From Our Special Corresondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Dec 27: Karnataka will be hosting the first-ever International Conference on Yoga, Naturopathy and Arogya Expo-2012 in Bangalore from February 9 to 13.

Over 5,000 delegates from 30 different countries would be participating in the International Conference, according to Karnataka Medical Education Minister S A Ramadas.

The Union Government has agreed to extend financial assistance of Rs 85 lakh for organsing the International Conference while the State Government would be contributing Rs 4 crore, the minister said pointing out that the balance amount would be raised by the organizers through various sponsorships.

Delegates from USA, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malasia and Singapore have already confirmed their participation in the Expo, which will also have 300 stalls showcasing various health products, Ramdas said.

About 500 papers on Yoga and Naturopathy will be presented during the five-day event and notable participants include Hollywood star Hemamalini, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Guruji.

Ramdas said the government has decided to extend the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) pay scales to 400 teaching staff in Medical Education Department.

To curb malpractices in exams held for paramedical courses and nursing, the government has decided to hold on-line examination.

The exam for paramedical courses will be held on January 18 and for nursing on February six, he said.

The question paper would be sent on-line about 45 minutes prior to the start of the exam, he said and explained that the answer scripts would be scanned on the same day.