MINISTER FOR STRINGENT ACTION AGAINST GAS DEALERS;

Madikeri October 16, 2006

Food and Civil supplies minister Govinda Karajola has instructed the officials concerned to take stringent action against the erring Gas dealers.

The ministers direction came here in a meeting called at the Inspection bungalow.

He reacted strongly as peoples representatives complained against irregularities at Gas dealing stations in parts of Kodagu. He directed the officials to inspect such places and drag them to court.

Former MLA Appachu Ranjan, Taluk panchayath president Talur Kishore Kumar and assistant director Devur informed the minister that they are receiving complaints from consumers against some of the agencies. Minister said that it is not enough even if they just issue notices, criminal complaint should be registered against them.

MLA K.G.Bopaiah complained that the fare price shops remain closed on Tuesdays on the direction of the department and consumers are inconvenienced by this. The minister said that though it is the direction of the government, the department here can keep the shops open on the required days like Sandy and close it on a convenient day. He also directed the officials to monitor the transactions of these shops and informed that the shops should be kept open till eight at night. Those who defy the direction should be punished, he said.

Assistant director B.B.Devur, Somwarpet Tahasildars Shakuntala, Madikeri tahasildar Somaiah and others were present during the meeting.

SAIKUMAR AS SP PRESIDENT;

Former chief minister S.Bangarappa has appointed Sai Kumar as his party chief in Kodagu.

The state secretary Madhu Bangarappa formally announced the appointment in a press conference held at Somwarpet on yesterday. Announcing the appointment, he stated that Samjwadi party is growing in strength in Karnataka as a result of the projects like Ashraya and Aradana implemented during Bagarappas rule in the state.

Bangarappa has a soft corner towards Kodagu and he will work for its development, he assured.

State office bearers P.Govinda Raju, Mrs.Mani, B.Karunakar and others were present.

SCRIBES SHOULD ACT WITH THE PULSE OF THE READER;

Journalists should study the pulse of the people and function accordingly, opined Journalist Khadri Achutan.

Kadri Achutan was addressing scribes here yesterday after inaugurating fifth anniversary of the Patrika Bhavan . He stated that changes and challenges faced by the media in the years have seen improvement in the quality and circulation of newspapers in India. Even radio or TV could not shake people’s faith in newspapers, he observed.

Addressing the gathering, Journalism lecturer from SDM College, Ujire Bhaskar Hegde called upon the journalists to act as doctors treating the society. He said that the society has hopes and faith in a journalist, and they should satisfy the need of the society.

Patrika Bhava Trustee T.P.ramesh addresse, Journalists association president Shashidar and press club president Anil H.T.Spoke on the occasion. Trustee B.G.Anantha shayana compered the programme.

Journalist Khadri achuta lighting the lamp. Bhaskar hedge, T.P.ramesh, Shashidar and Anil H.T. are seen.