Latest news with #DineshGunduRao
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
KaBHI staff want to continue services
Mangaluru: Healthcare personnel employed under the Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (KaBHI) have appealed to the health and family welfare minister Dinesh Gundu Rao to continue their employment across all districts in the state. A delegation of KaBHI staff met the minister during a grievance meeting at the Circuit House in Mangaluru on Saturday, and submitted a memorandum. They explained that nearly 165 staff members including neurologists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, clinical psychologists, nurses, and district co-ordinators will lose their jobs if the govt conducts separate recruitments without considering the experience of those who are currently working in various districts. "We worked under the KaBHI programme since Dec 2023, after successfully writing the exam and passing the interview conducted through Nimhans. While working as per the guidelines of the Karnataka govt, we ensured that the KaBHI programme, the first brain health initiative in India, was implemented successfully in the state. However, preparations are being made to conduct fresh recruitments. Those who are working at present in all districts should be allowed to continue in the services," the delegation urged. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo They also pointed out that fresh recruitment will incur huge expenditure for the govt. "The govt will have to spend a huge amount on the appointment process, and to train the newly appointed staff. Moreover, the existing services under the KaBHI programme are also likely to be affected if all the staff are recruited afresh. We urge the govt to stop the fresh recruitments and invite applications only for the vacant posts," the delegation urged the minister. Rao contacted the officials in Bengaluru and assured the delegation that he will do the needful at the earliest.
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Karnataka tightens COTPA rules; penalty for violations, legal age for purchasing tobacco products raised
Tightening tobacco control laws, the Karnataka government has notified major amendments to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day observed on May 31. The amendments —through which the maximum fine for violations under tobacco control laws has been increased from ₹200 to ₹1,000 and the legal age for purchasing tobacco products has been raised from 18 to 20 years— were approved by President Droupadi Murmu on May 23. The amended Act — the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Karnataka Amendment) Act, 2024 — was published in the Karnataka Gazette on May 30. In addition to the existing ban on tobacco consumption in public places, chewing and spitting tobacco has also been prohibited. The other key amendments include a ban on the sale of loose cigarettes or single sticks and strict prohibition on the sale of tobacco products within 100 metres of any educational institution. This was earlier within 100 yards. Hookah bars The State has also imposed a blanket ban on hookah bars, regardless of whether they are located in restaurants, pubs, or cafes. As per the newly added Section 4A, operating a hookah bar will now invite imprisonment of one to three years and fines ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh under Section 21A of the Act. Despite an earlier ban, hookah bars were still found operating illegally in parts of Bengaluru. While designated smoking areas (DSAs) will still be allowed in hotels with over 30 rooms, restaurants with seating for more than 30 and airports, penalties for violations have increased from ₹ 200 to ₹ 1,000 under sections 21, 24, and 28. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said these amendments are part of the State government's larger strategy to safeguard public health, particularly in the younger generation in sensitive areas like schools and colleges. Stringent enforcement Surgical oncologist U.S. Vishal Rao, who is a member of the State government's High-Powered Committee on Tobacco Control, said the amendments are a significant step in the effort towards achieving tobacco control in Karnataka. 'We have known that as per data from the latest Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) for India, there has been a reduction in the number of tobacco users by about 81 lakh. Specifically, the prevalence of tobacco use among adults aged 15 and above has reduced by 7%. The amended Act makes enforcement more stringent, reducing the accessibility of these products to youth who are the main targets of the tobacco companies for initiating addiction,' Dr Rao told The Hindu. Following the amendments, the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda has appealed to all proprietors of hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs and pubs to remove illegal designated smoking areas (DSAs) or rooms which are not compliant with COTPA rules. 'DSAs must be distinctly marked and adequately ventilated as per the COTPA guidelines to ensure non-smokers are not exposed to second-hand smoke. It is imperative to note that providing of food, water, beverages, or any tobacco products within DSAs is strictly prohibited,' stated the appeal dated May 31. EOM/
Hans India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
₹5 lakh compensation for families of rain victims in coastal Karnataka: Minister
Mangaluru: District In-charge Minister for Dakshina Kannada, Dinesh Gundu Rao, on Saturday announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh each to the families of those who died in rain-related incidents in the coastal region over the past week. Addressing the media in Mangaluru after visiting several rain-affected areas, the minister said that seven people had lost their lives in separate incidents caused by the heavy monsoon downpour. Fatalities were reported due to landslides, house collapses, and accidents in turbulent sea conditions. The district has been battered by incessant rains, triggering flooding in low-lying areas and causing significant damage to property and infrastructure. Overflowing rivers and uprooted trees have disrupted normal life, prompting the evacuation of several families to safer locations. Rao said the state government had taken stock of the situation and assured all possible support to those affected. 'We are committed to providing timely relief and ensuring that necessary rehabilitation measures are in place,' he said. During the press conference, tensions briefly flared when a local Muslim leader interrupted Rao, alleging that hate speeches were fuelling communal disharmony in the region. When the minister attempted to continue his remarks, the leader reportedly persisted, demanding the arrest of individuals making provocative statements. Rao, visibly agitated, asked security personnel to escort the individual out of the venue. Responding to questions on law and order, the minister said the administration had been directed to maintain communal harmony and act firmly against any attempts to disrupt peace. 'The government does not discriminate between communities. Our only objective is to prevent the escalation of any communal issues in Dakshina Kannada,' he added. Rao also said the police had been instructed to closely monitor the situation and respond swiftly to any signs of unrest.
India Gazette
8 hours ago
- Health
- India Gazette
Karnataka government bans smokeless tobacco products to protect 'public health' on World No Tobacco Day
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 31 (ANI): On World No Tobacco Day, the Karnataka government issued an important notification to protect 'public health' by banning the use of smokeless tobacco products in public places. The action was taken by State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who brought an amendment to the COTPA Act and banned hookah, along with curbing smokeless tobacco products. This has now been recognised by the President, and a notification has been issued by the state government today. From now on, not only smoking but also smokeless tobacco products cannot be consumed and vaped in public places in the state. Apart from cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products were harmful to public health. The virus could be spread from one person to another in the air by consuming tobacco products and inhaling them in public places. It was especially challenging for the public to protect themselves from the COVID-19 virus. It also caused problems for patients with TB. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who had closely observed these problems, amended the previous COPTA Act to protect public health and got it approved by both houses of the state. Since it was a central law, it was sent for the president's approval. This important step of the state government has been approved by the President, and a notification has been issued by the state government today. 'These measures will play a crucial role in safeguarding public health, and the official order issued on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day is a commendable step. In addition to the existing ban on tobacco consumption in public places, chewing and spitting tobacco have also been prohibited. The sale of tobacco products to individuals below the age of 21 is now banned. Furthermore, the use of hookah has been prohibited in eateries, pubs, bars, and restaurants,' said the Minister in a post on X. The fine for smoking in public places, which was Rs 200, has been increased to Rs 1000. The sale of tobacco products by those under the age of 21 has also been banned. Hookah has been banned in eateries, pubs, bars, and restaurants, and the law provides for a fine of at least Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh and a three-year prison sentence against hookah bars. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka government bans smokeless tobacco products to protect 'public health'
On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, the Karnataka government announced a sweeping ban on the use of smokeless tobacco products in public places, expanding its efforts to curb tobacco consumption and protect public health. The move, led by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, comes through an amendment to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), news agency PTI reported. The amendment, which also bans hookah use in public establishments like eateries, pubs, bars, and restaurants, was approved by both houses of the state legislature and received the President's assent before being notified by the state government on May 31. (Also Read: Karnataka issues fresh Covid-19 guidelines for schools ahead of reopening. Check details here) The revised law makes it illegal to use not just cigarettes, but also products like chewing tobacco, gutka, khaini, and vapes in public spaces. The state has also raised the minimum legal age for purchasing tobacco products to 21 and increased the fine for smoking in public from ₹200 to ₹1,000. In a significant crackdown on hookah bars, the law now allows for fines ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh and up to three years of imprisonment for violations. According to the Health Minister, the decision was driven by mounting evidence linking public tobacco use to increased risk of airborne infections such as Covid-19 and tuberculosis. During the pandemic, shared tobacco use and spitting in public posed severe health risks, prompting the state to adopt a stricter approach. 'These measures will play a crucial role in safeguarding public health,' Rao said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), adding that the state was committed to reducing the health burden caused by tobacco. Public health experts and anti-tobacco campaigners have welcomed the move, calling it a bold and much-needed step in curbing tobacco-related harm in Karnataka. (With agency inputs) (Also Read: 67 dead as record-breaking rainfall batters Karnataka, over 19 lakh at risk: Report)
