Bad roads, open drains: Bengaluru residents form human chain to protest civic apathy

Civic Issues

Men, women and children came out with placards in hand for a peaceful gathering and formed a human chain between to protest against the terrible condition of the roads.

Soumya Chatterjee

Fed up with civic apathy, the residents of Bengaluru's Panathur-Balagere in Bellandur-Sarjapur area off the Outer Ring Road staged a demonstration on Sunday. Men, women and children came out with placards in hand for a peaceful gathering and formed a human chain between Orchid International School and Kadubeesanahalli Bridge. The residents said that the roads in the locality have been reduced to a dirt track for the last four months since the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) started laying underground pipes. Though the work was completed, the BWSSB did not restore the condition of the roads but let it remain half dug-up. Despite many complaints and representations, the area lacks basic infrastructures like even streetlights. These dangerous roads are leading to recurring road accidents and even resulting in death, the protestors said. In September 2018, the residents had held a similar protest after a 12-year-old boy was killed after a speeding water tanker ran over him. More recently, well-known citizen activist Amit Sharma who has been running from pillar to post to fix the condition of the roads, fell victim to the bad roads. In May, he fractured his arm after he lost control of his bike while trying to negotiate a large pothole. Sudhir Patnaik, one of the protestors, said, “We have been filing complaints with the authorities for many months now. But there has been no action. Right from school kids to senior citizens, all residents are suffering because of the bad roads. We do not have any basic amenities like proper drainage either.” He added, “Even with just a little bit of rain, the drains overflow and sewage spills over the streets.” Other protesters pointed out with the rain, the roads turn into mud pools, making the already tiresome Bengaluru traffic even worse, leading to children missing their school exams. Other conditions such as irregular garbage collection and open drains have been highlighted since the area came within the BBMP limits in 2013. Some of the placards even welcomed the Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy to choose their ward to start his ‘grama vastavya’ (village stay) programme.

Body 2: 

from Karnataka http://bit.ly/2Ri6XwA
via IFTTT

California goes even bigger on Obamacare

The state is advancing a sweeping health care package that could shape Democrats' debate over universal coverage.

from Health Care https://politi.co/2WFKESB
via IFTTT

How Bengaluru cops uncovered the smuggling of Ya Ba, a party drug in the city

Known as the madness drug, Ya Ba causes mood swings, prolonged period of sleep and depression and can even cause stroke.

TNM Staff

Bengaluru’s Central Crime Branch sleuths on Friday arrested a 27-year-old man named Jahangir Ghazi, who was in possession of 1,000 Ya Ba tablets, popularly known as Bhul Bhulaiya or the “madness drug”, worth Rs 10 lakh. Ya Ba is a mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine. Over three years ago, Jahangir Ghazi from West Bengal’s North 24 Parangas arrived in Bengaluru and soon began working as a construction labourer. However, it was over 18 months ago that Jahangir became acquainted with peddling drugs when he moved to Parappana Agrahara area. CCB sources say that Jahangir became acquainted with men from his home state, who were dealing upscale party drugs and reaping huge profits and he allegedly became a conduit, who smuggled drugs from Bangladesh. “We have interrogated him about how he began peddling drugs but we are yet to figure out who his accomplices were and who is running the racket. It was from his friends from West Bengal that he learnt of the drug named Ya Ba and decided to smuggle it into the city. He learnt that there is a huge demand for methamphetamine-based drugs in Bengaluru and so he became the man who smuggled the drug into the city,” a CCB official said. CCB sleuths had received intelligence about Jahangir’s alleged drug peddling in October 2018. The sleuths had even laid out a trap for Jahangir in December last year. However, he had evaded arrest and continued to peddle drugs. Upon his interrogation, police learned that Jahangir bought each tablet for Rs 300 and sold it to the dealers for Rs 900 to Rs 1,000. “The going rate for Ya Ba in Bengaluru is anywhere between Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,700 per pill. His customers were mostly college students and working professionals. Jahangir Ghazi never stayed in the same house for more than a week and he kept moving with precision to avoid arrest. We have been tracking his movements and we finally arrested him near his room in Parappana Agrahara,” the police added. The CCB sleuths boarded a train at Bangarpete on Friday and tracked his movements after he got off at Bengaluru railway station and went home, where he was nabbed. Jahangir has been booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. CCB sleuths, however, say that Jahangir was a known drug peddler but they had never heard about the drug named Ya Ba until 2017 and that it is a relatively new drug in the city. What is Ya Ba? Ya Ba, literally translates to mad drug in Laotian and was formerly known as ya khayan (hard-working pill) in the 1970s across South East Asia and later came to be known as ya ma (horse drug) as it was fed to horses lugging huge carts up the steep hills of Myanmar. It was only after 1996 that it came to be known under several slangs including Ya Ba (madness drug), kyethi (button). The drug is popularly known as baba, guti, laal and loppy in Bangladesh. However, it was after 2008 that the drug began to make its way across India via Manipur, a senior official with the Narcotics Control Bureau in Bengaluru says. The drug is WY and bhul bhulaiya in India. “Ya Ba comes in the form of pills. It is generally reddish-brown in colour and sometimes is orange or yellow and looks like a pharmaceutical-grade tablet. The ones brought to India that we have seen has the letters WY on it. They are small and round, roughly 6 mm in diameter and are stuffed into straws, pants pockets, wrapped up like chocolates, put into mouth freshener containers and transported. It is difficult to detect the drug and can be peddled easily,” the official added. Ya ba tablets are generally consumed orally. It is also melted and the fumes are inhaled, and also snorted. It can cause increased blood pressure, heart rate, damage blood vessels in the brain and can cause stroke, the official said. Officials with the NCB say that Ya Ba gives a powerful burst of energy, heightened libido activity and decreased appetite. It also causes mood swings and prolonged period of sleep and depression. Ya Ba in Bengaluru CCB sleuths say that they first heard of Ya Ba in February 2017 after the arrest of two Bangladeshi nationals in Koramangala. The CCB’s narcotics squad had searched a house on Hosur Road in Bommanahalli after receiving a tip-off and arrested Johny Khan alias Sujan, 26, and Raja Khan alias Rajob, 23. The police learned that the duo had been dealing drugs in the city for two years prior to the arrest. The police had seized 40 tablets, which they had not seen before and had sent it for forensic testing. “It was after their arrest that we had uncovered the first case of Ya Ba smuggling in Bengaluru. We had heard about a similar drug, which was being smuggled into North East India and soon realised that it was the same drug after the suspects were questioned,” CCB sources say. In September 2018, the CCB sleuths received a tip-off that another Bangladeshi national, residing in Begur named Sumon Shaik was dealing Ya Ba. The CCB police alerted Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) stationed at Kempegowda International Airport, who detained Shaik until the narcotics squad arrived to arrest him. “Compared to MDMA, cocaine and LSD, Ya Ba is relatively new to Bengaluru and has been under circulation since 2016. Since this is the third such case we have come across, we are looking to see whether these accused have any common connection and whether in the recent arrest, Jahangir was just a conduit or was much more,” the CCB source added. 

Body 2: 

from Karnataka http://bit.ly/2MQLxbh
via IFTTT

Karnataka wants GST compensation extended beyond 2022

Policy

Karnataka on Saturday sought extension of the Compensation Act beyond 2022 to bridge the revenue gap likely to arise out of a shortfall in the collection of GST.

IANS

Karnataka on Saturday sought extension of the Compensation Act beyond 2022 to bridge the revenue gap likely to arise out of a shortfall in the collection of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). "The Compensation Act should be extended beyond 2022 in case the revenue gap is not bridged by then to compensate our state, as envisaged in the Act," Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said at the fifth meeting of the governing council of Niti Aayog in New Delhi. As the GST regime has taken over the state's resource mobilisation efforts, the chief Minister said revenue shortfall would adversely impact developmental and other infrastructural projects across the state as well as the committed expenditure of the state government. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as Chairman of Niti Aayog, attended by its members and chief ministers from across the country. Addressing the council, the Chief Minister said though trends showed that the State GST (SGST) component of the GST has been on the rise, the revenue gap was being bridged by the assured compensation till 2022. "As our state will have limited scope to mobilise additional revenue beyond 2022, there would be a steep fall in our revenues by the end of fiscal 2022-23, as compared to protected revenue till fiscal 2021-22 due to the constitutionally guaranteed compensation," Kumaraswamy pointed out. Noting that the southern state would face a financial crunch after 2022 once the compensation ended, Kumaraswamy said it was time to devise a mechanism to overcome erosion of the state's tax base since the GST was being implemented with effect from July 1, 2017. "The state's revenues under the GST have not risen to our expectations despite our best efforts to bridge the gap and overcome the challenges faced in implementing it, he said. The state has taken steps to track non-filers and bill traders, data-analytic led enforcement and vigilance to detect suppression. "Capacity building programmes to tax officers, awareness to stakeholders and other measures have, however, had a positive impact in enhancement of revenue when compared to the previous fiscal," added the Chief Minister.

Body 2: 

from Karnataka http://bit.ly/2WKOk5E
via IFTTT

Karnataka wants GST compensation extended beyond 2022

Policy

"As our state will have limited scope to mobilise additional revenue beyond 2022, there would be a steep fall in our revenues by the end of fiscal 2022-23, as compared to protected revenue till fiscal 2021-22 due to the constitutionally guaranteed compens

IANS

Karnataka on Saturday sought extension of the Compensation Act beyond 2022 to bridge the revenue gap likely to arise out of a shortfall in the collection of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). "The Compensation Act should be extended beyond 2022 in case the revenue gap is not bridged by then to compensate our state, as envisaged in the Act," Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said at the fifth meeting of the governing council of Niti Aayog in New Delhi. As the GST regime has taken over the state's resource mobilisation efforts, the chief Minister said revenue shortfall would adversely impact developmental and other infrastructural projects across the state as well as the committed expenditure of the state government. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as Chairman of Niti Aayog, attended by its members and chief ministers from across the country. Addressing the council, the Chief Minister said though trends showed that the State GST (SGST) component of the GST has been on the rise, the revenue gap was being bridged by the assured compensation till 2022. "As our state will have limited scope to mobilise additional revenue beyond 2022, there would be a steep fall in our revenues by the end of fiscal 2022-23, as compared to protected revenue till fiscal 2021-22 due to the constitutionally guaranteed compensation," Kumaraswamy pointed out. Noting that the southern state would face a financial crunch after 2022 once the compensation ended, Kumaraswamy said it was time to devise a mechanism to overcome erosion of the state's tax base since the GST was being implemented with effect from July 1, 2017. "The state's revenues under the GST have not risen to our expectations despite our best efforts to bridge the gap and overcome the challenges faced in implementing it, he said. The state has taken steps to track non-filers and bill traders, data-analytic led enforcement and vigilance to detect suppression. "Capacity building programmes to tax officers, awareness to stakeholders and other measures have, however, had a positive impact in enhancement of revenue when compared to the previous fiscal," added the Chief Minister.

Body 2: 

from Karnataka http://bit.ly/2wZrQTS
via IFTTT

Bengaluru Transport Corporation cancels student bus pass fare hike after protests

Transport

The bus pass prices had been hiked somewhere between Rs 100-200 for students of various grades.

TNM Staff

Facing pressure and criticism from several quarters, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation on Saturday reversed its decision to increase the bus pass fares for students. Students' bus pass fare hiked by Rs 200 in B'luru, no more free rides for primary kids The bus pass fare was hiked somewhere between Rs 100-200 for students of various grades, depending upon whether they are studying in primary, high school or Pre-University. The student bus passes have been subject to concessions every year as the government bears 50% of the total cost, while the transport corporations bear 25% of the cost and students pay the remaining 25%. The decision was expected as even the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) had even withdrawn its hike of bus passes for students recently in the face of protests. “On Saturday, we received a communication from the Transport Department stating that the order allowing the Corporation to revise the student bus pass rate stands cancelled. We have rolled back the student bus pass rates, which will now be the same as last year,” a BMTC official told The Hindu. He added, “In a week, smart card (student bus pass) issue centres will be made operational in Majestic and other identified locations. Last year, we had issued 3.5 lakh smart cards. A majority of the cards will be renewed for the current academic year. In a couple of weeks, at least 50 centres will be made operational for issuing the cards.” Since Friday, the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) and other student organisation had been organising protests across the city and state to protest against the pass price hike. Speaking at the Mysore Bank Circle rally in Bengaluru on Saturday, Roshan L, District secretary of AIDSO, said, “Only a week ago, we were here raising our voices demanding immediate issuance of bus passes or to at least an alternate solution for students to commute without spending money. Now again we are here to demand our fundamental right, the right to education. Yes, the increase in bus pass fare hike directly affects a large section of students to further pursue education.” He added, “Students are not a source to mint money. It’s time that our governments realise their responsibilities well. Even after the commencement of colleges for a month now, bus passes have not been issued. This is a great burden to our parents and students. Moreover, it is the duty of the government to distribute bus passes on time and not wait for students to ask for them. It’s not that governments are providing any alms to students. Rather we, who pay tax for every little commodity that is purchased, are not scapegoats to bear undue fare hikes.”          

Body 2: 

from Karnataka http://bit.ly/2wWnZqY
via IFTTT

Bengaluru residents approach NGT against 102-km elevated corridor

Enviornment

Currently, there is an interim stay, put by the Karnataka High Court, on the contentious project.

TNM Staff

Bengaluru activists opposing the 102-km controversial elevated corridor have approached the National Green Tribunal seeking that the Environmental Clearance and halt the mega infrastructure project, which they say will spell doom for the city, be cancelled. They have also vowed to renew their stir against the government, asking the Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy to ‘walk the talk’ on his promise. Following intense protests, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy in March had met some of the activists and had promised widespread public consultation about the project before proceeding further. Read: Elevated corridor beda: Bengaluru residents fight new govt plan Addressing the press, a coalition of 30 Bengaluru based resident-welfare, civic and citizen groups, said, “At the time, the Chief Minister had unequivocally conveyed that the final decision on this project had not yet been made and that the government will consult citizen groups, bus passengers, traffic experts, civil society representatives, residents’ welfare associations and officials, before commencing the project. He also mentioned the timeline and that he would call for public consultations after the Lok Sabha elections.”   “The CM does not seem to be keeping his promise and the government seems to be ploughing ahead with the construction of the elevated corridor in clear violation of various laws,” they added. The Karnataka High Court had put an interim on the construction of the contentious project, not on the merits of the feasibility of the case but on conditions of its planning and approval as a project. Although the government has been prohibited on making any final decision on the project, the KRDCL (Karnataka Road Development Corporation), which is the implementing agency, has been assessing tender submissions for the north-south corridor. Karnataka HC stays Bengaluru elevated corridor project again “KRDCL is promoting this project despite a high court stay. This is contrary to the stay, it is illegal and they must cease and desist,” they added in a statement. The developments in this elevated corridor pose a stark similarity to the developments leading to the Siddaramaiah government shelving the controversial steel flyover project.  In October 2016, the project was called off at the face of multiple protests and litigations both in the Karnataka High Court and the NGT.

Body 2: 

from Karnataka http://bit.ly/2WLJJju
via IFTTT