Intake of students at Maharani College exceeds two fold

It seems like in government colleges no rules and guidelines are applicable. The intake of a students for a class at Maharanai Women's Art and Commerce College has exceeded two fold, than the sanctioned strength for a class.

The College can accommodate about 2300 students, whereas now there are more than 4800 students. According to University of Mysore Affiliation maximum of 990 children for BA, 420 children for BCom, 180 for BBM can be enrolled. Whereas, so far 1027 have been enrolled for BA, 625 for Bcom and 225 for BBM and admission are still going on. In spite of this over crowding, with the announcement of Supplementary results another 250 candidates are still underscore to join for college.  

Being more generous for admission, the students are facing lot of problems due to lack of infrastructure and faculty. Girls were seen forcibly accommodating themselves for every bench 5-7 members. They even don’t have toilet facility, and rooms are not cleaned and lack hygiene.

In the available 57 class rooms, Arts, Commerce, Bcom, BBM, MCom, MSc, MA PG classes are conducted periodically for students. The government has also not taken any measures to provide basic infrastructure, in spite of ever increasing admission year to year.

Consequently, the hostel are full and over crowd. The capacity in hostel is 200, whereas 475 students have been accommodated. Due to lack of space the beds are placed vertically one above the above and in one row 4-5 girls sleep.
“Food and shelter are manageable. But due to shortage of lecturers we spend most of the time outside,” says student Rashmi.

College Principal Prof KS Lakshmana Gowda said that the strength has increased terribly and there is a government order to provide seats for students who seek admission. Guest faculty lecturers will be appointed shortly, and the interview will be held today (Thursday).

Admitting the increase in strength has lead to multiple problems, he said after the announcement of supplementary results, the intake has much more increased and  there is a huge demand for admission to the graduates courses in the Arts, Commerce stream.

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The city's famous Maharanai Women's Art and Commerce College is imparting education since 97 years for girls. Though there are other four government first grade colleges, the college holds first place. Being situated in heart of the city,   college attracts students from across State, in which majority of them are form Mysore, Mandya, Hassan, Chamarajanagar, Chikamangalore and Kodagu.

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Due to lack of funds book purchase has been minimised by District library

About 250 libraries don’t have basic facilities in district

With the intention of providing open access of information for public,  specially students residing in rural ares, Public Libraries were started at every gram Panchayat. But, unfortunately the situation in Mysore Library are in a very deplorable condition.

In one side rural side libraries don’t have sufficient books, while in other side City libraries are not been updated with new books, due to lack of funds. In total 276 libraries comes under District Central Library (250) and City Central Library (26).  In which, about 250 libraries don’t have basic facilities like water, sanitation and light.

In another side there is a drastic decline in footfalls of readers to libraries.
Mysore district with the population of 26.41 lakhs, the members in the libraries are 89,451. In which 45,800 come under City Central Library

Some of the readers claim that the books are very old and are not being updated from long time. 'Majority of the books are novels, literature’s. Measures should be taken to update the books and keep academic related books in more number,' says regular reader Ravi.

Deputy Director of public libraries B Manjunath who admitted the books are old and some are not in readable conditions said that due to lack of funds they have minimised the purchase of books.

'Corporation has not cleared us the CESS amont of Rs 7 crore from which majority of the library works are pending. If the officials provide us the money, measures will be taken to provide basic facilities at Libraries and replace some of the old books.'
 
He also said that Gram Panchayat, Town Panchayat members have to take initiative of providing basic facilities for the libraries in rural side with the collected CESS money.

New building for District Central Libray

The District Central office will be having its own building shortly at Saraswathipuram. The other libraries which have own premises are
Periyapatna, Hunsur, KR Nagar, HD Kote Taluk Library branches and
Marballi, Turaganur, Tagadur, Bedarahalli, and Singavaranahalli. Construction work for the two libraries at Hadinaru, Doodaragowdahalli are under way.

Two libraries which comes under city central library (JP Nagar and Vivekananda Nagar) in city have been shifted to new building and measures have been taken for renovation of Saraswathipuram and Kuvempunagar libraries.  

Lady conductors are ogled, groped in buses

The Wednesday's incident of a passenger behaving indecently with a KSRTC lady conductor is just a tip of an iceberg. The fair sex who not so long ago made their entry into the male dominated profession have been silently suffering such treatment day in and day out.

When, Express spoke to some of the lady conductors in the backdrop of the Wednesday’s incident, they uncovered several shocking facts. They say men usually take disadvantage of the crowded bus to molest them. More shocking is that the elderly passengers misbehave more than youngsters. Most of them address them singularly while some use vulgar language, which is a nightmare for them.

“Sitting in the last row of the buses, it is common for group of boys to pass cheap comments, watch obscene photos in newspapers and magazines in front of us. As my bus driver was not friendly, he never bothered what I pass through. But, my other colleagues asked me to face the situations boldly. Later, I handled the situation by collecting the tickets before they get into the bus. So that, my problems was solved,” says one of the lady conductor who dint wished to be named.

“Some passengers deliberately stand near the entrance of the bus door, blocking our way. While some others intentionally climb buses with lady conductor. There are many incidents where women have left the job, not revealing the genuine reasons. Left with no other option we do our duty by not taking such incidents seriously as it is a question of our bread and butter,” says another conductor.

“Though we do our service sincerely to eke out our livelihood, people should understand our helplessness and co-operate with us. They should not look down upon us in low esteem,” says Amrutha, lady conductor who is serving from past 8 years.

“When I was conductor on the Hebbal route, a passenger used to wait for hours to board my bus. Intentionally, he used to give me change of Rs 1, Rs 2, one after just to touch my hands. In spite of I warning him, his torture took such an ugly turn that I had to change my bus route itself for some time,” says Veena (name changed) another lady conductor.

KSRTC Divisional Controller (Urban) MN Srinivas said that “women oftenly complain about the misconduct of passengers while issuing change. Unless they give written complaint, no action can be taken.” KSRTC Divisional Controller Naveen (Rural) said that no such complaints has been reported.

While, 98 women conductors are working from both divisions. Since 2005, 16 women have left job (rural), while its 3 from from last three years (urban).

Only 3 sewage cleaning machines for 9 lakh population

Though it might sound a bit strange, yet its a fact. To clean the city's sewage and manholes, Mysore City Corporation (MCC) has only three drainage cleaning machines (jetting machines) besides ten automated sewer cleaning rodding machines.

The three drainage cleaning machines, which have both blowing and sucking features are driven all over city to clean the sewage pipes and remove blockages. The machines are used for cleaning manholes, a jet of water pumped at high pressure through a long hose pipe to clear the blockages while another pipe sucks up the dislodged debris.

While one was bought wayback in 2001 (4,000 liter capacity), the remaining two were purchased in 2009, which cost around Rs 40 lakh for each are of 8,000 liter capacity. Of the 10 rodding machines, two have been provided for Zone 9, while the remaining zones with one each. The machines cost around Rs 50,000 for each.

With daily around 90-130 complaints being registered from 65 wards, with population around 9 lakh, it has become challenging task for the workers to attend all the complaints. Specially, during rainy season, its an unimaginable thing how workers manage to clean the city's drainage. According to sources from Corporation, they are failing to attend all the complaints in a day, and they attend the complaints in next two-three days.

Corporation's Junior Engineer Kempegowda said a proposal to purchase two additional sewage cleaning machines and four D-silt cleaning machines (which is already in the possession of Bangalore Corporation) was submitted to former Corporation Commissioner KS Raikar and the same proposal made once again to the new Commissioner, but so far no action has been initiated.
 
Mayor Rajeshwari said that plans have been made for machines under 13th finance plan.

Suttur Mutt: A new ray of hope for children of lesser god

They had never dreamed of going to schools, or indulging in sports and cultural activities, nor learning other languages. What they just knew was to rush forest and create handicrafts in whatever raw materials they obtain. Thanks for the initiative of JSS Mahavidyapeeta Suttur Mutt, which is tracing out such children of lesser god and bring the children into the mainstream of society by imparting free education.

Now, the Mutt is slowly gaining popularity in north-eastern parts of India too, only through word of mouth. In which, the strength of north-eastern children in the Mutt was around 40 in 2002, while down the year the strength has steadily increased to 320. Children from Meghalaya, Manipur, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra are studying here in different levels.

Hailing from poor families, some children are orphan, while some or single parent. Apart from retaining their culture, the children are imbibed with our culture and traditions and have learnt to enchant vachans, bhajans in Kannada.
The children will be provided with free shelter, food, education and medical treatment. They will be also entitled for various government facilities.

In total, including both boys and girls around 4,000 children have been accommodated here. In which, 118 children from Meghalaya and 55 from Manipur are studying in JSS Akkamahadevi Girls Hostel, Suttur Mutt and  hundreds of boys have been accommodated at JSS Basaveshwara Boys Hostel from various part of State.

JSS Institution Suttur Mutt Co-ordinator Tripuranthaka said that “already being economically-socially backward, there is no proper education facilities in north-eastern parts of India. Even more number of tribal reside there. Hence, the children are brought here with the help of various organisations and are being educated at Mutt.”

Teacher Nirmala says, the children are very talented in cultural, sports, debate competition. They have took part in many state-level competitions and have bagged many prizes. Even they are non-vegetarians, after joining Mutt, they have adopted our tradition and culture.'

“We were not aware of any other languages, when we came here. But now, I know Kannada, English, Hindi, said Sphishisya of Meghalaya, who desires to become doctor.

About Mutt
Suttur Mutt which is popular world-wide for its philanthropist service activities. The hostel facility was established in 2001 and was inaugurated by former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. It was the dream of His Holiness Jagadguru late Dr Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji to begin pre-school in Suttur. The dream was fulfilled by present Suttur Seer Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji. Now, there are about 300 education institutions across Karnataka under JSS Mahavidyapeetha. For orphan children free education will be provided upto Higher Education.

Shortage of Madilu kits in the district

In order to provide basic post-natal care to both mother and the new born baby, the State Government come out with an ambitious plan of supplying 'Madilu Kits' to mothers delivering babies.
But these kits are in short supply in the district, with increase in the number of new born babies. According to sources the shortfall is sometimes an alarming around 40 per cent which means that for every 100 births only around 60 people get the kits and the rest are sent away empty handed.

Under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), when a women get conceived she will be provided with mother card in the PHC's. The card will be provided for both above poverty line families and below poverty line families, in which free treatment will be provided till the child completes 30 days. But, Madilu Kit will be provided only for the below poverty line families, who deliver babies in government hospital.

According to sources from KR Hospital Health Care Workers, since February they have supplied 650 madilu kit, and from May the supply of Kit has been stopped and the beneficiaries are sent empty hand.

The officer say, 'per month 1,000 of children take birth in hospital, in which above 60 per cent them belong to BPL families. Withing 30 days the card holder should collect the kit. Due to acute shortage of supply, with no other way we are sending the mother-children in empty hands.'

District Health Officer Dr SM Malegowda acclaims that there is no shortage of Kit, but the supply has been stopped since May. He said by this week they will distributing the kit.

When contacted District Nursing Officer Hosamani her answers were quite deteriorating. She said “as we doctors are protesting, until our demands are fulfilled we will be not reporting anything to the doctors. From May we have not supplied the kits.”

The kit consisting of 19 essential items like Mosquito curtain, carpet, bedsheet,  blanket for mother, Bathing Soap, Washing soap, Cloth to tie abdomen of mother, Sanitary pads, Comb and coconut oil, Towel, Tooth paste and brush, bed spread over rubber sheet for the baby, Diaper, Baby vest, Sweater, cap and socks for baby, One plastic kit bag and much more.

BJP’s ambitious Bhagyalakshmi scheme grounded

No bonds issued in last two and half years

The BJP government got its third Chief Minister in four years on Thursday. But one of its ambitious programme – Bhagyalakshmi, launched with much fanfare during its first year of rulke, has failed to take off since more than last two and half years.

In Mysore district alone, 10,518 applications are pending due to lack of funding and support by the government. The programme seeks to provide financial security to girl children hailing from economically weaker sections, where Rs 1 lakh bond will be given in the name of newborn girl child which she can encash on attaining 18 years.

According to sources in the Women and Child Welfare Department not only in Mysore, many other districts in the State to are also waiting for the bond.

Moreover, even the applications of those who do not have permanent BPL cards are being rejected. This inspite of the Food and Civil Supplies having stopped issuing permanent cards since several months. This has resulted in drastic decline of number in registrations for the bonds. While in 2008-09 about 17,093 got bonds, the numbers fell to 15,591 in 2009-10; 13,614 in 2010-11. But in 2011-12 only 5,240 have registered their names, which is less than 40 percent of the previous year.

Women and Child Welfare Department Deputy Director NR Vijay said that the
reason for sharp decline in number is that most of the families don't own permanent BPL Cards.  Earlier based on Income Tax certificates, BPL families were getting bonds. Later a circular said that bonds can’t be issued based on temporary BPL cards and income tax certificate.

Mangala says, “there is lot of confusion to obtain bond. We are fed up approaching offices to obtain permanent BPL card. Gopvernment should provide bonds based on Income Certificate, if not let it withdraw the scheme.”

Food and Civil Supplies Assistant Director Devaiah said that “the process of providing permanent card is on and about 50 franchisee are working across district from past one week. Shortly permanent cards will be issued for all those hold temporary card.”

DDMP have not been updated from many districts in State

As per the Disaster Management Act 2005, it is mandatory to prepare and revise the District Disaster Management Plan (DDMP) of each district in the state on yearly basis, has not been updated from past two years from many districts in State.

These plans aims to continuous and integrated process of planning, organizing, coordinating and implementing measures which are necessary at district level to manage any kind disaster situations.

According to the statistics provided by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) only Mandya, Bijapur, Bagalkot and Raichur have updated the plan and other districts are in the process of reviewing the plans for the year 2012-13.

As per the Disaster Management Act 2005, once the plan is prepared, it has to be reviewed annually. But many of the district administration have not taken any measures to update the plan. The officials in the SDMA are writing letters reminding the officials to update the plan.

These plans are aiming to identify hazards, vulnerability and risk involves in the districts based on which proper planning needs to prepare considering cyclic process of disaster management such as mitigation, preparedness, response and rehabilitation. And also create awareness among community/public about risks involved with different disasters and measures to be taken in the respective locations. Hence it is very much essential to timely review and update DDMPs of the entire district to reduce the disaster risks.

Dr R Dharmaraju of Center for Disaster Management (CDM) at Administrative Training Institute Mysore said that as per the guidelines provided in the Disaster Management Act, consultative workshops have been conducted in all the districts in the state for preparation of DDMPs by CDM. Now all the districts have District Disaster Management Plan and further it is the responsibility of the district administrations to review the plans every year.

Even DDMP of Mysore have not been updated from past two years. When contacted Mysore District Deputy Commissioner PS Vastrad in this regard he said that measures will be taken to update the plan in the coming days. Meantime, the officials of SDMA claim that they are in a better position in implementation of Disaster Management Act.

Cops continue to be humiliated from their bosses

Compared to earlier days, today more number of highly qualified such as Degree, Post-Graduate and even Ph.D holders are joining the Police Department. Without breaking the tradition, even now top officers continue to order their juniors to do works like fetching vegetables from the market, drop children to schools, supply coffee and tea to visitors at the Police station, the situation becomes humiliating for these highly qualified junior officers.

It seems like Police Department which stands first for discipline is also notorious for harassment meted out to its staff. In spite of adopting a slew of measures to modernize the department, hundreds of Police personnel in the lower cadre are suffering silently the dominance meted out from the top officials.

A few PCs (Police Constables) and Head Constables sharing their bitter experiences with the Express on condition of anonymity, alleged that they are being harassed more by Sub-Inspectors and not from other higher officials.

“We are addressed singularly without due respect, some times calling us with filthy language. If we dare to reply back, the senior official threaten to file an adverse report about us, forcing  us to keep quiet. We often get the feeling why we joined this department for suffering this inhuman treatment ,” says another constable who has been assigned by his senior to drop children to their schools daily.

“I joined the Department with lofty dreams of serving people. Only later, I realised the real situation is quite different. I was asked to serve tea to the accused visiting police station, facing criminal charges, with political connections. It was the biggest insult for me," says one Head Constable.

“We work round the clock. But, we are not allowed to take leaves, even at times of emergency in our families. Former DG and IGP Ajay Kumar Singh brought some reforms in the department for which we are very thankful for him,” said the Cops.

Ajay Kumar Singh said that “either its constable or any senior cop, every body is a Police and due respect should be given to subordinates'.

Sale of LED lamps has picked up in the city

As the power tariff is being increasing day to day, to reduce energy and and conserve rapidly depleting fossil fuels, Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulb are today slowly making way into all places including streetlights, industrial lights, parking lights, garden lights apart from residential lights. 

In spite of this the sale of LED lamps has gradually picked up in the city and the reason may be the availability of cheap Chinese made lamps which are quite popular though they do not come with any guarantee or quality assurance. 

LED lights are slowly gaining acceptance in big shopping malls, apartment, office complexes, hotels, clubs and other places of mass energy consumption and there is a good demand for LED lamps. Officials of the Mysore Palace Board have also considered the option of using LED lamps to illuminate Mysore Palace. 

When contacted with couple of KT Street electronic shops, they to said there is a demand for LED bulbs and most of the people purchase China made LED lamps which costs are very less. 

In KT Street bulbs from Rs eight are available and most of the residents prefer it. According to the like of people the outdoor, indoor lights designs of various models are available in the shops. Apart this, the vendors who are selling rechargeable LED bulbs for Rs 100 to Rs 120, are also expecting good business in the summer, as city faces frequent power cut. 

Neela Ramaswamy, Director, REI Electronics, a privately company in Mysore manufacturing LED lamps said that from past two years they have more demand for LED bulbs and they to have come up with latest designs of models. 

'Compare to popular Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL), the LED bulbs are highly energy efficient and are quite expensive. But in the long run they turn out to be cheaper and the investors get its return on investment within a year through its vastly reduced electricity bills of about 80 per cent,' she added.

Craftsman on a mission to set record

Here is a group of twelve artisans who are on a mission to create a history through their indigenous art works. Hailing from Tikamgarh District, Madhya Pradesh the Craftsman have camped in Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (CAVA) to create a traditional Ball Metal Bullock Cart which costs around Rs 3 lakh.

According to the artists the bullock-cart weighs about 350 kilo (300 kilo metal and 50 kilo clay) and will be 8.5 feet length, 4.5 width and about 5 feet in height. The expenses will be owned by South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur, Ministry of Culture, GoI.

The basic mould works will be created by melting wax and resin (rar). Later mixing this lost wax casting with groundnut oil they replicate beautiful objects and they bake it. Later the substance will be mixed with Ball Metal Alloy (Brass) to give attractive finishing.

Artists like Pannalal Soni, Prem Narayan Soni, Akalesh Soni, Gokul Viswakarma, Sukalesh Soni, Omprakash Soni, Akash Soni, Ramratan Soni, Sunderlal Soni, Rohit Soni, Ravi Shankar Soni and Kashiram Soni are working on this project. The artistes will be in city till July 3.

Programme in-Charge Gopal Betawar said that 'about 25 spare parts  (cow, leg, cart, wheels,) of bullock cart will be created in Mysore and will be assembled at Zone Cultural Center in Nagpur, where it will be displayed.'

Artist Ravi Shankarsani said that the process is very hard and after several steps of process the works will be completed. He says, this type of art works will costs around Rs 7 lakh in open markets.

Expressing happiness for creating the work in Mysore, the artists claimed that they are first to do such a huge bullock cart in country using Ball Metal. They said that about 500 families in Tikamgarh District are practicing this traditional ball metal works from -five centuries.

Power theft continues unabated in Mandya and Hassan

Stealing power is not only a criminal offense but a great loss to the national exchequer. It aggravates power shortage especially in a country where demand is always more than production.

Since 2008, around 3104 cases of power theft were registered from Mysore, Mandya, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar and Hassan districts imposing a penalty of Rs 39,149,728. Of these 3090 cases were convicted and Rs 36,926,664 of fine amount was collected. While the remaining amount is yet to be recovered from the 14 cases that are in various stages of prosecution.

Compared to Mysore and Chamarajanagar, it is observed that power thefts in Mandya and Hassan is more rampant. Out of 3104 cases booked, 2047 were from Mandya and Hassan, 556 from Mysore and Kodagu and the remaining 501 cases from Chamarajanagar.

Over the years the number of cases registered have seen a gradual decline, but only in the districts of Mysore-Kodagu and Chamarajanagar. In 2008-09 financial year, 232 cases were booked in Mysore and Kodagu the number of cases registered fell in the subsequent years to 152 (2009-10), 97 (2010-11) and 75 (2011-12).

While in the case of Chamarajanagar though 217 cases were registered in 2008 it came down to 108, 80 and 96 in the following years. Strict enforcement by the vigilance squad of the ESCOMs seems to have worked effectively.

According to officials of the vigilance department of CHESCOM (Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited) majority of theft cases booked were for illegally bypassing meter, meter tampering, using domestic tariffs for commercial purposes, using agriculture power for manufacturing mud and cement bricks, stealing power by putting a hook to the overhead electric wire and other such crimes. There were even instances where the energy meters were either smashed or burnt deliberately in order to avoid paying the bills.

'Power theft is a criminal offense and is punishable under law. In case of accidents where an unauthorized connection has been taken, two cases will be booked – one will be criminal case for stealing power and other for the death or undue loss where the victim will not get any compensation,' said the officer.

At present cases of unauthorised connection are not being booked as the officials are awaiting Government's order for regularization of such unauthorised connections.  

Jaganmohan Palace completes 150 years

The palace was constructed in 70 days by Engineer Raghavalu Naidu 

What was once Mysore's famous summer Palace and now houses an art gallery of international repute, the Jaganmohan Palace, a popular tourist attraction situated in heart of the city is now 150 year-old. 

The Palace was constructed in 1861 by Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, the 22nd ruler of Yadav Dynasty, who came to power after the fall of Tipu Sultan and shifted the Capital from Srirangapatna to Mysore in 1799. Interestingly the Palace were constructed only in 70 days by Engineer Raghavalu Naidu.

The royal family stayed at Jaganmohan Palace from 1898 to 1910 (till the time when the present new palace was constructed as the earlier wooden palace was burnt down due to an accidental fire).

The auditorium was constructed in 1900 on the occasion of the marriage of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. Later, in 1915 Krishnaraja Wodeyar – IV concerted the temporary Palace into museum by gifting many of the royal collections. The Palace accumulated more items every year thereafter until about 1938.

The architecture of the Palace is Hindu style with mural paintings adorning the walls inside. The gallery houses rare Ravi Varma paintings, artifacts, murals, and various other things used by the royal family.

The auditorium was exclusively meant for the members of the Royal Family to view art performances. It also had a 35mm cine projector to watch movies. There was even an inter-connecting bridge connecting the balconies on either sides of the auditorium, where queens used to sit and watch the cultural programmes. It was renovated in 1980 and was thrown open to public by providing permanent seating arrangements and removing the bridge.

Several renowned national and international artistes have staged Dance and Dramas in the auditorium along with holding Government events too. The place is famous even today for staging plays. The palace is maintained under Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery Trust, who's Chairman is present Maharaja Sri Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar.

As the building was constructed using traditional method of Madras roofing (lime mortar added with sand, egg shells, Billwapathre and Antwala Kayi), at several places the roof has collapsed and fungus is growing due to seepage of rain water and cracks can be witnessed. Apart this waste materials is being dumped in the auditorium balconies.

Jaganmohan Palace Superintendent MG Narasimha said that 'keeping the heritage aspects intact, measures have been taken to change the roof style and control water seepage using modern methods.

Women relish their childhood moments again !

The role played by a woman throughout her life right from being a child, daughter, wife, daughter-in-law, mother, mother-in-law, friend is centered around her family. Thus, in their busy schedules they sacrifice many things in life most importantly her childhood days.

Hence, to relish women their childhood moments again, a unique programme titled, “Baa Gelathi Balyekke” (come friend back to childhood) was organised by Sneha Vrunda in Mysore on Tuesday.

About 43 women in the age group of 25 to 78 years took part in the event carrying with them lunch and water bottle to enjoy their childhood from nursery to college days. The programme which began with the reciting of nursery rhymes like 'Twinkle Twinkle little star' ended with college days that included teasing, ragging and all the fun and frolic they did as college girls in their teens.

They danced to the tunes of folk and western songs of yesteryears. They played musical chair, skipping, ring, throw ball, dramas not forgetting to play the traditional kuntebille, chowkabara and several others. In all it was 'Women's Day Out' by Sneha Vrunda troupe on the day.

Programme organiser Shakunthala said, 'Most of them are eager to get back their childhood days. By conducing this type of programme women will get a breakthrough in their lives and it is a great stress reliever. Moreover, there is no age bar to enjoy the pleasant of life. I want every women to lead a happy life with  good health.'

'For most of us, after marriage and children most, life comes to an end. The programme name itself brought smile on my face. The programme is very well designed and it brought back our childhood days,' said Amrutha Ramesh.

'Forgetting all our daily tensions we became children once again here. Instead of
indulging in gossips, I wish more women should participate in this type of programme', said Shamala.

Jayashree Bhat says, 'We had lot of fun and there was excitement at every step. We spent our time here by exactly the way we did things in childhood, forgetting the outer world, our families and worries.'

'After my marriage I was missing my childhood very much. Now I am happy that at last I got the chance to enjoy my childhood in my 70's. This day will be in my memory for the rest of my life,' says Yashodhamma

MCC, MUDA to be covered under first phase of solar city project

Mysore City Corporation building, five of its zonal offices, Cheluvamba Park, Kuppanna Park, MUDA office, Chamundi Hill and cattle dung based power plant in Pinjarapole Society will be covered in the first phase of solar city project which is expected to be began in August. 

The total cost of the project estimated for the above projects is around Rs 5.29 crore and 30 per cent of subsidy will be provided from Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRH).

The parks will be illuminated with solar energy efficient lights and the additional power generated will be transferred for the nearest pole through Electricity Grid connectivity which will some earn some income for these organisations. The other targeted places are illumination of Mysore Palace, Sri Chamundeswari Hill Road from Arch to Hill top Bus stand, Hill steps (pathway road), surrounding area of Chamundi Hills.

Apart from this, Solar street lighting will be installed at New Sayyajirao Raod (from Ayurveda Hospital Circle to Highway Circle); MG Road (from JSS Hospital to Race Course Circle); Vanivilasa Road (from district court to agrahara Circle); 100 feet road (from Basaveshwara circle to Ramaswamy Circle); JLB Road (from Dhasappa Circle to Ramaswamy Circle); KRS Road (from lord Venkateswara temple to Ring Road Jn); Mahadevpura main road (Asiz sait Road).

Corporation Junior Engineer Subramanya said that '29 projects have been identified to implement under Renewable Energy and the aim of the programme is to reduce at least 10 per cent of the projected total demand of conventional energy at the end of five years.

The total indicative budget of solar city is estimated as Rs 1525 crore which will be invested over a five year period. Out of the Rs 1525 crore, Rs 1067 crore will be for various renewable energy options and Rs 458 crore will be for various energy efficiency options.

The total budget will be shared by MCC (4.8%), MNRE (25.2%) and private share (70%). A budget of Rs 3 lakhs has been kept for promotional and awareness campaigns and monitoring and implementation. A substantial amount of investment Rs 35 crores per year can be generated through carbon financing mechanisms if suitable methodology is adopted for the same.

Women empowerment through entrepreneurship development

Innovative research in agriculture and food technology can definitely be a boon for rural development. Here is one such classic example of women empowerment through entrepreneurship development.  

Three year ago, around 250 women Self Help Groups, hailing from 10 villages of Malavalli taluk, Mandya set up their own venture dealing with maize, a value added product, by growing quality protein maize (QPM- hybrid) with the assistance of ICAR- NAIP (National Agriculture Innovation Project).

Now, the women SHG groups have registered a Society 'Cauvery Mahila Federation' and have moved forward to set up their enterprise in maize products, by signing an MoU with UAS, Bangalore. Through the society, the women are taking the  responsibility of not only managing the Common Facility Centre (CFC) at Malavalli, but are also planning to train more than 1000 women.

The project was started in 2009, and was initiated by an NGO AWAKE. Since then, about 500 farmers constituting 'Maize growing Farmers Society' are practicing dry land cultivation and so far, they have harvested close to 1500 tons of maize per year.

Women SHG's under the project source their maize for value addition from these farmers and process them into various food products at Common facility Centre established through the project.

The Department of Food science and Nutrition, University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) have provided the technology for conversion of maize into nutritious Vermicelli, Noodles, flour, papads and ready snacks. The products has been approved by National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad.

AWAKE Vice-President Dr Rajeshwari said that “the SHG women will be empowered with entrepreneurship and skill training, business concepts, enterprise management in maize value addition. Later, they will be helped to establish CFC's and promotion of maize products through market linkages.'

'Their economic independence and confidence has motivated several other women in the area. This project will surely establish Mallavalli’s MAIZY brand, provides job for locals and enhance the economic status of farmers and SHG women,' she said.

The food are high in protein, fiver and of good quality. They are also recommended as diet for diabetes patients and further trials are on for recommendation to obese patients, she added.

Bogadi Lakes to get facelift by August

Here comes good news for the residents of Bogadi. Two of the city's famous lake Mariyappana Kere and Rayanakere situated in Bogadi will get back its glory by August. 

The Corporation has taken up the rejuvenation and beautification works of the two Lakes at the cost of Rs 1 crore. The amount has been granted by State government.

Rayanakere is situated in a kilometer radius from Mariyappana Kere, famously known as Bogadi Kere. The lakes are been heavily polluted as the waste materials and debris are dumped here daily.

Being neglected for past several decades, the lake had become heaven for mosquitoes, snakes and various other insects. Shrubs and weeds had grown to very high-level and the loose soil had been deposited in the lake. Due to flow of sewage water into lake from Vijayanagar 2nd and 3rd Stage, the lakes have become sewage reservoir.

Corporation officials are cutting the weeds and are clearing debris in the Lake from past three days. In a span of week boundaries will be fixed and fencing  erected surrounding the lake will be removed.

Corporation Assistant Commissioner K Govindappa said that 'the discharge of untreated sewage into lake will be stopped shortly. After conducing a survey, improvement of lake will be done and will be protected from the catchments of encroachment.'

'Walking path will be created in the lake and measures will be taken to recharge the ground water system by installing necessary equipments. Plans have been made to complete the work withing two months,' he added.

Resident Vanitha Raman said that 'We are happy as the lakes is being cleaned. For past several years we were fed up with the lack of maintenance of lakes. A public park with lush green should be developed in the banks of the lake.”

The new rule of AICTE has put students into hardship

The new rule which has been amended by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), has put students into hardship, who want to pursue their career in Engineering and had opted for Computer science / Electronics while joining PUC or equivalent earlier. 

As per the recent regulations of AICTE, announced in their 2012 -13 hand book and KEA Rules, the eligibility criteria for admission to Engineering / Technology Courses will be based only on the student's performance in Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology along with Physics and Mathematics in the PU II year/12th qualifying examination and scoring 45 per cent and above.

The students who have studied Electronics and Computer Science in the qualifying examinations will not be considered along with Physics and Mathematics for eligibility while admission to engineering courses from this year.

Former Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) Dean and present Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE) Dean Dr Syed Shakeeb Ur Rahman said that 'the new rule and lack of publicity has put students into hardship. There is no idea on what logic AICTE has implemented this rule.'

Though the rule was amended in March 2011 it was again withdrawn in July 2011. (Due to this many students had to withdraw some subject and rewrite the exam to attain eligible percentage to join engineering or had to join some other degree courses and lost Money when the rule was withdrawn and granted additional ranking for engineering admission during the academic year 2011-12).

But now, again this academic year, the eligibility criteria for admission to Engineering / Technology course is based only on Physics, Mathematics & Chemistry/BioTechnology/Biology and not Physics, Mathematics & Chemistry/BioTechnology/Biology/ Computer Science/Electronics.

“Until we receive further notification from KEA / VTU / AICTE we can't consider Electronics / Computer Science for the said eligibility criteria, unless they have secured about 135 marks in other subject (Physics, Maths and Chemistry only in case the student has opted computer science or electronics as 4th optional subject), said a member from the management of ATME College of Engineering.

When Express Spoke with couple of students and parents, they were shocked and disappointed by the new rule which was amended all of a sudden without giving wide publicity.

Student Pavan (name changed) said that “I studied PCM with combination of Electronics and scored 52% in PME. But when I sought admission in one of the Engineering Colleges in the city, they said I don’t have eligibility as per the new AICTE rules because my score in PCM is less than 45%. So, I have to withdraw Mathematics and once again write exams to obtain eligibility. Now, if I score above 45% in PCM, I can seek admission for Engineering."

Another parent Murali said that “even though only few students take Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Electronics/Computer Science combination, when there is no eligibility for engineering / architecture courses, authorities of the concerned PU College should have brought into the notice of students and or parents at the time of admission to PU/equivalent. Now, students are unnecessarily put into confusion."

“While students opting for Medicine have the advantage of Biology being considered for ranking (along with Physics and Chemistry) why are the students opting for Engineering deprived of not considering Computer Science or Electronics,” is the question asked by most worried students and their parents.

Show cause notice for more than 310 technical colleges


Even though last year the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the governing body which regulates all Engineering and Technical colleges across the country, had issued show cause notice many had not adhered to it as the AICTE has once again issued a fresh notice for more than 310 technical and engineering colleges this year too without granting any further appeals.

The notices has been issued to 72 colleges in Tamil Nadu; 70 in Maharashtra; 64 in Andhra Pradesh, 30 in Uttar Pradesh; 14 colleges from Karnataka and Kerala respectively, 21 at Haryana; 10 in Rajasthan; 5 in Delhi, 3 in Punjab, 2 at Himachal Pradesh and 10 various other colleges situated in Orissa, West Bengal and Jharkhand.

In all, colleges situated in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh are increase in number of obtaining notices for deficinecies. The notices has been issued citing lack of infrastructure, due in salary payment to faculty, or it might the college functioning on temporary location and does not own proper land documents and various other issues.

Acting tough AICTE has asked these institutes why they should not be de-recognized for the lapses. After receiving replies from the concerned institution, the AICTE will decide on the course of action. The Council even recommended criminal action against certain Engineering colleges.

City will soon have a renewable energy park

In a bid to generate interest among the public about the use of various forms of renewable energy sources, officials are planning to setup a energy park in the city at the cost of Rs 1 crore in a sprawling area of 10,000 square feet.

The park will be situated amidst beautiful garden with abundant greenery, flowers, attractive musical fountain and an unique water fall. The visitors to the park will be guided to switch over from the conventional energy sources to renewable energy sources in their daily lives, to prevent further environmental deterioration.

The main exhibits in the park comprises of solar energy, bio energy, wind power, hydel power and even ocean energy along with a few others. The entire park and the garden will be illuminated with power generated using the Solar Photo Voltaic (SPV) cells.

Further a bio gas plant capable of generating 10 metre cube capacity of biogas will be installed in the park and the raw feed required for operating the plant will be provided by the vegetation grown in the garden itself, thereby making the idea of renewable energy more clear.

Working models of miniature wind mill generators and micro hydel plants will be installed in the park to educate people on how energy can be generated even from ocean waves. Other proposed attractions are a solar powered boat, solar car and a solar hut.

Corporation Junior Engineer Subramanya said that “plans have been made to set up the park in any engineering college, if they take initiative. The cost of the project is estimated to be one crore rupees of which 50 per cent of amount will be funded by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRH) and the remaining 50 per by Institutes implementing the project,” he added.

“Private manufacturers will be inviting to display their renewable energy products and manpower to monitor the arrangement of things. With the companies directly exhibiting their products in the park, they can better understand the needs of the consumers and interact accordingly thereby eliminating the need of middlemen,” he added. Corporation Commissioner KS Raikar said the project comes under Mysore Model Solar city.

Relish varieties of delicious mango under one roof

If you want to relish varieties of delicious Kings of Fruits 'Mango', then don't miss a chance to visit Curzon Park where Mango Mela is being held. Farmers from HD Kote, T Narasipur, Mysore, Nanjangud, KR Nagar, Hunsur and surrounding villages have exhibited about 23 varieties of organic farming mangoes.

Fruits like Mallika, Dhasheri, Malgoa, Thothapuri, Ratna, Shakkargatti, Rajpuri, Arka Arun, Raspuri, Alphonso, Rajpuri, Ratnagiri Alphonso, Arka Puneeth, Langra, Himayath, Sindura, Badami, Bagenpalli Malgova, Dil Pasand, Rathnagiri Alphonso, Raj Puri are delighting people with their hybird shapes and quality.

For first of its kind, the Mango Mela has been organised by Horticulture Department at Curzon Park, to provide a platform for farmers to sell their products directly to the consumer and keep away the middlemen. The mela will be held between 10 am and 8 pm and concludes on June 3.

As soon as the clock chugged at 10 am, people in large number throng to purchase juicy fruit. Earlier before inauguration, in a span of one hour about 480 kgs of fruits were sold.


Apart this, farmers were seen providing tips about how to grow organic farming mangoes and the ill-effects on soil, human health by consuming Mangoes which are ripened using chemicals.

Dooda Maragowdana Halli (DMH) Farmer Sahjeev Kumar who has displayed about eight varieties of Mangoes, said that 'In a span of two hours, I have sold about 300 kgs of Mangoes. Without the intervene of middlemen we are happy we are obtaining handful of money for our strenuous efforts.

Another Farmer Basavaraju from Thoncirayana Hundi said that if fully grown Mangoes are ripened they will be very tasty.

'For first time I am coming across so many varieties of mouth watering Mangoes. As the mangoes are naturally-ripened the fruits are very tasty and the prices are also quite reasonable. The mela should be held every year,' said visitor Uttham, who was enjoying the juicy fruit.

Deputy Director of Horticulture Nagaraj said that 'some more farmers will be joining the mela by Saturday and many more varieties of mangoes will be added glory to the expo.'
Apart this, seminar will be held during the mela and experts will educate farmers about the importance of organic farming.