Category Archives: Business & Economy

‘38 GPs in Kodagu yet to win Nirmal Gram Puraskar’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

60 GPs in the district have won the award.

Zilla Panchayat CEO K B Anjanappa has said that measures will be taken to ensure that 38 gram panchayats will win Nirmal Gram Puraskar in the future.

Speaking at a workshop organised by the Nirmal Bharath Abhiyan, he said as many as 60 gram panchayats have won the award.

Measures will be taken to construct individual toilets in households, schools and anganwadi centres in the remaining 38 gram panchayats. Under Nirmal Bharath Abhiyan, a sum of Rs 4,700 will be given for the construction of individual toilet and a sum of Rs 4,500 will be given under MGNREGA.

A sum of Rs seven lakh to Rs 20 lakh will be given for scientific disposal of wastes in gram panchayats.

ZP Chief Project Officer Srinivas Rao said that additional funds are being released to those GPs which have won Nirmal Gram Puraskar. Door number for newly constructed house should be given only after confirming the fact that the house has a toilet.

Gram panchayats that have not won Nirmal Gram Puraskar are Chembu, Karike, Napoklu, Nariyandafa, Perake, Sampake, Aigooru, Alooru Siddapura, Besuru, Chettadalli, Chowdlu, Ganagooru, Handli, Hebbale, Nakooru Shirangala, Nidtha, Tholooru Shettalli, Shanthalli, Koodumangalore, Valnooru Thyagathur, Chembebellur, B Shettigeri, Hathooru, Halugunda, Hudikeri, Balyamandooru, Birunani, T Shettigeri.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / Madikeri, DH News Service / March 17th, 2013

CMC budget earmarks ` 25 cr for devt of roads

Business & Economy

CMC President presents surplus of `5.22 crore budget

Madikeri CMC presented a budget of Rs 60.50 crore for the year 2013-14. The budget has earmarked Rs 25.35 crore for the development of roads in the town.

CMC President H M Nandakumar presented the budget. The expenditure for the year would be Rs 55.27 lakh and a sum of Rs 5.22 crore is saved.

The CMC had presented budget worth Rs 42.83 crore during 2012-13. The CMC is expecting a revenue of Rs 11.61 crore from taxes, Rs 39.55 crore from other sources. Compared to last year, the income has been increased by Rs 17.67 crore.
A sum of Rs 84.05 lakh has been earmarked for the welfare of SC/ST under 22.75 per cent programme.

A total of Rs 26.78 lakh has been earmarked for the welfare of poor under 7.25 per cent programme.

A sum of Rs 11.08 lakh has been kept aside for the welfare of handicapped.

The CMC is expecting a sum of Rs 3.49 crore as taxes, Rs 1.31 crore as electricity fund, Rs 2.60 crore SFC fund, Rs 1.35 crore as rent from commercial complexes, Rs 5.80 lakh from advertisements, Rs nine lakh from trade license, Rs 2.50 lakh from the sale of tender forms, Rs 11.70 lakh from solid waste collection, Rs 63.66 lakh as water tax, Rs 1.05 crore as property tax.

Member Chummi Devaiah asked why the salary paid for the CMC staff has been increased from Rs 1.90 crore to Rs 3.49 crore?

Reacting to it, Commissioner N M Shashikumar said that with the sixth pay commission, the salary of the staff has been increased. As a result, a sum of Rs 3.49 crore has been earmarked for the permanent employees and Rs 14.50 lakh for temporary/outsourced employees.

The President said that the CMC is expecting income of Rs 63 lakh during the year. However, the CMC is spending Rs 1.1 crore for the supply of water.

After the completion of Kundamestri water project, the water tariff needs to be revised. The CMC will have to mobile resources.

CMC Vice president Vasanth Keshav was present.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / DHNS, Madikeri / March 20th, 2013

‘Demand for bamboo is on rise’

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

BambooKF30mar2013Bamboo cultivation will fetch good income for the growers, said Chief Conservator of Forest Keshavamurthy.

Speaking at a workshop on bamboo organised by the Bamboo Society of India, Kodagu Model Forest and Forest College, he said the bamboo can be grown inside the coffee estates as well. Bamboo is used in furnitures, as a fodder for animals and in preparations of medicine. The demand for bamboo is on rise in the international market.

He said that bamboo is grown on five lakh hectare land in the State. The demand for bamboo is 26.26 lakh tonne. Bamboo sticks are used in the preparation incense sticks. Along with growing ginger, farmers can also grow bamboo.

Forest College dean Dr N A Prakash also spoke. Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (retd) Dr K Sundar Naik also spoke. Bamboo growers Dr L C Sona, Sanjeev, Ahammed and Sandeep spoke.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / Gonikoppa, DHNS / March 29th, 2013

Centre plans boost for cardamom biz

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Science & Technology

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar reviews the functioning of Cardamom Research Centre in Madikeri, Karnataka

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today reviewed the functioning of Cardamom Research Centre in Madikeri in Karnataka.

Pawar, who is on a two-day tour of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-affliated institutes in Karnataka, is scheduled to return to Delhi on Saturday.

On Sunday last, Pawar had taken ill at a public function near Sangli in Maharashtra and had to be air-lifted to Pune. “He is fine now and travelling,” a close aide of Pawar said.

Cardamom Research Centre, Appangala, is located in Hervanadu village of Madikeri Taluk, Kodagu, Karnataka on the Madikeri- Bhagamandala Road, 8 km from Madikeri, in an area of 17.4 ha. The CRC Appangala is the only ICAR Research Centre working on cardamom, has been playing an important role in conducting research on cardamom and cardamom-based cropping systems, for increasing cardamom productivity.

During 2012, the centre celebrated its 50th anniversary and has been working closely with many stakeholders for development of the crop.

“I recall with nostalgia the day the centre was handed over to us in 1986 with “Queen of Spices” as the mandate crop. The release of the first IISR cardamom variety ‘Kodagu Suvasini’ in 1997 followed by ‘IISR Avinash’ and ‘IISR Vijetha’ in 2001 was a watershed in CRCs research agenda.

Subsequent research endeavours included our commitment to deliver technologies for sustainable use and evolve varieties tolerant to pests and diseases, climate change, drought etc not only for cardamom but also for black pepper. The technology to get sustainable production of black pepper despite delayed monsoon is well-accepted and appreciated by planters of this region.

Germplasm collection and conservation has always been our forte and the CRC now has in its fold around 436 accessions of cardamom, making it one of the largest germplasm collections in the world besides being the National Active Germplasm Site (NAGS),” M Anandaraj, Director, Indian Institute of Spices Research Said recently.

source: http://www.Business-Standard.com / Home> Markets> Commodities> Foods & Edible Oils / Press Trust of India / New Delhi, March 29th, 2013

‘Coffee has not affected environment’

Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Nature

MuthannaKF29mar2013Coorg Wildlife Society president Col (retd) C P Muthanna said, coffee cultivation, which is considered as the lifeline of the people of Kodagu, has not harmed the environment in any way. No restrictions should be imposed on farming practices, which are being followed for more than a century, he said.

Speaking to presspersons here recently, he said, in the wake of opposition to Dr Madhav Gadgil committee recommendations, the Centre had constituted a committee headed by Kasturirangan. “Members of the society met Kasturirangan committee members recently and raised objections against a few recommendations made in the Madhav Gadgil report, he said.

“We will accept a few recommendations made by Gadgil on the need for conserving rivers, flora and fauna on the Western Ghats. However, the point that horticulture crops, especially coffee, affects bio-diversity badly is unaccepted. Coffee is being grown under huge trees in Kodagu. Along with coffee, growers also plant fruit bearing trees,” Muthanna said.

He said: “We are opposed to the recommendation on restriction on use of pesticides. Without the use of pesticides, coffee cannot be grown. There is a need to create awareness on the ill-effects of excessive use of pesticides and convince growers to go for alternative methods to save the plants. However, the recommendation that there should not be a single-crop pattern on private lands in Western Ghats region has created fear in the minds of the farmers.”

Muthanna said, the society will welcome the recommendation to declare Kodagu as an eco-sensitive zone. Conversion of agriculture land for other use should be banned. It should clearly mention that farmland and coffee plantations should not be used for non-agriculture activities.

“We welcome the recommendations of the committee on giving forest rights to forest dwellers as per Forest Rights Act. Instead of allowing the forest dwellers to reside inside the forest, they should be allowed to reside on the periphery of the forest. If they are allowed to reside inside the forest, the authorities will not be able to provide basic facilities to forest dwellers,” he said.

Society vice-president B A Poonaccha, secretary Shyama Appanna and others were present.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> Dsitrict / Madikeri, DHNS / March 28th, 2013

Army recruitment rally

Business & Economy, Uncategorized

An army open recruitment rally will be organised at Centenary Stadium, Jyothi Nagar, Chikmagalur under the aegis of Deputy Director General of Headquarters Recruiting Zone (Bangalore) and Army Recruiting office (Mangalore) from April 16 to 23.

The rally will benefit candidates of eleven districts of Karnataka such as Uttar Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Hassan, Kodagu, Udupi, Chikmagalur, Chitradurga, Davangere, Shimoga, Bijapur and Dharwad.

Candidates will be tested for enrollment into the Indian Army in categories of soldier general duty, soldier clerks/store keeper, soldier technical, soldier nursing assistant and soldier tradesman.

As the army enrollment is conducted on all India basis, all documents are required to be English. Candidates should bring all their civil education certificates in original along with two xerox copies duly attested.

For details contact ARO Mangalore on 0824 – 2458376, according to a press release.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / DHNS / Mangalore, March 20th, 2013

Widening of roads in Ponnampet begins

Business & Economy, Historical Links / Pre-Independence

ponnampetKF24mar2013Ponnampet in South Kodagu, known as cultural town, is all set for a facelift. But, it has some negative effects as buildings — some of which are centuries old — are being demolished for widening of roads.

The town, which so far had narrow roads, is now getting wider roads. Several houses and shops are being demolished — either completely or partially.

Ponnampet town was built in 1845 by Madaiah in memory of Cheppudira Ponnappa, who was the Dewan during the regime of Raja Chikkaveera Rajendra. Mahatma Gandhi visited the town once during the freedom struggle. Ramakrishna Girani, Ramakrishna Sharadashrama and government primary and high schools were built during the British era.

Although the town has seen development in various phases, it has maintained its beauty and serenity. In fact, it is considered as the cleanest town in South Kodagu. With the town connecting to the Mysore-Manandavadi road between, and due to thousands of students studying in several educational institutions here, the narrow roads had become a problem.
Realising this, the public works department took up the task of widening the roads. As Basaveshwara temple, situated in the heart of the town, could not be demolished, considering the religious sentiments of people, the houses nearby are being demolished.

The road widening works have resulted in severe drinking water problem as the pipes have been either damaged or removed. Along with the gram panchayat, Ponnampet Golden Jaycee is supplying drinking water to citizens through tankers.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / by Gonikoppa (Kodagu Dist) / DH News Service / March 18th, 2013

Investors discuss land conversion, power woes

Business & Economy

MadikeriKF22mar2013The follow-up meeting of the Kodagu investors conclave that was held in last December, was convened at Balbhavan in Madikeri.

The investors discussed various issues like land conversion, electricity problem, various regulations laid down by the Environmental Pollution Board etc.

Addressing the participants, District Industrial Centre Joint Director Varadaraju said that the progress report of the investors is reviewed every week and actions will be taken to find suitable solution to the problems.

He assured of directing all the officers to co-operate with the investors.

State Forest Industry Development Board President M B Devaiah said that organising the conclave will help to provide employment opportunities to the youth, hence it will help to retain the youth power.

District Chamber of Commerce President G Chidwilas expressed happiness over the investment of Rs 4,000 crore from 375 investors that was pooled in the conclave that was organised in December.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / DHNS / Madikeri, March 22nd, 2013

‘Hard work bring moments of success’

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Newly-appointed Additional Advocate General of Karnataka Meriyanda Sajan Poovayya said that hours of hard work bring moments of success.

Poovaiah was reacting to a query from Express on his journey from Virajpet, a small town in Kodagu, to Bangalore, New Delhi, London and the pinnacle of his profession.

He assured of never leaving or forgeting Kodagu which gave him such an opportunity at a young age of 38. “Due to the support and encouragement of my parents and family members, I achieved this unique milestone,” he said.

Starting his career in 1996 in Bangalore, it was determination, dedication and continuous efforts that propelled him.

On the clash between scribes and advocates, he said that it should be termed a misunderstanding where both parties come to a stage and agree to settle the issue in an amicable manner.

He said that if both join together, it will be a formidable force.

Poovayya said that advocates cannot take any stand as they should uphold the Constitutional rights and ethics of advocacy. Advocates should provide all possible legal assistance to their clients. Who is right and who is wrong will be decided by the Court, he added.

He considers Madhava Menon, one of the founders of the National School of Law, as his guru.

He also recalled the impression made upon him by former chief justices of the Supreme Court E S Venkataramaiah and M N Venkatachalaiah, former advocate general of Karnataka B V Acharya and present Advocate General Vijayashanker with whom he started his career as a lawyer.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / Home> States> Karnataka / by B.C. Dinesh – Madikeri / March 18th, 2013

Karavalli at The Gateway Hotel, Bangalore Awarded one of the Top 50 Best Restaurants in Asia

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, World Opinion

The legendary Karavalli, the well-known South Western Coastal cuisine restaurant, at The Gateway Hotel, Bangalore has been voted 44th of the top 50 restaurants in the Eleventh annual listing of The S. Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants.
KaravalliKF09mar2013
Karavalli at The Gateway Hotel, Residency Road

Bengaluru, Karnataka :
The legendary Karavalli, the well-known South Western Coastal cuisine restaurant, at The Gateway Hotel, Bangalore has been voted 44th of the top 50 restaurants in the Eleventh annual listing of The S. Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants.

This list organized by William Reed media, a British trade publishing house celebrates the top 100 restaurants of the world annually, a credible indicator of the best places to eat in different parts of the world. The list of Asia’s best restaurants was voted for by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, made up of 936 voters from the hospitality industry.

Chef Natarajan Kulandai, Corporate Chef, The Gateway Hotels & Resorts, acknowledged the recognition and said, “Being 44th on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list is a great honour for us as this is also the highest rank and recognition achieved by any restaurant from Bangalore. Critics, gourmets and celebrities across the world celebrate Karavalli. The chefs at this culinary destination continue to delight diners with exceptional meals, using the wealth of local spices, red chillies, coconut, pepper, fresh fish, meats and vegetables unique to these coastal regions. It reiterates our place among gourmands at the global platform, and is testament to the highest standard of an authentic culinary experience that we offer our guests”.

Chef Naren Thimmaiah, Executive Chef, The Gateway Hotel Residency Road Bangalore adds, “We are delighted and proud to be voted among the best in Asia. Karavalli captures the essence of 22 years of extensive research, reflecting the culinary legacy of the coastal regions of south west India We have been exploring the mystique of the region and have been fascinated by the bouquet of flavours of the south western coast It gives us immense joy to share these epicurean pleasures with you at Karavalli.”

Having embarked on a journey in 1990 to offer guests traditional and authentic cuisine of the South Western Coastal region, Karavalli promises to give connoisseurs and gourmands a rejuvenated epicurean experience. Authenticity is the hallmark at the iconic Karavalli, where well-researched home-food recipes come together to ensure an experience like never before – be it a refreshed blend of novel additions to the menu which includes a distinctive compilation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies with extensive culinary journeys ranging from the best of the Mangalorean Bunts and Konkani’s, Kodavas from Coorg, Malayalees, Calicut Muslims and Syrian Christians of Travancore, Havyaka Brahmins of Vitla and the Portuguese of Goa; innovative desserts or unique dining proficiencies. Another acclaimed highlight of the restaurant is its West Coast Seafood Grills section in the alfresco area, which gives guests the opportunity for an interactive session with the chef and co-creation in the cooking experience.

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list features the restaurants in Asia that have received the most votes from The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy. The S. Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants List 2013 also included restaurants like Narisawa (Tokyo), Wasabi (Mumbai), Nahm (Bangkok), Ultra Violet (Shanghai), Varq (New Delhi) and others from the world over.

source: http://www.indiaprwire.com / Home> Restaurants, Awards / India PRWire / March 01st, 2013