City Briefs: Rs. 2600 crore loan for technical education
Asian Development Bank
In order to bolster technical education in the state, the government has approved a loan of Rs 2600 crore from the(ADB), said Higher Education Minister Dr MC Sudhakar. He added that officials from Asian Development Bank have already visited various technical institutions in the state for assessments, and the loan disbursement is expected to take place soon. The financial support is aimed at strengthening polytechnic and other technical colleges in Karnataka. Additionally, the minister informed that the committee led by Sukhadeo Thorat, tasked with formulating a new education policy for the state, has completed its work. The report is expected to be submitted to the Chief Minister in the second week of June, paving the way for the implementation of a new state education policy.The state government has issued an official order hiring 4,689 guest lecturers for government Pre-University (PU) colleges across Karnataka for the academic year 2025–26.The Department of Pre-University Education had earlier submitted a proposal to the government requesting permission to hire 5,752 guest lecturers to address the shortage of teaching staff in PU colleges. The proposal also sought the release of funds to pay honoraria for these guest faculty members. After a detailed review of available records and subject-wise vacancies, the government has approved the hiring of 4,689 guest lecturers to fill posts across various disciplines. This decision has been formally communicated through an order issued by the Under Secretary of the department.The Health and Family Welfare Department has ordered that certain food safety officers be relieved of their current duties and sent back to their parent department due to a lack of prescribed qualifications. According to recruitment rules laid down by the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, Food Safety Officers must hold specific educational credentials. A recent review, however, revealed that several officers currently serving in the role do not meet these academic standards. This raises serious concerns, especially since Food Safety Officers are responsible for filing cases in court related to unsafe or substandard food.The absence of technically qualified personnel may jeopardise legal proceedings and weaken the enforcement of food safety laws. In response, the department issued a directive signed by the Under Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department stating that retaining under-qualified officers could hinder effective prosecution. The order mandates their immediate withdrawal, underlining the importance of compliance with regulatory norms for safeguarding public health.In a major crackdown, the Women's Protection Wing of the Central Crime Branch (CCB), Bengaluru, raided a warehouse on Kanakapura Main Road under Talaghattapura Police limits on May 31, 2025. Acting on a tip-off, the team seized banned tobacco and nicotine products worth `61.82 lakh. Two individuals were arrested, and a cargo truck used for transporting the items was also seized. The haul included 701 packets of tobacco, 155 bags of Ganesh 60 SGT-1 tobacco boxes, 160 Cool Lip sachets, and Swagath Pan Masala. The accused admitted to illegally possessing and selling the products. Further investigation is underway.
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