Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Jul 1: “We have amended the law governing rape this year, and the amended law, which has stringent provisions, applies to the rape case of Manipal,” clarified Union surface transport and national highways minister, Oscar Fernandes.
Replying to questions raised by journalists here on Sunday June 30, Oscar said that these amendments have been brought in after a long process of consultations and discussions. He said that the people and media persons have the freedom to send their suggestions if any for more amendments if they feel there is a need for the same.
He felt that Manipal University needs to strengthen security in its campus. He replied in the negative when his attention was drawn towards reports about misuse of CBI by the government as reported in some sections of the media.
After accepting felicitation during his first visit after being sworn in as union minister, Oscar said that the government has prepared a bill as per which poor people will get rice at three rupees per kilogram. He held the opposition responsible for blocking passage of this bill, by not allowing the parliament to function. He said he could not visit his hometown immediately after taking over as a union minister, as he was busy with responsibilities relating to relief works at Uttarakhand.
At the felicitation, district Congress president, Gopal Poojary, urged the minister to ensure that those who had worked against the interests of the party do not get plum posts or positions. Oscar said that the party is prepared to cater to the decisions the block and district Congress units take after discussions at meetings.
The felicitation function was presided over by district Congress president, Gopal Poojary. Minister, Vinay Kumar Sorake, MP, Jayaprakash Hegde, MLA, Pramod Madhwaraj, MLC, Pratapchandra Shetty, and many other leaders and dignitaries were present.
Earlier in the day, on his arrival to the district for the first time after taking over charge as the union minister, Oscar Fernandes, and his wife, Blossom Fernandes, were extended a rousing welcome near Rajiv Bhavan at Kaup, under the leadership of Kaup block Congress president, Navinchandra J Shetty Padubidri.
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee secretary, M A Gafoor, Kaup block general secretary, Vinay Ballal Katapadi, Kaup block youth Congress president, Abdul Aziz Hejmady, Udupi Lok Sabha constituency youth Congress general secretary, Navin N Shetty, and several others were present on the occasion.