An Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) for Karnataka is a dream come true. While its location is still a question, Members of Parliament are lobbying hard to get the premier institute established in their own pocket borough.
Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda wants the IIT in Hassan, where 1,057 acres of land was acquired for it in 2007. Former Union Minister M. Veerappa Moily has gone all-out projecting his constituency, Chickballapur, as the ideal location as it is close to Bengaluru international airport. As for BJP MPs, unanimity seems to be eluding them. Pralhad Joshi, Dharwad MP, met Human Resources Development Minister Smriti Irani to request her to choose his constituency for the institute. Suresh Angadi, his colleague in Parliament, is lobbying hard for Belagavi, while B.S. Yeddyurappa, MP, is pushing for Shivamogga. People of north Karnataka are favouring Raichur, citing that the D.M. Nanjundappa committee on regional imbalances had recommended so. But IITians, who have studied in other locations, differ with politicians and strongly advocate for Bengaluru. According to them, this is where the institute can establish the industry-academic linkage and attract talented faculty. Eventually, which of them will have their way? Watch this space.
called Bhagya
While the previous UPA government rolled out schemes named after Gandhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has launched a host of populist schemes named ‘Bhagya’ (meaning good fortune). Check the various schemes announced by the Congress government during the first two years of its rule — Anna Bhagya, Krishi Bhagya, Shaadi Bhagya, Rajiv Arogya Bhagya and even Bachchalu (bathroom) Bhagya. In his latest budget on Friday, Mr. Siddaramaiah aimed his benevolence at one more space: Pashu Bhagya (animal fortune) — which promises subsidy to SC, ST, small and marginal farmers to start rearing sheep, goat, pig, cattle and poultry. Experts watching the scene say the series of populist schemes that the Chief Minister has been rolling out to woo his key support groups — the Dalits and OBCs — has started putting severe stress on public finances. The Opposition says suffixing the schemes with a ‘Bhagya’ will not drive out poverty and social ills. All this apart, it should not be forgotten that the BJP too, when in power, started an insurance scheme for the girl child. And it was called, what else, but ‘Bhagyalakshmi’.
to animal sacrifice
Animal Husbandry and Law Minister T.B. Jayachandra says he has become choosy about taking part in festivals because animals are sacrificed during certain temple fests. Despite many warnings and awareness drives, he says people continue to follow these rituals that were practised hundreds of years ago. While organisers and temple authorities defend animal sacrifice as a tradition, animal rights activists decry it as barbaric. The Minister, who recently met animal rights activists, suggested that urban local authorities set up new slaughter houses to end the inhuman practices followed in unauthorised abattoirs. Mr. Jayachandra, who in his capacity as the Animal Husbandry Minister heads the Animal Welfare Board, said the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act is stringent but its implementation is weak, because of lack of commitment among officials, in particular the police. The Minister said he is for slaughter-free religious festivities. But, will that be possible in the State? Not too long ago, Mr. Jayachandra was at the receiving end when he proposed an Anti-Superstition Bill.
The resounding welcome that BJP supporters recently gave L. Siddanagouda, when the Congress leader was named Chairman of the Hospet Urban Development Authority, has no doubt embarrassed taluk Congress workers. Supporters of B.S. Anand Singh, BJP MLA, put up hoardings and issued newspaper advertisements on the day Mr. Siddanagouda assumed charge. Many of these banners and advertisements were sponsored by Dharmendra Singh, a close associate and relative of Mr. Anand Singh, and who claims to be a social worker. What exactly prompted such unusual move from a rival camp? Was it just a nicety above politics or was it driven by any other motive? As for the recipient of this warmth from unusual quarters, Mr. Siddanagouda seemed unperturbed when he said he was unaware of the intention behind it. He brushed it off saying, “Some of my erstwhile supporters, who are now in the BJP, may have put them up. There is no need to break one’s head over it. I am with Congress and will continue to serve it.”
