Latest news with #Chowta
Hans India
a day ago
- Health
- Hans India
Centre approves Rs 1.49 crore for day care cancer centre at Wenlock hospital
Mangaluru: Ina major boost to cancer care infrastructure in coastal Karnataka, the Central government has approved the establishment of a Day Care Cancer Centre (DCCC) at the Wenlock District Hospital in Mangaluru, with an allocation of up to ₹1.49 crore under the National Health Mission (NHM). Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta announced the approval on Monday, stating that the new centre aims to bridge the gap in cancer care between rural and urban regions by providing timely, localised services. The initiative is part of a nationwide rollout announced in the Union Budget 2025–26 to set up DCCCs in all district hospitals over the next three years. In the first phase, 200 such centres are being established based on data from the National Cancer Registry and proposals submitted by state governments. Sixteen districts in Karnataka have been selected. The Mangaluru centre will offer cancer screening, diagnostics, chemotherapy, palliative care, awareness programmes, and supportive services — all within the Wenlock Hospital campus. It aims to reduce the patient load on tertiary hospitals and improve treatment access at the district level. MP Chowta welcomed the Centre's decision and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda for addressing a vital need of the region. He termed the approval 'a timely and people-centric decision' that will ease the treatment burden for patients who would otherwise need to travel long distances.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Capt. Chowta accuses Karnataka govt. of delaying dedicated jetty project for Lakshadweep
MP for Dakshina Kannada Capt. Brijesh Chowta has charged the State government of delaying the execution of the dedicated jetty project for Lakshadweep at the Old Mangaluru Port that was sanctioned under the Central government's flagship Sagarmala scheme. His statement comes after the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways categorised the ₹65-crore project under the 'deemed deferred category', because of the inordinate delay as informed by Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in December last year. Raising the issue under Rule 377 in the Lok Sabha on Friday, Capt. Chowta said the project was part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's larger vision of port-led development under the Sagarmala scheme, which has brought much-needed attention and investment to India's coastal infrastructure and maritime connectivity. He said the Lakshadweep jetty project was announced under the Sagarmala Phase I on July 20, 2022. The then BJP government in Karnataka took up the matter on a priority basis, issued tenders in August and December 2022 and January 2023. The contract was awarded on March 29, 2023. Environmental clearance Capt. Chowta further said, 'However, since the Congress government came to power in May 2023, the project has seen little to no movement. Its importance has been diluted, and progress stalled.' He said that he had raised the issue during the Winter Session of 2024 and only after continued follow ups did the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance is granted on February 27 by the Karnataka Coastal Zone Management Authority. Even now, while the project was taken up by the State Expert Appraisal Committee on June 20, the environmental clearance remains pending, and the file continues to be held up in the State system. Capt. Chowta also highlighted the issue of dredging, which is essential for the jetty's operational success. Though a dredging contract was awarded with seven-year validity, the agency concerned failed to maintain the required draft or carry out timely dredging, leading to recurring problems, especially during monsoons. He said that he had raised the issue in the recent DISHA meeting, along with MLA for Mangaluru City South D. Vedavyasa Kamath, urging the State government to expedite the works. Maritime corridor Seeking intervention of the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways in expediting the work, Capt. Chowta said the project is not just about connectivity - it holds strategic importance for coastal security, for strengthening the Lakshadweep–Mangaluru maritime corridor, and for boosting economic activity in the region.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
MP blames govt for construction standstill in coast
Mangaluru: Construction activity in Dakshina Kannada district has been severely hit due to the non-availability of red stone and sand, triggering widespread economic distress. BJP MP from the region, Capt. Brijesh Chowta, has blamed the Congress-led Karnataka government's 'gross negligence and flawed policies' for the crisis. In a statement issued at Delhi today Chowta said, 'Thousands of construction workers, transporters, and families dependent on this sector are now facing uncertainty. The root cause is the state government's failure to respond despite knowing the severity of the situation.' He accused the government of imposing heavy royalties on red stone, making basic housing unaffordable for common citizens. 'While Kerala collects minimal royalty for red stone, Karnataka's rates are exorbitant. Such anti-people policies must be revisited,' he said. The MP reminded the Congress of its manifesto promise to implement a dedicated sand mining policy for coastal Karnataka. 'Two years on, there's been no movement. Red stone and sand remain out of reach,' he said. Chowta also criticised the government's inaction in key meetings, including the District Development Council (KDP), where he claims BJP leaders and civil organisations have repeatedly flagged the issue. He warned that if the government continues to delay action, the BJP will launch an intensified statewide protest. 'Instead of obstructing supply chains, the government must act responsibly and ensure uninterrupted material availability,' Chowta said.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
MP urges Centre for Rani Abbakka Maritime University
Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta, on Tuesday, met the secretary of the ministry of ports and shipping, TK Ramachandran, and urged the establishment of a Maritime University in Mangaluru. He proposed that the university be named after Rani Abbakka as a tribute to the warrior queen who fought valiantly in safeguarding the coast of Bharat. "The Rani Abbakka Maritime University will both pay homage to an iconic national figure and create a future-ready workforce trained in marine engineering, maritime law, port and terminal management, and maritime informatics," said Captain Chowta. In a letter seeking the same, he highlighted that the establishment of the university aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision and the nation's strategic goal to emerge as a global maritime hub. Drawing attention to Mangaluru's geographic advantages, historical significance, and proximity to major ports and educational institutions, Captain Chowta said it would make it an ideal location for such an institution. Chowta also met Union minister of ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in New Delhi on Wednesday to formally request the establishment of a National Maritime University in Mangaluru and proposed to name it after Rani Abbakka. He proposed that the university offer a wide range of programmes, including BTech, BSc, BBA, MTech, MBA, MSc, and diplomas, catering to the skill development, research, and policy innovation needs of India's maritime advancement. The proposal also seeks the active participation of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), which is celebrating its golden jubilee this year, in commissioning a detailed project report (DPR). Some of the requests made to the ministry are the constitution of an expert committee to develop the university framework and the initiation of inter-ministerial consultations for stakeholder alignment.
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
MP pitches national maritime university in Mangaluru
Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta met Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in Delhi on Wednesday and appealed to set up a national maritime university in Mangaluru and name it after Rani Abbakka, the legendary Tuluva queen who fought against foreign rule. The meeting follows detailed discussion Capt. Chowta had with the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways T.K. Ramachandran in Delhi on Tuesday during which the MP had strongly pitched for Mangaluru to house the university proposed by him. According to Capt. Chowta, the university proposed aims to serve as a world-class centre for maritime education, research, and innovation, while commemorating the legacy of Rani Abbakka, a naval warrior. In a letter submitted to the Minister the MP said that Mangaluru offers ideal conditions for hosting a national-level maritime university. The Western coast's importance in trade, national security and the blue economy further reinforces the strategic merit of the location, that is Mangaluru. '...I request to constitute an expert committee to explore and recommend a framework for the university, ask New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) to prepare a detailed project report and initiate an inter-Ministerial and stakeholder consultations as appropriate...,' the letter said. Capt. Chowta said: '...India's maritime sector is undergoing a transformational phase – transitioning towards cleaner fuels like LNG and methanol, integrating AI-based technologies for vessel and cargo management, and expanding deep draft and trans shipment port capacities. This dynamic environment requires a future-ready workforce trained in disciplines such as marine engineering, maritime law, port and terminal management and maritime informatics...' The MP said that if the university came up it will cater to the needs mentioned by him through a comprehensive academic portfolio including BBA, MBA, and diploma programmes. 'It will serve as a critical institutional anchor to nurture skilled professionals, foster innovation and research and support policy development for India's maritime advancement.' Capt. Chowta said that setting up the university will be timely now as 2025 marks the 500th birth anniversary of Rani Abbakka and coincides with the golden jubilee of NMPA.
