Latest news with #ParliamentaryAffairs
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Minister H.K. Patil reviews progress of various tourism projects in Kalaburagi
H.K. Patil, Minister for Law, Justice, Human Rights, Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Tourism, conducted his department's progress review meeting on Saturday regarding various tourism projects identified under the 2020-25 Karnataka Tourism Policy. During the meeting held at the old Aiwan-e-Shahi guest house, Mr. Patil engaged with officials to assess the status of ongoing projects and sought updates on pending works. Anusuyya M. Huggar, deputy director of the Tourism Department, said that the concept report for ₹83.5 crore has been prepared for the development of Ganagapura in Afzalpur taluk and submitted to the government for approval. She stated that once funds are released, all essential infrastructure for tourism development would be provided. Additionally, a ₹100 lakh pilgrim accommodation project at Gattargi village is progressing. Officials also briefed the Minister on proposals submitted for the development of tourist destinations. Mr. Patil promised that he would work closely with relevant authorities to expedite the release of funds for tourism projects. He also highlighted that the 2024-25 Budget included plans for water adventure sports and tourism activities at Chandramapalli reservoir, which have recently commenced. The Minister added that several key tourist sites in Kalaburagi district were included under the 'Tourism Mitra' scheme, with 48 personnel appointed to assist visitors. Mr. Patil added that unemployed individuals would receive four to five months of skill development training, and ₹5 lakh financial assistance for mobile canteen operations under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) for Scheduled Castes and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) to Scheduled Tribes. Three new proposals have been submitted, including land allocations for tourism activities in Atanur in Afzalpur taluk (2 acres, 30 guntas) and Kesartagi in Kalaburagi taluk (3.5 acres). Officials informed the Minister that ₹1,359 crore has been sanctioned for tourism projects across six implementing agencies. Rajaram, assistant director of Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, said that the discussions were on in his department for heritage conservation efforts at Nagavi's 60 Pillar temple, Nandeshwara temple, Kari mosque, Sanjeevini Anjaneya temple, and archaeological exploration at Madhusudana temple. He added that a detailed project report was submitted for Kanaganahalli Information Centre in Chittapur taluk, with site inspections conducted by Dwijaa Associates and IDIC Bengaluru.
New Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Meghwal, Khattar emerge as frontrunners for BJP national president
NEW DELHI: Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, along with fellow Union Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar, Bhupender Yadav, and Dharmendra Pradhan, as well as other potential candidates, including a woman, is emerging as a frontrunner for the BJP's top organisational position - the national president. Meghwal, a former civil servant from Rajasthan's Bikaner, was awarded the Best Parliamentarian in 2013. He currently serves as the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, and also holds the Ministry of Law and Justice portfolio in the current Modi cabinet. Considered one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trusted allies, Meghwal has strong ties to the RSS and significant support from the organisation. An added advantage is his background as a member of the Dalit community, having been elected three times as MP from the SC-reserved Lok Sabha constituency. Notably, Meghwal is regarded as one of the BJP's key floor managers during parliamentary sessions, particularly in handling challenges from the Opposition. He has also played a pivotal role in passing crucial legislations, including the abrogation of Article 370. After Meghwal, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is being cited as the second most prominent contender, with a strong likelihood of emerging as the party's most formidable and consensus candidate to succeed incumbent JP Nadda. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, who previously served as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh with numerous achievements to his credit, is also being considered as a top contender, alongside Meghwal, Khattar, and others. Other names speculated for the party president's post include Bhupender Yadav, a strong OBC face from the Yadav community, which holds significant electoral influence in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and Dharmendra Pradhan, both of whom are serving ministers in the Modi government. Sources within the party said on Sunday that preparations for the organisational elections are progressing quietly, with the candidate for national president expected to be announced by the first or second week of May. 'Required organisational formalities in many states have been completed and process for making a consensus on a suitable candidate from a shortlist of 6-7 names, including a woman, is expected to be made by May first and second week,' said a senior BJP leader. When asked by TNIE , a BJP source revealed that the woman leader being considered is Vanathi Srinivasan, an MLA from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and the national president of the BJP Women's Front. When asked about the name of the Andhra Pradesh BJP president being considered as a potential candidate, a senior BJP source said, 'She has not been with the BJP for the past 15 years and being in the party as a primary member for the last 15 years is required as a point in the election for the party president for a candidate.' Daggubati Purandeswari joined the BJP in 2014 from Congress and is currently heading the party as state president since 2023 after she joined the party. 'Therefore, her chances of being nominated as the party's consensus candidate are now seem not strong', remarked the sources, adding the names of Vinod Tawde and Arun Singh.
The Hindu
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Minister expresses concern over meat being cut and sold near Hampi heritage site
Merely celebrating the Hampi Utsav is not enough, we must honour and preserve our historical and archaeological heritage, according to Minister for Law, Justice, Human Rights, Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Tourism H.K. Patil Addressing media persons after visiting the tomb of the great Vijayanagara emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya in Anegundi near the World Heritage Site of Hampi on Tuesday, Mr. Patil, who is also Gadag district in-charge, expressed deep concern over recent reports that meat is being sold near the heritage site. 'The tomb of Sri Krishnadevaraya, supported by 64 pillars, is a monument of immense historical and cultural value. The reported incident of meat being cut and sold at such a sacred location is deeply distressing. Though locals say that it may have happened accidentally, we cannot take such matters lightly,' he said. The Minister confirmed that FIRs have already been registered against three individuals in Anegundi in connection with the incident. Emphasizing the importance of preserving Karnataka's rich cultural legacy, he called upon all Kannadigas to come together in safeguarding the State's archaeological heritage. He also announced that beautification efforts around the Krishnadevaraya tomb will begin this year and promised that minor repairs to the 64-pillared structure will be carried out soon. 'It is our collective responsibility to protect these historic sites and ensure that such incidents are not repeated,' he added. Anegundi Gram Panchayat president Huligemma echoed the Minister's sentiments, describing the incident as accidental and assuring that strict measures will be initiated to prevent recurrence. She added that Sri Krishnadevaraya was a figure of pride for the region. The visit saw the presence of Lok Sabha member from Koppal K. Rajashekhar Basavaraj Hitnal, a descendant of the Vijayanagara royal family Lalita Rani, along with Sri Krishnadevarayalu, Deputy Director of the State Archaeology Department R. Shijeshwar, Assistant Commissioner Capt. Mahesh Malagatti, District Guarantee Implementation Authority Chairperson Reddy Srinivas and Assistant Director of the Tourism Department Nagaraj, among others.
