Connect with us

Karnataka

Free travel for all women in state buses from tomorrow: Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy announces

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said in Bengaluru on Tuesday that travel in government buses will be completely free for all women in the state and will come into force from tomorrow.

Published

on

Free travel for all women in state buses from tomorrow: Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy announces
Photo:Twitter/@DarshanDevaiahB

Bengaluru: Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said in Bengaluru on Tuesday that travel in government buses will be completely free for all women in the state and will come into force from tomorrow.

He held a meeting with the officials of four state transport corporations and said that the promise of free travel for women in government buses, one of the 5 guarantee schemes given by the Congress government to the people of the state before the elections, will be implemented without any conditions.

There is no condition that only women with BPL card can travel free in government buses. Free travel for all women with BPL-APL card, he said.

Transport officials have given three or four options. Let the government say about the condition but our manifesto was free for all women. We will give the report of the transport department in the cabinet tomorrow. He said there is no doubt that the free bus travel guarantee will come into force tomorrow.

An estimated 3,200 crores will be required to implement the scheme every year. In the meeting, the officials requested that the government would provide subsidy in view of the fact that the four corporations of the transport department are making losses.

He held a meeting with senior officials of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) today and discussed the guidelines for implementing the guarantee. The issues discussed in the meeting will be presented to the Chief Minister in the form of a report. He has already spoken to the principal secretaries of the transport department yesterday. The Principal Secretary of the Transport Department submits a report to the CM. He said that the Chief Minister will discuss with the officials and decide to implement the plan.

Mangaluru

Karnataka’s Largest Drug Haul: MDMA Worth ₹75 Crore Seized in Major Crackdown

In a significant breakthrough, Karnataka police have confiscated a record-breaking consignment of MDMA valued at approximately ₹75 crore. This marks the state’s largest-ever drug seizure, showcasing law enforcement’s commitment to curbing illegal narcotics activities. Details of the Seizure During a well-coordinated operation, authorities intercepted the massive drug shipment in Karnataka’s coastal region. The contraband, identified […]

Published

on

Karnataka’s Largest Drug Haul: MDMA Worth ₹75 Crore Seized in Major Crackdown
Image by pexels-mart-production-7230226 (Representational purposes only)

In a significant breakthrough, Karnataka police have confiscated a record-breaking consignment of MDMA valued at approximately Rs.75 crore. This marks the state’s largest-ever drug seizure, showcasing law enforcement’s commitment to curbing illegal narcotics activities.

Details of the Seizure

During a well-coordinated operation, authorities intercepted the massive drug shipment in Karnataka’s coastal region. The contraband, identified as MDMA (commonly known as Ecstasy), was reportedly being smuggled into the state for distribution across major cities.

Investigation and Arrests

The police confirmed that multiple suspects have been arrested in connection with the bust. Investigators are working to uncover the broader network involved in the smuggling operation. Preliminary findings indicate that the seized drugs were intended to fuel illicit party scenes and underground markets.

Law Enforcement’s Vigilance

Authorities emphasized that this successful operation reflects their proactive approach to combat the rising threat of synthetic drug abuse. The police have intensified surveillance efforts in key regions identified as high-risk zones for drug trafficking.

Public Awareness and Safety

Officials urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Awareness campaigns are being planned to educate youth about the dangers of MDMA consumption and its harmful effects on mental and physical health.

Future Measures

Karnataka’s police department is strengthening collaborations with national and international agencies to prevent drug smuggling at its roots. This record seizure serves as a stern warning to organized crime groups involved in illicit activities.

This remarkable achievement highlights Karnataka’s unwavering stance in tackling drug abuse and ensuring public safety across the state.

Continue Reading

Karnataka

Karnataka Govt Grants 4% Quota for Muslim Contractors in Projects

In a recent move aimed at promoting inclusivity, the Karnataka government has announced a 4% reservation for Muslim contractors in public development projects. This decision aligns with the state’s ongoing efforts to ensure equitable opportunities for minority communities. Key Details of the Quota System The newly introduced 4% reservation will be applicable to contractors from […]

Published

on

Karnataka Govt Grants 4% Quota for Muslim Contractors in Projects
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

In a recent move aimed at promoting inclusivity, the Karnataka government has announced a 4% reservation for Muslim contractors in public development projects. This decision aligns with the state’s ongoing efforts to ensure equitable opportunities for minority communities.

Key Details of the Quota System

The newly introduced 4% reservation will be applicable to contractors from the Muslim community who are bidding for government tenders and contracts in the development sector. The initiative is part of the broader strategy to enhance minority representation in economic activities and public infrastructure projects.

Rationale Behind the Decision

State officials have highlighted that the decision was influenced by the need to address disparities faced by minority groups in securing public contracts. By allocating a specific quota, the government aims to empower marginalized communities and improve their participation in economic growth.

Positive Impact on Minority Empowerment

The policy is expected to create new opportunities for Muslim entrepreneurs, enabling them to actively contribute to the state’s infrastructure development. Moreover, it aligns with the government’s goal to promote social justice and economic inclusivity.

Criticism and Support

While some political figures and industry leaders have welcomed the move, others have expressed concerns about its potential impact on competition and merit-based selection. Nevertheless, government authorities remain firm that this step will foster a more balanced economic landscape.

Implementation and Future Outlook

Authorities have announced that clear guidelines will be provided to ensure smooth implementation of the new reservation policy. The state government is also planning awareness campaigns to educate eligible contractors about the benefits and application process.

This initiative underscores Karnataka’s commitment to fostering equal opportunities for all communities, promoting inclusive development, and supporting minority empowerment through targeted policies.

Continue Reading

Karnataka

Karnataka DGP Ramachandra Rao Sent on Leave Over Daughter’s Gold Smuggling Case

Bengaluru, Karnataka — In a significant development, Karnataka’s Director General of Police (DGP) for the Police Housing Corporation, K Ramachandra Rao, has been mandated to take compulsory leave following the arrest of his daughter, Sandalwood actress Ranya Rao, in a gold smuggling case. Background of the Incident On March 3, 2025, the Directorate of Revenue […]

Published

on

Karnataka DGP Ramachandra Rao Sent on Leave Over Daughter’s Gold Smuggling Case
For representational purpose only

Bengaluru, Karnataka — In a significant development, Karnataka’s Director General of Police (DGP) for the Police Housing Corporation, K Ramachandra Rao, has been mandated to take compulsory leave following the arrest of his daughter, Sandalwood actress Ranya Rao, in a gold smuggling case.

Background of the Incident

On March 3, 2025, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended Ranya Rao at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru. She was allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.2 kilograms of gold into the country from Dubai. Notably, a police constable assigned to protocol duties for IPS officers was reportedly escorting her during this incident. The constable claimed he was instructed to receive Ranya upon her arrivals and was unaware of any illicit activities.

Implications for DGP Ramachandra Rao

Prior to this controversy, DGP Ramachandra Rao was a leading candidate for the position of Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG-IGP), the highest rank in the state police hierarchy. However, the unfolding scandal has cast a shadow over his prospects. The state government’s decision to place him on compulsory leave aims to prevent potential embarrassment, especially as central agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) intensify their probes into the matter, citing national security concerns.

Ranya Rao’s Response

From Bengaluru Central Prison, Ranya Rao addressed a five-page letter dated March 6 to the DRI’s Additional Director-General. In her correspondence, she denied her father’s involvement in the smuggling operation and asserted her own innocence, claiming she was falsely implicated. Ranya also alleged mistreatment during her apprehension, stating she was physically assaulted by officials.

Ongoing Investigations

The case has attracted the attention of multiple central investigative agencies, including the CBI and ED, due to its potential implications on national security. These agencies are delving deeper into the smuggling network and examining any possible connections within the state’s administrative framework.

Continue Reading

Trending