MP: Congress questions delay in Moong procurement

Bengaluru, Jan 29 (IANS) The Karnataka government is holding a high-level meeting on Wednesday in Bengaluru to finalise the draft of the Ordinance to crack down on unscrupulous microfinancing companies in the state.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil, Minister for Revenue Krishna Byre Gowda and others will hold the meeting in Vidhana Soudha and deliberate over the matter.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Home Minister G. Parameshwara, commenting on the trend of microfinance companies harassing people even after the high-level meeting conveyed by CM Siddaramaiah and a strict warning being issued, stated, “The police need a complaint to take steps immediately. We have also given directions in this regard to take suo motu action if cases come to their knowledge.”

“Today we are holding a meeting to deliberate on the draft of the Ordinance. We will discuss about the traps by the microfinance companies and we will soon send it to the Governor,” HM Parameshwara stated.

HM Parameshwara added, “All Deputy Commissioners (DC) and the Superintendent of Police (SPs) have got instructions in this regard. We will control the situation and won’t leave. A helpline will be started soon.

“In our draft, we are considering to give more powers to the Deputy Commissioners and the establishment of a separate wing.”

“We are bringing an Ordinance to act immediately as we can’t wait till the convening of the session.”

When asked about microfinance company staffers continuing to harass in spite of the CM’s orders, HM Parameshwara stated, “The microfinance companies have outsourced the responsibilities of recovery. They are in turn harassing people and acting like goondas. CM Siddaramaiah has told the companies even this should not be done and action will be initiated against such microfinance firms.”

“If the draft of the Ordinance is finalised today, an order would be made tomorrow itself. In this background, we have called a meeting of the Law and Revenue Ministers,” he said answering a question on when the Ordinance would be promulgated.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on last Saturday held a high-level meeting on the issues faced by the public due to microfinance institutions.

Addressing the press conference at Vidhana Soudha after the meeting, Siddaramaiah announced that the government is committed to protecting the interests of borrowers who take loans from microfinance institutions.

Strict legal action will be taken against those who harass borrowers. A new law will be formulated soon through an ordinance to safeguard borrowers’ interests, the CM stated.

Criminal cases will be filed against those involved in forced loan recovery. The law will also provide provisions for filing complaints voluntarily, he said.

–IANS

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Chandigarh, April 27 (IANS) Punjab Police on Sunday said they have busted a weapon-smuggling module with links to Pakistan and arrested a man from Amritsar.

Seven pistols, four cartridges, and Rs 1.5 lakh have been seized from the accused.

“Acting on a specific tip-off, Counter Intelligence Amritsar busts an illegal weapon smuggling module with links to Pakistan and arrests Abhishek Kumar from Amritsar, recovering 7 pistols, including 5 pistols of .30 bore and 2 Glock 9mm pistols, 4 live cartridges (.30 bore), and Rs 1,50,000 from his possession,” Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav wrote on X.

He said Australia-based Jassa, who, in close collaboration with Pakistan-based smugglers, orchestrated the smuggling of illegal arms and ammunition through the Indo-Pakistan border with the help of his local associates Jodhbir Singh, alias Jodha, and Abhishek Kumar.

Preliminary investigation reveals that Abhishek Kumar and Jodhbir Singh are also involved in hawala transactions, indicating their connection to a broader network engaged in criminal activities.

A first information report (FIR) has been registered in Amritsar.

Further investigation is underway to apprehend other associates and unearth all backward and forward linkages, DGP Yadav added.

Meanwhile, under the ongoing anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’, Moga Police, with the help of the district administration, on Saturday demolished four illegally constructed houses of notorious drug smugglers in Daulewala village of Moga.

The action was conducted under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police (Moga) Ajay Gandhi. The demolished houses, illegally built on government land, belonged to drug smugglers — Paramjit Singh, Lakhwinder Singh, Boota Singh and Rajwinder Kaur — involved in multiple criminal cases registered under the IPC and the NDPS Act.

Senior Superintendent of Police Gandhi warned the drug smugglers to stop their illegal activities or face similar action. The action taken by the district police was appreciated by villagers led by sarpanch Sukwhinder Singh, who praised the government for their concerted efforts to curb drug trafficking. The villagers also thanked the district administration for taking action against the drug smugglers.

–IANS

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Bengaluru, May 17 (IANS) The Bengaluru Wholesale Cloth Merchants’ Association has announced a unanimous decision to cease all import and export of textiles to and from Turkey and Azerbaijan, with immediate effect.

This collective action was taken after careful deliberation and in alignment with the Association’s commitment to ethical business practices, national sentiment, and the interests of the trade community.

“As responsible stakeholders in the textile trade sector, we believe it is essential to take principled stands when necessary,” the Association said in its official statement.

Talking to IANS, Association President Prakash Chand Pirgal said that all members have agreed to halt both current and future imports of textile goods from Turkey and Azerbaijan, adding that it has also been decided to stop all ongoing and planned export activities to these countries.

“The volume of trade in clothes with Turkey runs into crores. Gents’ trousers, cotton clothing, and Turkish towels are the primary imports. When the proposal to boycott textile imports from Turkey and Azerbaijan was presented, it was supported by all members within 10 minutes. Though this may result in short-term losses, we are confident they will be recovered through trade with other countries—possibly with even greater returns,” he added.

He further clarified that members would also refrain from engaging in any indirect trade through intermediaries or third-party countries that may involve textile products originating from or destined for Turkey and Azerbaijan.

“When Turkey was struck by an earthquake, India was the first country to land a relief flight there. India had sent doctors, medicines, and other aid. And now, Turkey has supplied weapons to Pakistan. Given this context, we feel this boycott is justified,” said Chand.

He also noted that Turkey is a major player in the marble trade and that the Association is expected to make a decision soon regarding the continuation of business in that sector as well.

“This resolution will remain in force until further notice. Any revisions will be officially communicated through the Association’s governing body. We request all relevant authorities, trade partners, logistics providers, and stakeholders to take note of this declaration and extend their cooperation,” the statement said.

–IANS

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