State government to safeguard interests of sexual minorities

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Saturday, promised to take measures to safeguard the interest of sex minorities, following a report from a separate committee constituted to study the needs of the community under the chairmanship of MLC and actor Jayamala.

Responding to a series of queries raised by the sex minorities, during an interaction at ‘Jana Mana’, the chief minister said, he was waiting for a report from the committee. Following a requisition from a community member, the chief minister discussed about extending BPL cards to them, besides addressing them as ‘Sex Minorities’ (Linga Alpasankhyatharu) instead of ‘Sexual Minorities’ (Lingika Alpasankyatharu) and ‘Mangalamukhi’ (as transgenders are called in general).

There was also a demand for increasing the loan amount from the existing Rs 20,000 and job for the youngsters among them, instead of pension.

A community member, seated among the gathering, appealed to revoke section 36(A) of the Karnataka Police Act. The police are targetting the community members on the pretext of law.

‘Maggi-like action’

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Saturday, found himself in a fix, when a cattle rearer wanted to know, why the government cannot act against adulterated milk sold by private companies, when it showed superfluous interest in cracking down on Maggi noodles.

The cattle rearer questioned the chief minister for keeping mum on private milk companies that are supplying adulterated milk.

When the opinion of milk producers was elicited on increasing the price of milk, they replied in the positive. Varalakshmi from Kolar said, “I would not mind if milk prices are hiked again”.

Ramanath from Kodagu wanted kerosene also along with LPG connection, as the government has stopped supply of kerosene for those having LPG connections. Citing his own example, Ramanath said, “Owing to the recent rains, there is a flood like situation in Kodagu, sharing border with Kerala. Whenever there is a power cut, kerosene is a must to light the lamps and it should be continued for all, irrespective of card holders.