National

Karnataka Approves 4% Reservation for Muslim Contractors in Government Tenders

Published

1 year ago

March 15, 2025

The Karnataka Congress government has provided a fresh opportunity for the right-wing narrative in India by approving a 4% reservation for Muslim contractors in government tenders during its cabinet meeting on Saturday.

This proposal, which was first suggested in Chief Minister S. Siddaramaiah’s budget speech and is now part of the cabinet’s decisions, seeks to enhance participation from the minority community in government contracts. The meeting also addressed various proposals, including the establishment of a special fund worth Rs 100 crore to promote the startup ecosystem.

Following the announcement of the reservation policy, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched significant protests, with party leaders criticizing Congress for its perceived appeasement of minorities. Former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad remarked, “The Congress seems to have learned nothing from its electoral defeats.”

He emphasized that, while the matter concerns Karnataka, it has larger implications for the country and reflects the mindset of Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi. Prasad reiterated that the BJP stands firmly against religion-based reservations and will persist in its opposition.

The Karnataka Cabinet approved modifications to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act to implement a 4% reservation for Muslim contractors in government contracts, aiming to improve minority representation and tackle socio-economic inequalities. However, this move has ignited a political discourse.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar clarified that this 4% reservation is intended for all minority entrepreneurs, not solely Muslims. The cabinet’s decisions were announced by MB Patil.

Among the first to criticize Congress’s policy was young MP Tejasvi Surya from South Bengaluru, who described the government’s initiative as a constitutional infringement and a promotion of conversion. He argued that social and economic disadvantages should be the criteria for reservations, not religion, and condemned the Congress for using public resources for political gain.

Additionally, the Karnataka cabinet approved an amendment to the KTPP Act allowing Muslim contractors to access government contracts up to ₹1 crore on par with Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) contractors. This decision was criticized by BJP Karnataka unit president BY Vijayendra, who pointed out that Congress’s focus on Muslim votes has led to reservations in jobs and education that violate constitutional principles. He voiced concerns over this trend now extending to Muslim contractors.

In addition to the 4% reservation for minorities in government contracts, the cabinet also approved the regularization of unauthorized properties in rural areas and agreed to implement structural changes to the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), for which an expert panel will be formed. A search committee will also be established to oversee the appointment of new KPSC members to enhance transparency in the state’s administrative recruitment processes.

National

Ex-IAS Officer Dhanendra Kumar Dies in Delhi House Fire

Published

1 week ago

May 29, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Former IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Dhanendra Kumar, died after a fire broke out at his house in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area on Thursday night. He was 80.

According to police, the fire was suspected to have started after an air conditioner blast inside the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present in the house.

Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot and rescued the people trapped inside. Dhanendra Kumar and his son were taken to a nearby hospital. Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son suffered injuries and is now out of danger.

Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. The house was badly damaged in the fire.

Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968 batch IAS officer. During his long career, he served in several important positions in the central and Haryana governments. He worked in ministries such as Defence, Road Transport, and Culture.

He also served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011. He played an important role in strengthening competition laws and economic reforms in the country.

Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs.

National

Woman Found Dead Six Months after Marriage

Published

2 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Lucknow: A young woman was found hanging at her in-laws’ house just six months after her marriage in Lucknow. The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh.

According to her family, Shweta married Bhupendra Singh on November 22, 2025. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that her husband and his family harassed her regularly for dowry and demanded a car. He also claimed that Shweta faced mental torture from her husband and in-laws after marriage.

The incident took place at her in-laws’ house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Shweta was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.

Her parents suspect murder and alleged that the family tried to present the death as suicide by hanging the body. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Shweta’s husband and his family under Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Police said the accused family members are absconding, and a search operation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further action will be taken after the report arrives.

National

Army Helicopter Crashes In Ladakh, All Three Officers Injured But Safe

Published

2 weeks ago

May 23, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: Three Indian Army officers survived after their helicopter crashed in the Tangste region near Leh in Ladakh. The accident took place on May 20. Officials confirmed the incident on Friday.

The helicopter belonged to the Army’s ageing Cheetah fleet. A Lieutenant Colonel and a Major were flying the chopper. Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of the 3rd Infantry Division, was travelling as a passenger.

All three officers suffered injuries in the crash. However, they survived the accident in the difficult mountainous region. A selfie clicked by Major General Mehta after the crash has now gone viral on social media. The photo showed the three officers sitting on rocks near the badly damaged helicopter.

Many people called their survival a miracle because of the harsh terrain and the risks involved in flying the old Cheetah helicopters in high-altitude areas.

The Indian Army has ordered an official inquiry to find out the reason behind the crash.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of the Cheetah helicopters. These helicopters were introduced in the 1970s and have been used for decades in difficult operations, including Operation Meghdoot in Siachen Glacier in 1984.

In recent years, several accidents involving the Cheetah fleet have been reported. The helicopters are now being slowly replaced by the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The Army has reportedly ordered six limited-series-production LUHs. The new helicopters can fly at a top speed of 220 kmph and have an operational range of 350 km.

Despite its age, the Cheetah helicopter is still considered one of the best helicopters for high-altitude flying operations.