Latest news with #HKPatil
Time of India
an hour ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Dharwad district Kannada Sahitya Parishat waits for land lease renewal
Dharwad: While there is loud talk of promoting and protecting the interest of Kannada language, the organizations working for Kannada are not getting due support from the government. Dharwad District Kannada Sahitya Parishat (DDKSP)which has its office and Sahitya Bhavan located near RN Shetty Stadium in Dharwad is waiting for the lease of the land to be renewed. It has been 31 years since the lease has lapsed and till date, the efforts to get it lease renewed have continued. It was in 1989 that the state govt granted 1.1 acre of land on lease for five years near the district stadium to the DDKSP to carry out its activities. When Shivanand Gali was the president of the DDKSP, it was planned to construct Sahitya Bhavan and a committee under the chairmanship of HK Patil was constituted. A new building came up and was inaugurated on Oct 19, 1995 by which time, the lease period was over. The office bearers of DDKSP made no effort then to get the lease period renewed and Sahitya Bhavan had continued to function. Over the period, the premises saw buildings housing a meeting hall, president's office and a library. In 2021, Dharwad DC sent notices to all the properties which had been given by the govt on lease and the lease period of which had expired. The DC had asked the occupants to vacate the premises. Following this DDKSP office bearers met the DC and requested to renew the lease. Sources said the application still remains in govt files and has failed to elicit any response from the revenue department. DDKSP president Lingaraj Angadi said he has been running from pillar to post to get the lease renewed but to no avail. "We have paid the annual land rent till 2022-23 and are waiting for the govt to respond. Recommendations for renewal of lease by ministers and legislators and Kannada luminaries have not worked," he lamented. DDKSP plans to construct an open-air theatre and expand the facilities but the delay in getting the lease renewed has put a brake to plans. In 2019, Dharwad hosted 84th All India Kannada Literary Meet and there was a saving of Rs 26 lakh after the meet. DDKSP wants to utilise the amount for expansion of facilities at Sahitya Bhavan as the KSP Bylaw provides for the host district to utilize the savings for development of infrastructure. Angadi said the amount which is in the joint account of DC and DDKSP cannot be withdrawn as the audit of the income and expenditure of Sahitya Sammelana is not yet complete. "Dharwad is considered the cultural capital and a hub of Kannada literature, education, art and music and deserves all support from the government. The elected representatives from the region should prevail upon the govt to clear the hurdles and get the necessary clearance for lease renewal," said writer Prof Veeranna Rajur.
News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
'Fake News' Clause Removed: Karnataka Govt RevisMisinformation Bill After Facing Flak
Last Updated: The initial draft had proposed the creation of a 'Fake News on Social Media Regulatory Authority' and included severe penal provisions but this was seen as overreaching The Karnataka government is set to revise its proposed Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, after an earlier draft triggered widespread criticism and raised questions over legal tenability. The words 'fake news" have been removed from the new version and, as it stands revised titled the Karnataka Misinformation Regulation Bill, 2025, it is expected to be tabled during the monsoon session of the state assembly. According to sources, the scrutiny committee headed by state law minister HK Patil has cleared the draft, which is likely to be placed before the cabinet. News18 accessed a copy of the draft bill, which comes at a time when governments across India are stepping up digital regulation. WHAT DOES THE DRAFT BILL SAY? In the draft bill that will be submitted in the upcoming monsoon session beginning August 19, the definition of misinformation has been retained: 'knowingly or recklessly making a false or inaccurate statement of fact, whether wholly or in part, in the context in which it appears, excluding opinion, satire, religious or philosophical sermons, and parody – as long as a reasonable person would not interpret the content as factual". The bill defines 'communication" as dissemination of information to 10 or more persons in Karnataka, through any medium — including bots, computer resources, television, or in-person communication. This applies to content originating both inside and outside Karnataka, as long as it reaches people within the state. The offence of misinformation is defined as follows: 'no person, whether inside or outside Karnataka, shall communicate or abet the communication of misinformation to persons in Karnataka if such communication disrupts public tranquillity, affects the conduct of free and fair elections in any part of the state, or incites others to commit an offence. Anyone found guilty can be punished with imprisonment ranging from three months to five years and a fine. Abetment carries a punishment of up to two years' imprisonment and a fine." SPECIAL COURTS TO DIRECT MEDIA HOUSES The draft bill states that special courts may be established to issue directions to media houses to correct or take down content. Non-compliance can lead to up to two years' imprisonment and a daily fine of Rs 25,000. 'For the purpose of providing for speedy trial of offences under this Act, the State Government shall, with concurrence of the Chief Justice of the High Court of Karnataka, by notification in the Official Gazette, establish Special Court comprising a Sessions Judge," the draft bill states. CONTROVERSIAL 'SANATAN' CLAUSE TO BE DROPPED? 'The first 'so-called draft' seen in the public domain was fake. We have been working on a comprehensive one that will control misinformation and also ensure that people get what is 'real news'," a source in the IT/BT ministry said. The bill had come under fire from several quarters after the draft included terms flagged as excessive, especially a clause that proposed a seven-year jail term for the 'publication of content amounting to disrespect of Sanatan symbols and beliefs on social media platforms". This clause was among the most controversial and is likely to be dropped or reworded, sources said. The revised version is presently under scrutiny of the IT BT, home, and law departments. The first two are reviewing the penal clauses, which were earlier flagged for their severity. Officials involved in the review said several portions of the earlier draft had been directly lifted from the Union government's 2019 Fake News (Prohibition) Bill. 'It mentions ministers like information and broadcasting, which is not even a state subject. Section 15, which deals with company offences, was also reportedly taken verbatim from Section 7 of the Union bill. All of this, officials said, has now been reviewed and reworked in the revised version. Even the Rs 10 lakh penalty was copied from the Centre's bill, all of it had to be reviewed and worked upon," a senior official told News18. In April last year, the ministry of corporate affairs introduced the draft Digital Competition Act to tackle anti-competitive behaviour by tech giants such as Google, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft and X. In a similar development, X Corp (formerly Twitter) filed a writ petition in the Karnataka High Court in March, questioning the Centre's powers under Section 69A of the IT Act after being ordered to block more than 8,000 accounts in India. Later that year, Meta was fined Rs 213.14 crore by the Competition Commission of India for alleged violations of competition law linked to WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy, which reportedly allowed data to be shared across Meta platforms. WhatsApp was also asked to trace the origin of flagged messages, raising questions around its end-to-end encryption. It has challenged the 2021 IT Rules in the Delhi HC. State IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge had earlier told News18: 'We're not trying to change any policy but only trying to strengthen what already exists and ensure that there is 'news' and not misinformation that is given out to people," adding, 'the idea is to look at what already exists, connect the dots, and bring out an effective bill." Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Misinformation view comments Location : Bengaluru, India, India First Published: July 29, 2025, 06:30 IST News politics 'Fake News' Clause Removed: Karnataka Govt RevisMisinformation Bill After Facing Flak Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
BBMP to launch online platform for Khata applications in 15 days; Urges citizens to avoid office visits or pay bribes
Bengaluru's municipal corporation, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), will roll out an online system for A-Khata applications within the next 15 days, officials said. The platform will enable citizens to apply for conversion from B-Khata to A-Khata, or submit a fresh application if they currently have no khata for their property. BBMP will launch an online system in 15 days for A-Khata applications, allowing B-Khata conversions and fresh applications, officials said. (Representational Image)(Unsplash) The government has issued a clear advisory to citizens, urging them not to visit BBMP offices. 'Do not bribe anyone. The system will be entirely online,' a statement issued by BBMP said. This digital-only route aims to eliminate the long-standing malpractices that have plagued the khata issuance process in the city for years, officials said A-Khata is an essential document for property owners in Karnataka, necessary for obtaining building approvals, loans, and ensuring full legal recognition of ownership. While A-Khata properties are considered legally compliant and tax-paid, B-Khata properties often fall under irregular or revenue layouts, limiting the owner's access to basic civic services and legal transactions. By enabling online applications, the BBMP seeks to overhaul a process that has traditionally involved prolonged delays. Officials said thousands of property owners across the city stand to benefit, particularly those in newly developed layouts or those struggling to get clear titles for resale and loan approvals. Also Read: 'B-Khata properties registered before Sep 30, 2024, are now A-Khata', says Karnataka deputy CM Until the system goes live, officials have advised the property owners to refrain from engaging with agents or visiting BBMP offices. This month, the Karnataka State Cabinet approved the regularisation of B-Khata properties issued by BBMP up to September 2024. This move upgrades them to A-Khata status, granting access to essential civic amenities and providing long-awaited legal clarity to property owners. 'When giving it, we will specify the parameters. If property owners comply with the parameters, then B-Khata will be issued,' Law Minister HK Patil said, addressing the reporters after the Cabinet meeting on July 18. Also Read: What Karnataka's move to exempt small plots from Occupancy Certificates means for Bengaluru's real estate market Experts say that once regularised, B-Khata property owners will get certificates granting legal status, enabling sales, bank loans, and mortgages previously not allowed. On July 14, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar posted on social media platform X that B-Khata properties registered before September 30, 2024, will be 'now A-Khata.''Good news for Bengaluru! The long wait is over; BKhata properties registered before September 30, 2024, are now 'A Khata.' This landmark reform ensures legal ownership, access to essential civic services, and finally puts an end to years of uncertainty. With this reform, we are bringing long- overdue order to the system and ensuring a more planned, inclusive, and empowered Bengaluru,' he wrote on X.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
No need to worry about border dispute; Mahajan report is final: Minister HK Patil
Pic: Minister held a meeting with Kannada organisations on Saturday Belagavi: Minister for law, parliamentary affairs and tourism, HK Patil, stated that Kannadigas need not worry about the cases in the Supreme Court regarding the border dispute, as Maharashtra's case is a constitutional matter. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Presiding over a meeting with leaders of pro-Kannada organisations at the deputy commissioner's office on Saturday, minister HK Patil mentioned that the language dispute is also an election issue in Maharashtra. Therefore, there should be no concern about this. The Karnataka govt agreed to form the Mahajan Commission, respecting the federal system of the country. Our stance is that the Mahajan report is the solution to the border dispute. The minister clarified that it is the firm decision of the Karnataka state that if they agree, they should accept the Mahajan report; otherwise, the status quo should continue. The harmonious life of Kannada-Marathi is a model for the entire country. Those who are making unnecessary noise should understand this and change their mindset, he suggested. Steps will also be taken to rectify the inconveniences faced by Kannadigas in the state of Goa. In addition to taking all measures to prevent injustice against Kannadigas in Goa, this matter will also be discussed with the central govt, he said. Some steps will have to be taken to withdraw the cases against pro-Kannada activists. The attention of the concerned will be drawn to it, he clarified. Action to strengthen border schools Border in-charge minister HK Patil assured that appropriate action will be taken after discussing in detail with the education minister, along with the Belagavi delegation, regarding the necessary steps to strengthen Kannada schools on the state's border, including Belagavi. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Public allowed to view Vidhana Soudha The Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru has been converted into a tourist attraction by providing access to the public. Similarly, action will be taken at the govt level to provide access to the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi. Special funds provided for the celebration of the Belagavi Kannada Rajyotsava on the model of Mysuru Dasara will be examined. He instructed the officials of the Kannada and culture department to do more to provide encouragement to border artists. While constructing a flyover at Channamma Circle, a large-sized Channamma statue will be installed. The minister said that a plan is being formulated for this. Kittur Karnataka Sena President Mahadev Talwar, Abhilash, leader of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV- Praveen Shetty faction), Srinivas Talurakar, president of Sarvodaya Swayamseva Sansthe, Deepak Gudaganatti, district president of KRV, and pro-Kannada activist Mehboob Makanadar participated. MLA Vishwas Vaidya, DC Mohammed Roshan, police commissioner Bhushan Borase, zilla panchayat CEO Rahul Shinde, superintendent of police Bhimashankar Guled, and pro-Kannada organisation leader Ashok Chandaragi were present.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Belagavi faces renewed tensions over mandatory Kannada signboards ahead of Ganeshotsav
Belagavi: The city, known for its linguistic sensitivity, is once again on edge over a fresh controversy surrounding the mandatory use of Kannada on signboards. With Ganeshotsav approaching next month, the police department is grappling with growing tensions between Kannada enforcement and opposition from Marathi outfits. The situation escalated after personnel from Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) removed a Marathi-only signboard put up by a Ganeshotsav Mandal at Patil Galli near Shani Mandal on Friday. In defiance, the Mandal reinstalled the board on Saturday and called upon other Mandals to follow suit, intensifying the standoff. All this occurred on the day when the border in-charge minister, HK Patil, was in Belagavi. After BCC personnel removed the board of the Ganeshotsav Mandal on Friday evening at Patil Galli, the situation was tense. On Saturday, the office bearers of various Ganesh Mandals visited city police commissioner Bhushan Borase to detail the situation. They cautioned that it was the board welcoming the public for Ganeshotsav. Targeting such boards just because they are in the Marathi language does not send a good message and may also impact the upcoming Ganesh festival in the city, where more than 370 mandals install Ganesh idols in public places for 11 days. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mini House for 60 sqm for Seniors with Toilet and Bath (Price May Surprise You) Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Responding to them, police commissioner Borase mentioned holding discussions with the BCC commissioner in this regard. This is not the first incident in the past fortnight on linguistic grounds. The controversy started simmering since the visit of Kannada Development Authority (KDA) chairman, Purushottam Bilimale, to Belagavi city a fortnight ago. During the meeting with Bilimale, the leaders of Kannada outfits appreciated the govt officials who achieved 80% success in Kannada implementation on the signboards in the city according to the govt guidelines. They demanded achieving 100% success. Accordingly, the KDA head instructed the officials to put in efforts to achieve 100% success. Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) strongly opposed the statement of the KDA chief and submitted a memorandum to the district minister Satish Jarkiholi and DC Mohammad Roshan, urging them to stop targeting Marathi boards in the city. Meanwhile, at the demand of Kannada outfits, Kannada number plates were installed on the cars of BCC mayor Mangesh Pawar and deputy mayor Vani Vilas Joshi, which was also opposed by the MES members. After that, mayor Mangesh Pawar stopped using the BCC car. However, the police found a middle way and installed number plates with both English and Kannada numbers. The linguistic controversy also resonated in the BCC Council meeting held on Saturday, with the MES member demanding BCC documents in the Marathi language. Condemning the demand, Kannada outfits tried to enter the meeting hall in protest. The Kannada outfits also raised the issue with minister HK Patil during an interaction on Saturday. The series of incidents have helped the Marathi outfits to organise and fight back.
