluated on the basis of various indicators such as percentage of waste segregation, quantum of waste processed, recycling of waste, processing of construction and demolition debris, percentage of waste going into the landfills and sanitation status, he said.

Construction and Demolition Waste Treatment Plant

Commissioner Gurudatta Hegde said that all these years, Mysuru lacked a Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Treatment Plant and this was a major drawback.

“Now the Government has already approved a project for this and Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) will expedite the transfer of land to establish the Plant to take care of construction debris,” he said.

“From Feb. 1 we will launch a drive to clean the ‘black spots’ and take up a thorough cleaning and garbage clearance exercise. Though our teams clear garbage every day covering all the 65 Wards of the city, it is the responsibility of citizens to ensure that they do not litter public places. We have already started penalising people who dump garbage indiscriminately and despite this, garbage continues to be dumped at public places,” he added.

Dr. Nagaraj said that Mysuru was not far behind Indore in terms of cleanliness. “We have scored higher on certain parameters including direct evaluation by third parties. We are losing out on citizen feedback front due to the lack of Kannada app. Lack of Kannada in the Swachhata app to post complaints and seeking resolution is negative factor. This is being addressed,” he said.

HOW MYSURU SCORED ALL THESE YEARS

2015 & 2016	Mysuru emerged as Cleanest City
2016	Open Defecation-Free City
2017	5th place in Swachh Survekshan
2018	1st place in medium cities (3 to 10 lakh population), 8th place in overall rankings
2019	3rd place in overall Cleanest City rankings
2019, 2020	Garbage-free City twice along with Five Star ranking
2020	1st place in medium cities and 5th place in overall ranking

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Farmers must fix rate for agricultural produces: Minister

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 13:12:00 GMT

Mysore/Mysuru: Agriculture Minister B.C. Patil today wanted farmers themselves to process agricultural produces and fix rate for the same.

He was speaking after inaugurating the ongoing farmers’ training programme under Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME) in association with Department of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka and CSIR-CFTRI, at CFTRI premises here this morning.

The aim of this programme was to impart training to the identified farmers from each taluk of the State to promote ‘One District One Product’ under the broad areas of millets, tur dal and fruits and vegetables.

The Minister said while farmers slog in fields, the middlemen take benefit. The Government wants the farmer’s income to multiply as without which the nation would not progress. Karnataka has been the first State in the country to launch training programme under the PM FME scheme. Already, first batch of 500 farmers were undergoing three-months training programme. The CFTRI authorities have been requested to make it a permanent programme so that 2,000 farmers could take benefit of the same every year. “I want more and more farmers undergo training and start food processing units for their economic empowerment,” he said.

Marketing, branding important

He underscored the importance of branding and marketing and said that a progressive farmer from Karkala in Dakshina Kannada district has branded a variety of rice which was sought after in market. Agriculture must become an industry and farmers must reap the benefits by taking benefits extended by the State and Union Governments. During COVID-19 pandemic, when all industries shut and employees worked from home, it was farmers who carried out the activity braving the pandemic.

B. Sivaraj, Managing Director, Karnataka State Agricultural Produce Processing and Export Corporation Limited (KAPPEC), said farmers from 18 districts were undergoing training in CFTRI. The Government of India has earmarked Rs. 1 lakh crore reserved for PM FME programme, Rs. 493 crore had been released to Karnataka.

S.I. Chikkangoudar, Chairman, KAPPEC, Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, Director General-CSIR and Secretary DSIR, Government of India and Dr. Sridevi A. Singh, Director, CSIR-CFTRI, were present.

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Summer Fest on cards at Dasara Expo

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 13:11:00 GMT

Tourism Dept. Secretary T.K. Anil Kumar holds meeting in city

Mysore/Mysuru: This summer, get ready to take part in the Summer Festival likely to be held at Dasara Exhibition Grounds in city. It will be a mix of exhibition, summer games, entertainment zones and cultural programmes.

This was decided at the Governing Council meeting of Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA) that was held at KEA premises this morning. KEA Chairman Hemanth Kumar Gowda, Tourism Department Secretary T.K. Anil Kumar, KEA CEO B.R. Girish and others were present.

Addressing the meeting, Hemanth Kumar Gowda said that apart from the 45-day summer exhibition that was held in 2012, the KEA has not had major summer festivals. “This year we will organise a mega Summer Festival targeting tourists who visit places during summer. “It will be a combination of cultural festival, entertainment festival and the regular art and craft exhibition. Exhibitors from other States will be invited,” he said.

Not willing to provide more details, he said that couple of meetings have already been held and plans are being chalked out to give the Summer Festival a final shape. “We are in the process of chalking out every detail and the dates will be finalised and announced soon. People have not had entertainment last year due to COVID-19 and even there was no Dasara. Our Summer Festival will prove to be a wholesome entertainment,” Hemanth Kumar added.

‘Mysuru Haat’

Further, he said that the master plan for converting the 80-acre campus of Dasara Exhibition Grounds into a round-the-clock exhibition and events hub — ‘Mysuru Haat’ on the lines of ‘Delhi Haat’ — will be set in motion again. “As of now, the exhibition grounds are limited to hold Dasara events, leaving it unused for a good part of the rest of the year. Several attempts were made in the past to hold exhibitions, conventions and amusement activities there on all 365 days of the year. Unfortunately, the plans did not materialise though a budget of Rs. 145 crore was finalised,” he said.

A private agency had prepared the master plan incorporating all the infrastructure and attractions for turning the ground into a hub for tourists throughout the year.

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‘Strive to rehabilitate destitutes’

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 13:10:00 GMT

Muktidanandaji tells Mysore Varsity NSS Unit

Mysore/Mysuru: Mysuru Ramakrishna Ashrama President Swami Muktidanandaji said that the NSS (National Service Scheme) unit of University of Mysore (UoM), along with other organisations, should chalk out programmes for rehabilitation of beggars and destitutes.

He was speaking at the Rashtriya Yuva Saptaha and NSS Prize (2019-20) distribution programme organised by NSS unit of UoM at Vijnana Bhavan in Manasagangothri here on Saturday.

He noted that although there are several social service organisations and associations in the country, beggars and destitutes remained a neglected lot. Observing that UoM should join hands with voluntary organisations in providing shelter and rehabilitation for persons in poverty, Muktidanandaji said that our minds should always yearn for the poor.

Quoting Swami Vivekananda who had said that any education that fails to instill a service-oriented attitude in the minds of children is meaningless, the Swamiji said that the importance of service should be propagated through education.

Bemoaning that the educated are becoming selfish in the current times, he said that service-mindedness is the root of our rich Indian culture. A sense of belonging is vital for rendering service to others, he pointed out.

Picture shows winners of NSS Best Volunteer Awards.

Opining that the activities of NSS should not be limited to holding of camps, Muktidanandaji said that NSS programmes should expand to cover more services and areas.

UoM Vice-Chancellor Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar in his address, said that NSS volunteers of colleges coming under the University have rendered service as ‘Corona Warriors’ during the COVID-19 crisis.

Pointing out that the University has recognised their services, he said that though NSS activities in affiliated colleges of the University could not take place due to COVID-19 crisis, online and offline programmes were conducted as per SOPs announced by the Government.

College Principals seen with the Best NSS Unit Awards

Prizes distributed to best performers

Best NSS Units: Government Science College, Hassan, SBRR Mahajana First Grade College, Mysuru, De Paul First Grade College, Belagola and Government College for Women, Mandya. Each Unit was awarded Rs. 2,500.

Best Programme Officers: C.S. Mohan of Government Science College, Hassan, Dr. A.G. Dharmesh of SBRR Mahajana First Grade College, Mysuru, B.S. Hemalatha of De Paul First Grade College, Belagola and Dr. M. Kempamma of Government College for Women, Mandya. They were awarded a cash prize of Rs. 1,500 each.

Best Volunteers: M.K. Sachin of Yuvaraja College, Mysuru and M. Siddhartha of SBRR Mahajana First Grade College, Mysuru bagged Best Volunteers (Boys), while P. Niveditha of MMK&SDM College for women, Mysuru and M.G. Jyothika of Maharani Science College for women, Mysuru, bagged the Best Volunteers (Girls). They were awarded a cash prize of Rs. 1,000 each.

Also, M.P. Nischay Jain of Gnanadeepa First Grade College, Mysuru (male volunteer) and U. Vedashree of Government College for Women, Mandya and Srilalitha of MMK&SDM College for Women, Mysuru (female volunteers) were conferred the prestigious ‘U.K. Subbarayachar Memorial Award’ (2019)for Best Volunteers. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 1,500 each to the winners.

UoM Registrar Prof. R. Shivappa, NSS Co-ordination Officer Dr. B. Chandrashekar, NSS State implementation Officer Dr. Poornima Jogi, Programme Co-ordinator Dr. M.B. Suresh and others were present.

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Suttur Mutt, Ganapathy Ashram donate Rs.10 lakh each for Ram Temple

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 13:10:00 GMT

Mysore/Mysuru: Suttur Mutt and Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram have announced a donation of Rs.10 lakh each towards the construction of Sri Ram Temple at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.

This was announced at the Sant Sammelan (Religious Congregation) organised by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) at Suttur Mutt in city this morning.

Speaking on the occasion, Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji said millions of Hindus rejoiced when the Supreme Court announced its verdict on the centuries-old Ayodhya temple row. It was a dream come true for Hindus for which they were waiting for a very long time. For the Hindus, Lord Ram has been the symbol of pride and building a temple dedicated to him was the wish of every countryman. After the SC’s verdict, Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened a meeting of the communities concerned fearing law and order problem. But surprisingly, every community welcomed the Apex Court’s ruling. Such unique communal harmony could be seen only in India, he added.

The Seer, said besides building temple, a library and a prayer hall were also coming up in the temple complex. The VHP has launched a drive to mobile funds for building the temple dedicated to Lord Ram not due to dearth of money but in order to make every citizen to be a part of this historic event. “I will appeal the Seers of all Mutts to help the VHP to pool funds from every village in their respective places,” the Seer added.

Swami Muktidanandaji, President, Ramakrishna Ashram, Mysuru, said the construction of Sri Ram temple has brought all the Hindus together and has paved way for reinventing Hinduism.

Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji, junior pontiff of Ganapathy Ashram, announced the donation of Rs.10 lakh towards the temple construction.

Sri Chidananda Swamiji of Hosamutt, B.K. Lakshmiji of Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya, Sri Somanathananda Swamiji of Adichunchanagiri Mutt, Mysuru Branch and Sri Shivanandapuri Swamiji of Kanaka Gurupeetha were among those present along with senior VHP office-bearers.

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One side parking from RMC Circle on Bamboo Bazar Road

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 13:09:00 GMT

Mysore/Mysuru: One side parking has been introduced from RMC Circle up to Highway Circle on New Sayyaji Rao Road (Bamboo Bazar Road) in city to check illegal parking of vehicles.

All these years, the vehicles were parked on both the sides of this stretch causing obstruction to free movement of vehicles. Understanding this, the NR Traffic Police have introduced one side parking on this road and this move has been appreciated by general public.

Parking was allowed on alternative days. Two Police Constables have been deployed to check parking of all kinds of vehicles including four-wheelers and two-wheelers.

As a number of eateries are located between RMC Circle and Highway Circle, people park their vehicles haphazardly and obstruct free movement of traffic.

Mishaps too have happened on this road due to wrong parking. Now, along with two Traffic Cops, an Assistant Sub-Inspector would be present there to book cases against law violators. Car owners have been advised to park their vehicles only in the parking zone.

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No more flexibility over flexes: MCC

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 13:08:00 GMT

People installing flex boards will face criminal prosecution — six-month jail and fine

Mysore/Mysuru: Unauthorised flex boards and banners are cropping up in the city though the authorities have declared Mysuru as a “flex-free” city in tune with its tourism and heritage status.

Come festivals, birthdays of politicians and local leaders or conventions by political parties, groups and communities, Mysuru is completely overrun by flexes and banners in every nook and corner of the city or a particular area. These flexes, unanimously take over the city including trees, electricity poles, road dividers, medians, and even pedestrian tracks.

These flex banners cause visual pollution and mar the ambience in which they have been installed and a majority of boards have life-size images of local followers of political leaders greeting people or wishing their leaders on their birthday.

Banners are found even in residential areas like K.G. Koppal, Vijayanagar First Stage, Saraswathipuram, Kuvempunagar, Ramakrishnanagar and surrounding areas.

Though Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) receives numerous complaints on city defacement, the civic body has not taken any action in this regard. Now MCC has decided to crack the whip under The Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act 1981 and The Karnataka Municipalities Act 1964. Under the provisions of the Act, a person can be sent to six-month imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 1,000 can be levied.

MCC has also issued a circular noting that advertisers, publishers, printers and any person who display these photographs and flexes would face criminal prosecution. The rule comes to immediate effect.

Though MCC officers often claim they are vigilant against any mushrooming of flexes across city, they admit that many times their drive would attract the wrath of political parties, especially during elections.

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Vaccine immunisation begins at Railway Hospital in city

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 13:07:00 GMT

Mysore/Mysuru: South Western Railway (SWR), Mysuru Division, became the first Railway Division on SWR with city’s Railway Hospital commencing the immunisation programme for the frontline staff yesterday.

Dr. G.S. Ramachandra, Chief Medical Superintendent, Railway Hospital, Mysuru, was the first recipient of the vaccine.

Rahul Agarwal, Divisional Railway Manager, SWR, Mysuru, congratulated the Railway Hospital authorities for their job of swiftly immunising the frontline staff of the Hospital as per the extant protocols communicated by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Agarwal also stated that besides healthcare workers, other frontline workforce of the Division like the guards of passenger-carrying trains, loco pilots, staff from travelling ticket checking, booking counter, house-keeping, helpers, Railway Protection Force Personnel and other onboard staff will be considered as frontline workers and immunised in the first phase.

On day one, around 100 health workers had registered on the CoWin App to be in line for receiving the vaccination. Separate reception, waiting lounge, and observation room for monitoring the Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) are provided in Railway Hospital for smooth implementation of the programme.

Shivamogga Town Health Unit will also be beginning their immunisation campaign from today for frontline staff, stated a press release from SWR.

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Sandalwood thieves, traders arrested

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 13:15:00 GMT

Metagalli Police seize 230 kgs of scented wood worth Rs. 35 lakh

Mysore/Mysuru: A week after busting an inter-State gang of sandalwood smugglers and arresting four accused, the city Police swooped on another similar gang and have arrested another four accused. The latest arrests made by Metagalli Police have yielded sandalwood weighing 230 kgs worth Rs. 35 lakh along with machetes, axe, saw, bike, weighing scale and other items.

The arrested are 46-year-old Raghu and 22-year-old Manjunath of Kamralli village at Yelwal Hobli, 58-year-old Maqbul Sharif of Lashkar Mohalla and 50-year-old Syed Ghouse Mohideen of Kalyangiri Nagar.

On Jan. 13, Raghu and Manjunath sneaked into the heavily guarded Bharathiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL) premises located near Belavatha Ring Road and chopped off a fully-grown sandalwood tree and had taken away the trunk.

Following information from the RBI Security personnel, Metagalli Police arrested them on Jan. 14. On interrogation, Raghu and Manjunath told the Police that on Jan. 8 they had sneaked into RBI premises and had stolen a sandalwood tree trunk and had sold it to Maqbul Sharif of Lashkar Mohalla.

Again on Jan. 13, they entered into the same premises and were chopping another sandalwood tree during which they were caught red-handed. Pieces of sandalwood, machete, axe, saw and a bike was seized from them. Their arrest was formalised on Jan. 14.

Maqbul Sharif has been buying stolen sandalwood since many years and used to supply machetes, saw and torches to wood thieves. The Police, who raided the house of Maqbul on Jan. 15, arrested him and recovered 33.5 kg sandalwood which he had illegally bought from Raghu and Manjunath and also from others.

Maqbul told the Police that after buying sandalwood, he used to sell the same to Syed Ghouse Mohideen of Kalyangiri Nagar. The Police again raided the house of Syed Ghouse on Jan. 16, arrested him and recovered 190 kg sandalwood billets besides seizing a weighing scale and other items. The total worth of the wood seized is estimated at Rs. 35 lakh.

Police said that Syed Ghouse is a habitual offender and has cases of buying stolen sandalwood registered in 2019 at Virajpet Rural Police Station and was jailed for 84 days at Madikeri Central Jail last year. After coming out of the jail, he again continued his illegal trade.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) M.S. Geetha Prasanna and Narasimharaja (NR) Sub-Division Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Shivashankar directed the operation. Metagalli Inspector A. Mallesh, Sub-Inspectors K. Vishwanath and Nagaraj Nayak and staff Ponnappa, Madhukumar, H.P. Diwakar, H.B. Krishna, H.V. Rajesh, Prashanth Kumar, Basavaraju, Srishaila Huggi, Likith R. Chethan, Asha, G. Prakash, Chandrakanth Talawar, Mani, N.R. Sub-Division ACP’s special team members Anil Shankapal, Lingarajappa, Ramesh, Suresh, Kantharaj, Jeevan, Hanumantha Kalled and Gowrishankar, took part in the nabbing and seizing operation.

It may be recalled that a special team under Nazarbad Police Sub-Inspector M.L. Siddesh on Jan. 8 had arrested a four-member gang of inter-State sandalwood smugglers and had seized 46 kg sandalwood logs worth Rs. 5.5 lakh and a car used for smuggling.

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KSOU to conduct mega online Job Mela in two months: VC

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 13:14:00 GMT

Mysore/Mysuru: Stating that the city-based Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) is celebrating its Silver Jubilee this year, Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. Vidyashankar said that KSOU will be organising a massive online ‘Udyoga Mela’ (Job Fair) within two months.He was speaking at the inauguration of 3-day online induction programme for newly admitted students in 2020-21 (August batch) in Muktagangothri campus here this morning.

Pointing out that the Government of Karnataka has enacted an Act that recognises KSOU as the only State-run University to offer distance education courses, Prof. Vidyashankar said that KSOU was established in 1996.

Noting that the University adopted digital learning one-and-a-half-years ago, the VC highlighted that KSOU has crossed many hurdles, including de-recognition of its courses by the UGC, in the 25 years of its journey.

Asserting that KSOU is working towards propagating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s concept of ‘Digital India’, Prof. Vidyashankar said that the University has developed an App, through which the students can download study materials at ease.

Stating that payment of course fee, exam fee, issuance of marks card etc., has gone online, he said that students are required to come to the University only once during admission for physical verification of records.

He further said that the Open University is working towards getting Section 12 B status of UGC for receiving Central assistance under various schemes and NAAC recognition and he was hopeful of getting them before he demitted office after completion of his term.

17,000 students enrolled

KSOU Registrar Prof. Lingaraj Gandhi said that this year the University has enrolled over 17,000 students as against only 10,000 last year.

Pointing out that this is the second year of admission after the KSOU got back recognition of its courses from the UGC in 2018, he maintained that KSOU, just like other conventional Universities, is maintaining quality and standards in imparting distance education to thousands of students every year. Prof.Gandhi further said that a committee will be formed to prepare an action plan for Silver Jubilee celebrations and added that the virtual job mela is going to be part of the celebrations.

Dy.CM inaugurates induction programme

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Dr. C.N. Ashwathnarayan, also Higher Education Minister, who inaugurated the induction programme virtually from Bengaluru, lauded the University for organising such a programme amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Stating that the University has successfully crossed several hurdles and has been successful in enrolling 17,244 students this year (2020-21) from every nook and corner of the State, he said that the Government recently brought an Act, which makes the KSOU as the only distance education provider in Karnataka.

Noting that at present, the KSOU can impart distance education only within the State, he said that the University has scope to expand its horizons beyond the State, after the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP). KSOU Dean (Academic) Prof. Kamble Ashok, Registrar (Evaluation) Dr. Kavitha Rai, Study Centre Dean Dr. Shanmukha, CIQA Director Dr. S. Niranjanraj, Special Officer Dr. Rajeshwari and others were present.

The three-day online induction programme concludes on Jan.20.

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First, second year degree classes from tomorrow

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 13:12:00 GMT

Mysore/Mysuru: Offline classes for students of intermediate semesters for both Post-Graduate (PG) and Under-Graduate (UG) courses in degree, diploma and engineering in Mysuru will commence from tomorrow, Jan. 19.

This was decided at a meeting organised by University of Mysore (UoM) at Vijnana Bhavan this morning that was attended by Principals of affiliated Colleges. Vice-Chancellor Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar chaired the meeting. Registrar Prof. R. Shivappa was present.

Over 50 Principals attended the meeting.

At the meeting, Principals expressed their willingness to start first and second degree classes along with hostel, food and other facilities. The Principals told the meeting that arrangements were done and all parents and students were already communicated to be ready.

Prof. Hemantha Kumar said that the University had also decided to open first year classes of PG courses from tomorrow. While classes for final year students and second PUC had already commenced, the State Government had decided to reopen all other remaining classes after Sankranti.

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New Divisional Branch of Food Corporation of India inaugurated

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 13:11:00 GMT

Mysore/Mysuru: Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAFPD) Piyush Goyal virtually inaugurated the new Divisional Branch of Food Corporation of India (FCI) in Mysuru on Thursday (Jan. 14).

Having 64,250 MT capacity six procurement centres with ten State-owned procurement centres of 80,640 MT capacity, Mysuru division of FCI is efficiently supplying food stocks to the beneficiaries in Mandya, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar and Tumakuru districts and dispensing 36,500 MT food grains per month in the region.

CAFPD Secretary Sudanshu Pandey, FCI CMD Sanjeevkumar, FCI ED R.D. Nazeem, DGM Mohanchandra and others were present.

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Special drive for healthcare workers who missed date with vaccination

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 13:11:00 GMT

Mysore/Mysuru: Over 400 health-care workers, who had missed the first dose of Covishield vaccination on the inaugural day in Mysuru District on Saturday last, will get another chance to get inoculated but only after completion of vaccination to already registered health staff.

“Once the vaccination of the registered healthcare workers is over, the 406 persons who skipped vaccination wilfully out of fear or for other genuine reasons will be vaccinated in the special round this week. That will be the last chance for them to get inoculated or else they will miss the opportunity, ” Dr. L. Ravi, Reproductive and Child Health Officer (RCHO) and District Covid-19 Immunisation Officer told Star of Mysore this morning.

Without mincing words, he said as many as 406 healthcare workers both in Urban and Rural areas missed the date with vaccination despite informing them about their date of inoculation well in advance. After over 40 percent of the staff skipped free vaccination, the State Health Department Officers in Bengaluru were contacted for clarification.

They said the missed health-care workers could be vaccinated in the special drive after completing the already registered workers in CoWIN App.

“We came to know that many of them have skipped vaccination due to wrong propaganda by some vested interests. Now those missed healthcare workers have been identified and counselled against any kind of fear about vaccines,” he said.

On reports of side effects after taking vaccine in JSS Hospital, Mysuru, Dr. Ravi termed it as normal and said one or two complained of blackout mainly due to anxiety. They became alright once they took rest for a while.

As a precautionary measure, the vaccinated persons have been sent SMS about name and mobile number of Vaccinator in case of any problem. Going a step ahead, the healthcare volunteers would call up the vaccinated persons to enquire about their health on the next day. So far, no one has taken seriously ill in the district which shows the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, he added.

TODAY’S SCHEDULE

Session planned	74
Session entered in CoWIN portal	74
Beneficiaries planned	5,000
Beneficiaries uploaded in CoWIN portal	4,554

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I am a target as I speak truth, says former CM Siddharamaiah

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 13:10:00 GMT

Mysore/Mysuru: “I am being targeted for speaking the truth and I don’t hesitate to speak what is right. While speaking truth, I end up in controversies. And this is the reason why I am being criticised and targeted by people owing allegiance to different political parties and ideologies,” said former Chief Minister Siddharamaiah. He was speaking after inaugurating Kanakadasa Jayanti and Pratibha Puraskar programme organised by Mysore University Kanaka Employees Association at Rani Bahadur Auditoriumn city yesterday.

“Whatever I speak becomes controversial and that is the truth. Media highlights what I speak and my statements are twisted and turned by RSS and other outfits. Most of my statements are twisted and taken out of context to spoil my image,” he said.

Siddharamaiah said that many of his co-workers hesitate to take a stand on certain issues, fearing consequences or backlash. “I had once said in the Assembly that I eat cattle meat, who are you to ask? It is my right, food habit is my right, and who are you to question? If you don’t eat, leave it, I’m not going to force you. This statement was used by vested interests to target me and my words were all over the media,” the Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly said.

BJP people don’t have any other work, they look for emotive issues. “My statement about beef and the culture of a particular community has been misinterpreted by the media. I regret if that has hurt the sentiments. We have various food traditions and habits. Be it goat or sheep or chicken or pork or beef. I meant that it is wrong to link religion and food habits. I never intended to say any community eats beef. It is a matter of individual choice,” he said.

“I will not change my stand no matter whether I am in power or not and will always adhere to my conscience. But, a few people have been misleading others about me. I never use religion as a tool to achieve my political agenda, but whereas BJP and RSS do it to achieve its political agenda,” the former CM said.

Siddharamaiah said that the true celebration of Jayantis lies in following the principles advocated by great saints, philosophers and leaders. “It is equally important to propagate the values preached by saints and philosophers like Kanakadasa. Everyone must understand the life of all achievers and personalities. Earning multiple degrees is of no use until we develop human values,” the Congress leader said and advised the University to establish a statue of Kanakadasa inside the campus.

On this occasion, folk singer Siddappa Sabanna Bidari was honoured with ‘Seva Santha’ State Award. Several Kuruba Community leaders and community KAS officers were felicitated and Pratibha Puraskar were presented to children.

University of Mysore Vice-Chancellor Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar, former Minister H.M. Revanna, former MLA M.K. Somashekar, former Hampi University VC Mallika Ghanti, retired Professor Aravind Malagatti, writer Prof. C. Naganna, Mysore University Kanaka Employees Association President Basavaraju C. Jettihundi, former APMC President Beeregowda, former Zilla Panchayat (ZP) President K. Marigowda and Corporator J. Gopi were present.

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A major mishap averted as JCB touches underground power cable

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 13:09:00 GMT

Mysore/Mysuru: Thanks to divine intervention, a major mishap was averted when the front portion of a JCB machine came in contact with a 11KV underground power cable on the road next to NR Police Station in Rajendranagar on Saturday.

The MCC has taken up Underground Drainage (UGD) works at 3rd Cross in Rajendranagar’s Pension Block coming under Ward 15. As part of the works, a JCB was digging a ditch at about 4.30 pm on Saturday, when it accidentally came in contact with a 11KV cable underneath the ground.

Soon as the front portion of the JCB touched the HT power cable, a fire broke out along with a big sound. But as the power supply got cut off immediately, there was no loss of life.

Upon coming to know of the incident, MCC Works Committee Chairman Hazratullah, Corporators Pradeep Chandra (Ward 15) and Ramesh (Ward 7), MCC Engineer Nagarajegowda and CESC officials rushed to the spot. CESC officials said that the contractor will be directed to shift the underground power cable to a safer location close by.

Ward 15 Corporator Pradeep Chandra said that NR CESC officials were informed much in advance about the UGD works that was going to be taken up. Maintaining that the route map given to them showed that the UG power cable had passed through the right side of the road, he said now it is found that the UG power cable has passed right in the middle of the road beneath the earth. Contending that the route map given to them by CESC was wrong, he said that wrong information had led to the incident, with the JCB operator failing to notice the UG cable during earth digging work.

Expressing relief that there was no casualties or injuries in the incident, Pradeep Chandra said that the sudden eruption of flames accompanied by a huge noise, scared neighbouring residents and other citizens living in the vicinity.

Ward 7 Corporator Ramesh said that this was the second such incident in recent years. Recalling that a similar incident had taken place a few years ago when a metal crowbar had touched a power cable while digging for an underground drainage on a road that shoots off from K.T. Street in the heart of the city.

The matter was discussed in an MCC Council meeting when the officials had assured that such incidents would not repeat. But, thanks to official apathy, the incident has happened again, Ramesh regretted and urged the officials to take all precautionary and safety measures while carrying out UGD works.

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3,300 candidates attend Udyoga Mela, 609 get job letters on the spot

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 13:08:00 GMT

Mysore/Mysuru: Stating that students should seriously think about their career in college days itself, Maharaja Government PU College Principal T.R. Siddaraju said that parents should encourage their wards to start preparations for competitive exams early.

He was speaking after inaugurating the ‘Udyoga Mela’ organised by the Department of Industrial Training and Employment, under the Union Government’s ‘Rashtriya Vrutti Seva Yojana’ at Government ITI College premises in N.R. Mohalla (Mysuru-Bengaluru Road) here recently.

Noting that students should not compare themselves with their peers, Siddaraju said that likewise, parents too should not make a comparison of their wards with others in terms of work and studies. Opining that merely scoring high marks would not do in these days of cut throat competition, he said that it is important to qualify in competitive exams for shaping a career. Pointing out that students should understand that economical constraints do not come in their way of achieving success, he said that it is important to note that poor students have a great zeal for learning.

Maintaining that job would not beckon us in this highly competitive world, he said that it is the other way around, with candidates having to chase jobs. He wished that such Udyoga Melas become a successful platform for large-scale employment.

District Employment Exchange Officer D.M. Rani said that about 50 companies from Mysuru and Bengaluru were part of the day-long Udyoga Mela (Job Fair). Pointing out that over 3,300 candidates, including 1,579 women, had attended the Mela, she said that a total of 609 candidates, including 327 men and 282 women candidates were given job-letters by different companies.

T. Narasipur ITI staffer Chandrika, entrepreneurs Sandeep Pande, Eliyas Baig, Zulfiqar Kalligudi and others were present.

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City docs vouch for COVID-19 vaccine

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 13:07:00 GMT

Mysore/Mysuru: Two prominent doctors of city have vouched for COVID-19 vaccine and have asked people to take it without any hesitation when their turn comes.

Reacting to the launch of vaccination drive, Dr. C. Rajan, retired Professor, Department of Medicine, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMC&RI), has said there was no side effects in some of his friends who had volunteered the clinical trial for vaccine a few months ago. COVID-19 vaccine was a life saver and was it not a better option to take it rather than rejecting it, he said.

He said doctors and scientists across the globe have slogged to invent a vaccine against the pandemic. Clinical trial was held successfully at JSS College and Hospital, Mysuru and recorded its efficacy and safety. “I will certainly take vaccination when my turn comes. Likewise, citizens can get themselves inoculated without any hesitation. We must thank the Government for vaccinating every one free of cost.”

Dr. Rajan pointed out that side effects are quite common when any vaccine was taken and people have rejected it during initial days earlier. When BCG vaccine was invented 9 decades ago, people had rejected and the same was in the case of Cholera vaccine too. Resistance was there when DPT, Hepatitis and other vaccines were given to people. So, it was natural that citizens have reservation about COVID-19 vaccine now. But, they would voluntarily take it in the coming days. It was important to have the complete knowledge of vaccine before taking it. At the same time, media had to create awareness among people on utilities of vaccine, he noted.

“No major side effects on those who have taken vaccine in first round. One in a lakh may have side effects like allergy and that can be cured by medicine. People must not heed to false propaganda regarding vaccine. Pregnant, lactating mothers and children below 18 years of age are not supposed to take vaccine as per guidelines. Vaccine will be given to one and all in a phased manner. It is better for aged and diabetic patients to take it on priority.” —Dr. S.P. Yoganna, Chairman, Suyog Hospital

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‘Name a Kalabhavan in Mysuru after Piteelu Chowdiah’

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 13:06:00 GMT

Sumalatha Ambarish urges State Government

Mysore/Mysuru: Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambarish has urged the State Government to name at least one Kalabhavan in Mysuru in memory of violin maestro Piteelu T. Chowdiah.

She was speaking at an event organised by Prasaranga of Hampi Kannada University, in association with Sangeetha Kalanidhi Mysore T. Chowdiah Trust, on the occasion of 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Piteelu T. Chowdiah at Rani Bahadur auditorium in Manasagangothri here yesterday.

“In memory of violin maestro Piteelu Chowdiah, we have Chowdiah Memorial Hall in Bengaluru, which has been built in the shape of a gigantic seven stringed violin. Forget about constructing such a building in Mysuru, which is Chowdiah’s native town, we have not even named a building here, so I would like to urge the State Government to name at least one Kalabhavan in Mysuru after the violin maestro,” Sumalatha Ambarish said.

“When Ambarish showed me the Chowdiah Memorial Hall for the first time in Bengaluru I was astonished, because I had never seen such a beautiful building in my life,” she added.

On the occasion, a book titled ‘Naada Nakshatra – Sangeetha Ratna Sri Piteelu T. Chowdiah’ written by Dr. T.C. Poornima, Deputy Director, Directorate of Information and Publicity, was released by the titular head of Mysuru Royal Family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar.

University of Mysore Vice-Chancellor Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar, thinker and Mysuru Mithra columnist Gubbigoodu Ramesh, Hampi Kannada University VC Dr. S.C. Ramesh, Music University VC Dr. Nagesh Bettakote, Member of Kannada Varsity Executive Committee G.C. Rajanna, Prashanth Bheemaiah, Hampi Kannada University Registrar Prof. A. Subbanna Rai, District Kannada Sahitya Parishat Mysuru President Dr. Y.D. Rajanna, Trust Honorary Secretary C.R. Himanshu, Hampi Kannada University Prasaranga Director Dr. H.D. Prashant and others were present during the occasion.

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