Latest news with #PrashobhDevanahalli
India.com
11 hours ago
- Business
- India.com
10-Hour Work Rule?! Amid Employee Protests, Here's What Karnataka Govt Has To Say
Reported by Prashobh Devanahalli Bengaluru: The Karnataka government's proposal to extend daily working hours from 9 to 10 especially for employees in the IT sector has stirred strong reactions. Labour unions, including the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), have slammed the idea, calling it 'modern digital slavery' and raising concerns over employee rights and work-life balance. KITU warned that such a shift would disrupt the existing three-shift system prevalent in tech companies, potentially replacing it with a two-shift structure. This could result in significant job losses, with up to one-third of workers at risk. The union also highlighted serious health and mental well-being implications, citing the sector's growing incidents of stress-related illnesses, burnout, and even suicides. 'This proposal undermines fundamental rights to personal time, health, and dignity at work,' said a KITU representative. 'It prioritises corporate convenience over human lives. We urge all IT and ITeS employees in Karnataka to stand together and oppose this in the strongest terms.' Clarification from Labour Minister In response to the backlash, Karnataka's Labour Minister, Shri Santhosh Lad, issued a detailed press release clarifying that the initiative to amend work-hour regulations was not introduced by the state government but was instead proposed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. According to the minister, the proposal stems from a task force constituted by the Central Government, led by Mr. Manoj Joshi, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Land Resources. This committee held consultations with Karnataka's Chief Secretary and senior state officials. The two key amendments proposed by the Centre are: 1. An increase in the maximum daily working hours from 9 to 10. 2. Raising the threshold for mandatory compliance under the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act to workplaces with 10 or more employees. These proposals were forwarded by the Labour Commissioner of Karnataka to the Secretary of the Labour Department on May 30, 2025. The Secretary is now conducting stakeholder consultations with employee unions, industry representatives, and legal advisors to examine the implications. 'To clarify, the proposed changes have been initiated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. The state is currently evaluating the matter through a consultative process,' said Shri Santhosh Lad. Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders A stakeholder meeting chaired by Labour Secretary Rohini Sindhuri was recently held at Vikas Soudha. Participants included representatives from labour unions, trade bodies such as FKCCI, hotel owners, and business leaders. While business owners welcomed the potential for operational flexibility and weekly offs, unions remained firmly opposed. 'We support the proposal if it guarantees two days off per week or additional compensation for extended work hours,' said P.C. Rao, President of the Bangalore Hotel Owners' Association. Sources suggest that a final decision is pending cabinet approval, and the proposed amendments may be tabled during the upcoming session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. As debates intensify, all eyes remain on the government's next steps and how it will balance economic imperatives with employee welfare in one of India's fastest-growing tech hubs.
India.com
11 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
Karnataka Government Increases Housing Quota For Muslim Community From 10% To 15%
Reported By: Prashobh Devanahalli In a significant move aimed at enhancing social welfare, the Karnataka government has approved an increase in the housing quota for the Muslim community under various housing schemes. The reservation has been raised from the existing 10 per cent to 15 per ecnt, following a proposal passed in today's cabinet meeting. The decision will be applicable to all housing initiatives run by the state's Department of Housing in both rural and urban areas. The revised quota is expected to benefit a larger section of the Muslim population, ensuring better access to government-supported housing projects. While addressing the media, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar said, 'This decision has been taken keeping in mind the population ratio and the underutilization of several housing projects. It is essential to fill these vacancies, and the Muslim community, given its population share, deserves increased representation in welfare housing." He also took a swipe at the opposition, stating, 'The BJP has no agenda other than playing politics in the name of Muslims. Our government is committed to inclusive development, and this move is a step in that direction.' The Congress-led state government had earlier introduced provisions to extend reservation benefits to minority communities in government contracts as well. This latest move adds another layer of affirmative action targeting improved living conditions for minorities, particularly the Muslim community. The enhanced quota is expected to roll out soon, with guidelines being framed for its implementation.
India.com
21-04-2025
- India.com
If Law Doesn't Help Me...: Indian Air Force Officer Assaulted, Wife Abused In Bengaluru In Road Rage Incident
By Prashobh Devanahalli Indian Air Force Officer Bengaluru Attack Case: An Indian Air Force officer has alleged that he was assaulted and verbally abused by Kannada-speaking individuals who chased him on a bike in Bengaluru early Monday morning, while he was on his way to the airport with his wife, who is also an IAF officer. A case has now been registered by the Bengaluru Police against unknown individuals in connection with the incident. A disturbing video of him explaining the incident has been shared on his Instagram, showing the officer with his face and neck covered in blood. In the video, he identifies himself as Wing Commander Adityus Bozon and narrates the sequence of events, claiming he was attacked following a road rage incident. 'My name is Wing Commander Adityus Bozon, this is my wife, Squadron Leader Madhumita. We stay in DRDO, CV Raman Nagar Phase 1. This morning, my wife was driving me to the airport, and suddenly a bike came from behind and stopped our vehicle. I will show you my dashcam video also. He came out and started abusing me in Kannada. Then seeing that my car has a DRDO sticker, he says, 'you DRDO people' and many things in Kannada. Then he abused my wife. I couldn't bear it. When I was coming outside, immediately he took his keys and hit me on my head (forehead) taking my blood out. I stood there shouting, that this is how you people treat a person from army, from navy, from the defence forces? More people came, and surprisingly all started abusing us that we were doing wrong things. That person, he took a stone out, and started to hit my car. I tried to stop and he hit me on the head. See the blood and this is my condition. My wife was there thankfully to take me out. We went to the police station, presently, no response. We are going to the hospital as asked by them," said the IAF officer. He further said, "But this is what Karnataka has become. I believed in Karnataka, but seeing this truth, reality I couldn't believe it.. god help us. God gave me the power not to retaliate. Tomorrow, if Law and order doen't help me, I will retaliate and these people will have it. Please help me.' While the exact location of the incident is yet to be officially confirmed, the officer said it occurred while they were on their way from CV Raman Nagar to the airport. In a second video posted after the incident, Wing Commander Bozon explained that he had a flight to Kolkata today morning to visit his ailing father. He described the assault as a 'shocking' episode that deeply affected him and his family.
