Latest news with #KarnatakaTransparencyinPublicProcurements
The Hindu
11 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Karnataka hikes housing scheme quota for minorities from 10% to 15%
The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday (June 19, 2025) approved a proposal to increase the reservation from 10% to 15% for minorities under various State government housing schemes. Briefing the Cabinet decisions after the meeting, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil said the move was based on the disproportionately high number of houseless individuals among minority communities in both urban and rural areas. Muslims form the bulk of the minority population in Karnataka. Norm in Centre The Law Minister pointed out that the Centre had issued guidelines and it had already provides 15% allocation for minorities, and Karnataka was following it. Minority communities have long been requesting the hike in quota in the housing schemes, he added. The decision will apply to all housing schemes implemented by different departments, including Housing and Urban Development, across the State. While the opposition BJP criticised it as 'appeasement politics', Mr. Patil said the decision showed the government's commitment to equitable housing. ''Housing for All' is the key slogan of the Congress government, and we are committed to ensuring that every citizen has access to a home,' he said. Many houseless individuals belong to downtrodden communities and minorities, and the decision to increase the quota reflects this ground reality, he said. 'The government is firm in its stand that all houseless individuals, regardless of their community, should be provided with housing,' Mr. Patil said. Defending the decision, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said, 'There is a large urban population, and many minorities and poor people are part of it.' In contracts Thursday's decision was followed by the government's proposal to extend quota benefits for Muslims in contract allocations, indicating a bigger push for minorities in welfare initiatives. The State legislature passed the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed to provide a 4% quota for Muslims in government contracts of under ₹2 crore. The BJP legislators was strongly opposed the Bill. After returning it twice, the Governor has forwarded the Bill for President's assent.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Panchayat officials must improve efficiency: ZP CEO
Mandya: Taluk panchayat executive officers and panchayat development officers (PDOs) must perform their duties with efficiency, discipline, and integrity—earning recognition while avoiding public complaints, said zilla panchayat chief executive officer KR Nandini. Addressing a grievance redressal meeting for PDOs at Ambedkar Bhavan, Nandini emphasised the importance of self-satisfaction in public service and noted that several PDOs in the district were recognised for their exemplary work. To further encourage performance, she announced that PDOs' health will be assessed every six months, and those demonstrating exceptional work will receive awards in the presence of their families. 17,500 register for summer camp Citing the successful registration of 17,500 children for summer camps organised across all gram panchayats in the district, Nandini attributed the achievement to effective coordination between taluk panchayat executive officers and PDOs. She underscored the need for continued teamwork to serve the public efficiently. PDOs and panchayat staff were encouraged to openly share administrative concerns. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Nandini directed that taluk panchayat executive officers should conduct monthly two-to-three-hour meetings with PDOs to listen to and resolve issues. She clarified the grievance escalation protocol: unresolved complaints at the taluk level should be forwarded to the district authorities. Additionally, PDO association office bearers have been tasked with organising regular meetings at both taluk and district levels. Nodal officers assigned to each taluk will be available every Monday and Thursday from 3 to 4pm at the district headquarters to hear public grievances. The IAS officer raised serious concerns over violations of Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) rules in gram panchayats. She instructed PDOs to strictly follow the 60:40 ratio policy in planning and ensure that financial transactions during general meetings adhere to the financial code and KTPP norms. Prashanth Babu, president of Mandya district unit of the Karnataka State Panchayat Development Officers' Welfare Association (R), Bengaluru, commended the district CEO for initiating a platform to address PDOs' challenges. He mentioned delayed salary payments across taluks.
