Category: Amazing Feats

Jesnia Correa of Mount Carmel Mangaluru rolls to victory in Roller Skating at SGFI Nationals, New Delhi

 Mount Carmel Central School proudly congratulates Jesnia Correa for her outstanding performance at the Nationals of School Games Federation of India (SGFI) held in New Delhi from April 30 to May 3.

Displaying exceptional talent and determination, Jesnia Correa of grade VIII won the gold medal in the 500 metres rink race and the silver medal in the 1000 metres rink race in U-14 girls’ category. Her focus, hard work, and sporting spirit have brought immense pride to the school and her family.

Jesnia sharpened her roller skating skills at Hi Flyers Skating Club, Skate City, Ashoknagar, where she trained under the dedicated mentorship of her coaches, Mohan, Omkar and Ramanand. Her proud parents, Jerome and Preetha Correa of Bejai, have been her unwavering pillars of support, cheering her on every step of the way and celebrating her achievements with immense pride.

The school management, principal, staff and students of Mount Carmel Central School have congratulated Jesnia for her outstanding achievement in Roller Skating at SGFI Nationals.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Three Bengaluru-based institutions among winners of C-CAMP AMR Challenge 2024-25

C-CAMP received about 200 applications from innovators and start-ups across India for funding and ecosystem support to enable scale up, production, adoption and societal integration of winning solutions to tackle AMR in the environment.

Three Bengaluru-based institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.), are among the winners of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) Anti-microbial Resistance (AMR) Challenge 2024-25.

C-CAMP said that the national AMR Challenge was launched in August 2024. They received about 200 applications from innovators and start-ups across India for funding and ecosystem support to enable scale up, production, adoption and societal integration of winning solutions to tackle AMR in the environment.

The nine winners

Of them, nine were declared winners of the C-CAMP AMR Challenge 2024-25.

The winners are:

  1. Indian Institute of Science (IISc) for tackling AMR emergence through effluent treatment using robust catalytic enzyme mimetics. The MONZymes based technology, as developed by Dr. Subinoy Rana and his team, is capable of effectively degrading residual antibiotics from effluent wastewater and also exhibit antibacterial activity, through advanced (photo)catalytic activity.
  2. Foundation for Neglected Diseases Research (FNDR) for developing a device to deplete antimicrobial residues from wastewater, using a cartridge-based device with a patented mixture of activated charcoal and plant-based materials.
  3. Biomoneta Research Private Limited: qAMI (Quantitative Airborne Microbial Index) for coming up with a singular technology combining detection of air-borne total microbial load and pathogenic microbes in hospital set-ups, using AI/ML platform and encompassing different microbial attributes, combined with the classic microbiological approach.
  4. D-NOME Private Limited for its D-NOME’s pocket PCR device, which can help in rapid and accurate on-field detection and identification of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (ARB) & Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) in aquaculture farms and other wastewater sources.
  5. Vividew Innovations Private Limited for its  novel innovation to remove residual antibiotics & antibiotic-resistant bacteria from wastewater in hospital sewage treatment plants (STPs).
  6. Diagopreutic Private Limited for its detection of residual antibiotic and pathogen identification in water samples from aquaculture farm effluents, using a colorimetric method, based on the differential nitro-reductase activity of the bacteria and their ability to grow in presence of the specific antibiotic.
  7. Mylab Discovery Solutions Private Limited for its rapid detection of pathogens from wastewater samples, and detection of environment-related ARGs. The technology involves an in-house developed nucleic acid extraction kit and an advance multiplexed quantitative RT-PCR technology, capable of identifying a diverse array of pathogens as well as an extensive spectrum of ARGs.
  8. Huwel Life Sciences Private Limited: Quantiplus® Environmental Surveillance Kit for Real-Time PCR detection for typhoid and ARGs in environmental samples. The RT-PCR kit detects a wide spectrum of ARGs, as well as the typhoid specific gene along with its resistance genes.
  9. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeeth for the development of affordable POT (Point of Testing) device for monitoring of AMR in the environment, by an impedance-based microfluidic device, using a lytic phage-based detection technology. The innovation, as proposed by Dr. Bipin Nair and his team, is capable of detecting and identifying various pathogens of clinical relevance and can be used for rapid and accurate detection of specific bacteria.

Nature of support

The winners will be supported by C-CAMP in India in collaboration with the UK Department of Health and Social Care’s Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF) to foster the identification and development of world-class AMR-focused innovative solutions to tackle various aspects of AMR in the environment in India, and for the benefit of low and middle-income countries (LMICs).

“Antimicrobial resistance in the environment is a serious issue because of unchecked effluents from agriculture and industry reaching our water bodies, air and land. The problem has assumed alarming proportions across the entire world. I am heartened to see that innovators and scientists in India are developing cutting-edge innovations that hold promise not only in India and LMICs, but for the world,” said Prof. Ajay K. Sood, principal Scientific Adviser to the Govt. of India.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

SJEC AERO team creates history by securing all India rank 1 in Micro Aircraft category

SJEC AERO is an aeromodelling club of St. Joseph Engineering College, established with an aim to create innovation in the field of aviation with regard to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (RC planes and drones). The tagline of the club is “The lower you fall, the higher you fly”, which is an epitome of how the club has taken shape over time.

SJEC AERO secured First Place in the Micro Aircraft Category at the SAEISS Drone Development Challenge 2025, held from March 28 to 30 at Karpaga Vinayaga College of Engineering and Technology, Tamilnadu, competing against 80+ teams from across India, the team showcased exceptional aeronautical engineering skills, emerging as champions in this prestigious competition. Additionally, the team secured Second Place in the Technical Presentation Category, further solidifying their expertise in drone technology and system design.

The success of SJEC AERO at this competition was a result of the dedication and expertise of the following members: Team Captain – Akshay Bangera, Pilot – Manvish M K, Theoretical Team -Jeevith G, Adithya R, Gurumadhava H, Rahul T P, Design Team – Jeevith G, Manvish M K, Akshay Bangera, Lekhna Shetty, Computational Team -Rijish A G, Renika Yathish, Stanzil Flemin Menezes, Akshay Bangera.

SJEC AERO’s aircraft stood out for its Innovative aerodynamic design, Lightweight yet efficient structure, Optimized flight stability and control, Superior real-world performance during flight tests. The aircraft featured a rectangular-winged design with an S1223 airfoil, ensuring excellent lift characteristics and energy efficiency, helping the team outperform its competitors. The aircraft was piloted by Manvish M K, who executed the flight tests with precision and control.

The team impressed the judges with a well-structured and insightful technical presentation, which focused on A scientific approach to design and development, Computational and experimental validation of their aircraft, Real-world applications of micro-aircraft technology and Future improvements and innovation potential. The presentation effectively demonstrated their technical depth, problem-solving skills, and research-based approach, earning them a well-deserved Second Place in this category.

About the Club: SJEC AERO was founded in 2019 by Varun Raj J and a team of passionate students, debuting at the SAE Aero Design Challenge Southern India 2019 with a 13th-place finish. Following this success, faculty coordinator Mr. Yathish officially established the club, initiating formal recruitment and setting the foundation for future achievements.

Technological advancements: The club has significantly improved its fabrication methods. Manual cutting has been replaced by laser cutting for precise components like wooden spars and Depron fuselage sheets, thanks to the support of the Idea Lab at St. Joseph Engineering College. Materials have also evolved—from heavy foam to lightweight Depron and Balsa wood, improving overall flight performance. Access to tools like 3D printers, soldering stations, and hot air guns has streamlined the building process.

Beyond competitions, SJEC AERO is actively developing an autonomous RC aircraft for medical relief and exploring autonomous quadcopters, emphasizing innovation in unmanned aerial systems. The club frequently conducts school visits and workshops, sparking interest in aeromodelling among students. It also hosts educational sessions at its workspace, engaging with aviation experts who offer valuable feedback and guidance. This success and growth are possible due to the Management’s commitment to support student technical clubs in terms of the infrastructure as well as financial support. SJEC AICTE IDEA Lab has been the platform for the skill development in terms of fabrication and building of aircraft models. SJEC   Aero Team is grateful to Abdul Shamer and Shamanth Gowda from Ninetron Tech for their contribution in the success of the project.

Key achievements

  • 13th Rank – SAEINDIA Aero Design Challenge 2019 (Team GRAPHENE)
    Led by Varun Raj J with team members Meldrin, Vikas, Shashank, Sukumar, Adarsh & Puneeth.
  • 2nd Place – Fluxus 2023, IIT Indore
    Aircraft piloted by Manjunath Shetty. Team: Nikhith, Ismail Jaseem, Nikhil, Prathvish, Puneeth, Sushan, Vikyath & Yajnesh.
  • 1st Place – Boeing National Aeromodelling (West Zone), IIT Bombay (Dec 2023)
    The team set a record by transporting 40 golf balls with the fastest time. Pilot: Abhik L Salian. Team: Akash Acharya & Mayur. Qualified for nationals at RVCE, Bengaluru.

Current office bearers are Captain: Mayur, vice-Captain: Akshay Bangera, chief pilot trainer: Abhik L Salian. SJEC AERO continues to thrive as a hub of creativity, innovation, and excellence in aeromodelling and UAV technology.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Machines to separate nuts from cashew fruits developed in Puttur

For the first time in the country, three types of machines that can separate seeds from Garcinia fruits have been successfully developed.

Under the leadership of the Cashew Research Directorate in Puttur, seed separation machines have been designed and inaugurated. These machines are expected to reach farmers in the coming days. They include a fully automatic machine, a semi-automatic machine, and a pedal-operated version.

Manually extracting seeds from cashew fruits is a tedious process that requires considerable human effort and time. The machines were jointly developed by the Cashew Research Directorate, Puttur, and the Regional Research Centre of the Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), Bhopal, located in Coimbatore. Dr Manjunath, a scientist at the Puttur centre, led the project. Dr Ravindra Nayak from the Coimbatore centre, along with Dr Balasubramanian and director Dr Dinkar Adiga from the Agricultural Engineering Division of the directorate, also contributed as co-researchers.

“These machines are highly effective in reducing labour, time, and cost. There is also a growing demand for compact machines suited to small-scale farmers, and we are actively considering this,” said Dr Manjunath.

“There is great potential for cashew cultivation in India. In line with that, crop variety development has been undertaken. With these machines, we aim to bring a modern technological touch to cashew farming,” said Dr Dinkar Adiga.

Made entirely of stainless steel, this machine separates seeds, pulp, and juice distinctly. It has the capacity to process 300 kg of fruit per hour. It requires 0.75 litres of petrol per hour and can also operate on electricity. Priced at Rs 1.95 lac, the machine has been commercialized by the directorate, and the production rights have been granted to Fission Agritech Pvt Ltd, based in Ramanagara, which will distribute the machines to customers.

This machine features four top openings with rotating blades inside. It operates on electricity or battery power. When the fruit is fed into the machine, the seeds are separated by the rotation. The intact seeds fall inside and are collected at a separate outlet. It is suitable for separating seeds of all sizes. Two people can work on the machine simultaneously by sitting on opposite sides. It can process 35 kg of seeds per hour and is priced at Rs 35,000.

This version features a sharp blade-like design. The portion of the fruit containing the seed is placed on the blade, and pressing the pedal cuts and separates the seed. The blade then returns to its original position. The fruit remains in hand, and one person can process the fruits using both hands. This machine can separate 15 kg of seeds per hour and is priced at Rs 15,000.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

YuvaSpark founder Akarsh Shroff of Bengaluru conferred National Youth Award

Recognition for his ‘commitment to improving quality of early childhood education at anganwadi centres in India’.

Akarsh Shroff of Bengaluru was conferred the prestigious National Youth Award on April 3 for his ‘commitment to improving quality of early childhood education at anganwadi centres in India’.

The award was conferred during a ceremony at Parliament House in Delhi by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya. The event was organised to honour award recipients of both this and the previous year. A total of 22 awardees were honoured across both the years.

The National Youth Awardis conferred by the Ministry of Youth Affairs to recognise the excellent efforts of youth working towards national development and social service. The prize recognises work in health, research, culture, human rights, tourism, education, sports, innovation, community service, by people under the age of 30.

Akarsh founded YuvaSpark as a 17-year-old high school student in 2018. The organisation has built technology platforms that have digitised learning at over 600 anganwadi centres across rural India. To enhance quality of education at anganwadis (early childhood education centres in rural India), YuvaSpark’s digital platform is periodically providing teachers with custom-curated interactive vernacular language academic content.

Apart from this, the organisation runs programmes to improve infrastructure at orphanages, enhance library infrastructure in government schools, and provide smart learning devices to special schools.

The organisation has impacted the lives of 3,46,000 children across 10 States by engaging over 700 volunteers from 35 institutions, and has raised ₹2.5 crore in funding from Amazon, BCG, Indian Oil, MNGL, SECI, and other companies.

After graduating from one of India’s most prominent institutions, BITS Pilani, in 2022, Akarsh opted out of placements and chose to devote his time to improving the quality of education for children in India.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Udupi: Rajaram Tallur’s book ‘Karidabbi’ receives Sahitya Akademi Award for thoughtful writing

Writer and columnist Rajaram Tallur’s book ‘Karidabbi’ has been honored with the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi’s 2022 Book Award for best thoughtful writing. The award was presented on March 25 at a ceremony held at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru by the state’s minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi.

The event was attended by senior writer Dr Hampanagarajayya, Karnataka Sahitya Akademi president L N Mukundaraj, secretary of the Kannada and Culture department Dr N Manjula, director of the Kannada and culture department K M Gayatri, and several other dignitaries.

During the ceremony, the Sahitya Akademi’s Honorary Award and Sahitya Shri Awards for the year 2023 were also presented.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Mysuru’s Sumithra Raju – Traiblazer, 2-Wheeler Female Mechanic Breaking barriers with Grease & Grit…

Mysuru’s woman mechanic powers ahead.

On International Women’s Day, stories of resilience and determination shine a light on women who step beyond societal norms. One such trailblazer is Sumithra Raju, Mysuru’s two-wheeler mechanic, proving that no field is off-limits for women.

For the past four years, Sumithra has been repairing scooters at Suchithra Auto Service Centre on Basaveshwara Road, defying the conventional belief that mechanics is a male-dominated domain.

Her journey into this world of grease and gears was fuelled by two things: A passion for learning something unconventional and the need to support her family financially.

A journey from fields to workshops

A native of Byathahalli in Mysuru taluk, Sumithra, now 49, was born into a family of agriculturists.

Hard work was ingrained in her life early on. With only a Class 5 education, she toiled as a farm labourer alongside her father and siblings, harvesting cotton and groundnut to make ends meet.

Marriage to Raju, a construction worker, brought new responsibilities, and when her two daughters were of marriageable age, Sumithra sought ways to supplement the family’s income.

Her turning point came when she repeatedly visited the garage where she now works, getting her scooter serviced. Intrigued by the mechanics, she asked the garage owner, Surendran, if she could learn the trade. Surprised but supportive, he agreed.

Spanners, scooters & success

Today, Sumithra can handle all scooter repairs, from minor fixes to complex engine overhauls. “If you are determined to take up the challenge, success is guaranteed,” she says, tightening a bolt with a practiced grip. 

Surendran, her mentor and garage owner, takes immense pride in her journey. “In my 28 years of running this garage, she is the first woman mechanic I’ve trained. Sumithra is living proof that if a woman is willing, she can master any skill,” he says.

Sumithra’s garage exclusively services scooters, and with more women riding two-wheelers, she finds herself in a unique position to encourage others to enter the field. She even services her five personal two-wheelers on her own and is open to teaching other women who are interested in learning vehicle repair.

In a world where women are making strides in every sector, Sumithra Raju’s story is a testament to perseverance and breaking gender stereotypes — one scooter at a time.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

6 organizations, 20 women achievers awarded ‘Kittur Rani Chennamma’ award 2025, who deserves the award?

On the occasion of International Women’s Day-2025, 6 organizations and 20 women achievers who worked for the all-round development of women were presented with the Kittur Rani Chennamma Award. The Yashodharamma Dasappa Award, Antaraal and Model Parenting Guidelines were also released at the event held at the Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru.

Highlights :

  • Kittur Rani Chennamma Award presented to 6 organizations and 20 women achievers
  • The award was presented by Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar.
  • Selection of associations for state-level awards under the Stree Shakti scheme in 2024-25

 Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar on Saturday presented the Kittur Rani Chennamma Awards to 6 organizations and 20 women achievers who have worked for the all-round development of women.

The Kittur Rani Channamma Award was presented during the International Women’s Day-2025 program held at the Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru by the Department of Women and Child Development.

On this occasion, the Yashodharamma Dasappa Award, Antaraal and Model Parenting Guidelines – 2024 edition were released.

Institutions that received the Kittur Rani Chennamma Award for the year 2024-25

1. Janachintan Town and Rural Development Institute, Chikkamagaluru.
2. Family Planning Association of India, Bangalore.
3. Sreedaneshwari Mahila Vidyut Looms Cooperative Society, Mandarapet, Near Veerabadreshwara Temple, Banahatti, Bagalkot.
4. Chetana Seva Sanstha(R), Deevagi, Kumta, Uttara Kannada, Sri Ramachandra Kanna Ambiga Po-Deevagi, Uttara Kannada District.
5. Ruchi Trust (Education, Literature, Social, Cultural Arts) Near Muddal Cross, Yadgir.
6. Navashri Kalachetana Sanstha President, Keshwapur, Hubli-Dharwad District

Women who received the award,

1. Dr. Veena S. Bhat, Bhadravati
2. Dr. Pooja Mallappa, Bevur, Gadag
3. Prema H, Udupi
4. Rashmi S.R., Hassan district
5. Nazima S., Shivamogga,
6. Suvarna, Bangalore
7. Manjula, Mandya
8. Aditi Parappa Kshatrateja, Dharwad

Art field

1. Dr. Vedarani Dasanur, Dharwad
2. Usha Basappa Bangalore
3. Vidushi: Rajani L Karigara Ranebennur
4. A.S. Padmavati, Bhadravati
5. Pooja Raghunandan, Hassan

Literary field

1. Richal Britti Fernandez, Mangalore
2. Dr. Sangeeta M. Heeremath, Kalaburagi
3. Kasturi.D. Pattar, Koppal District

Sports field

1. Gayatri, Uttara Kannada
2. Amulya, Haveri

Education sector

1. Lalitha C. Karimani, Gadag District


Heroic woman field

Dr. Vishalakshi. Karaddi, Kalaburagi

The best Stree Shakti groups selected for the best state level award under the Stree Shakti scheme for the year 2024-25

  1. Adishakti Women’s Self-Help Association, Gadag
  2. Aishwarya Stree Shakti Self Help Association, Belgaum
  3. Shree Sharada Streeshakti Swasahay Sangh, Bangalore Rural

The best women empowerment groups selected for the Smt. Yashodharamma Dasappa Divisional Level Award for the year 2024-25

  1. Shri Parvathi Streeshakti Swasahay Sangh, Chitradurga
  2. Shri Gautama Buddha Mahila Streeshakti Swasahay Sangha, Mysore
  3. Neelambike Women’s Self-Help Association, Bagalkot
  4. Sri Shakti Mallikarjuna Women’s Self-Help Association, Kalaburagi

Taluk Unions selected for the Best Taluk Union Award for the year 2024-25

  1. Stree Shakti Women’s Block Society, Bangalore City
  2. Sahana Stree Shakti Block Society, Chikkaballapur
  3. Sri Banashankari Streeshakti Block Society, Bagalkote

source/content: vijaykarnataka.com (headline edited)

India Paddle Festival 2025: Top global athletes to compete at Sasihithlu Beach

The much-anticipated India Paddle Festival, the country’s premier international stand-up paddling event, returns for its second edition from March 7 to 9 at the picturesque Sasihithlu Beach. This year’s event will feature a stellar lineup, headlined by World No. 2 Christian Andersen and former world champion Daniel Hasulyo, promising a thrilling three-day showcase of elite paddling talent.

Alongside Andersen and Hasulyo, the festival will also feature the defending women’s champion Esperanza Barreras, a four-time world champion, and South Africa’s rising star Chiara Vorster. The men’s category will bring fierce competition, with athletes like Spain’s Antonio Morillo and Denmark’s “Polar Bear” Christian Andersen battling for the top spot.

India’s own Sekar Patchai, the reigning national champion and a 25-time title-holder, will lead the home charge, representing the nation’s growing stand-up paddling prowess. He will be joined by Manikandan, one of the country’s most promising paddlers, as they take on international rivals in what promises to be an action-packed contest.

The festival is organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club, with support from Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism, Government of India) and Karnataka Tourism. Sanctioned by the Association of PaddleSurf Professionals (APP) World Tour, the official World Championship Tour for stand-up paddling, the event will feature intense SUP racing across multiple formats, including sprint, technical, and distance races. In addition to the thrilling competitions, the festival will offer live music and vibrant cultural celebrations, creating an exciting atmosphere for spectators and participants alike.

With over 40 paddlers from across the globe set to compete in four categories—men’s open, women’s open, junior U-16 boys, and girls—the India Paddle Festival 2025 will further strengthen India’s reputation as an emerging hub for non-motorized water sports. This milestone event comes on the heels of India’s recent achievement in securing its first-ever surfing quota for the Asian Games, marking a new chapter in the country’s growing interest and success in water sports.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Karnataka tops in Devolution Index ranking of Panchayat Raj system

In the overall category, Kerala and Tamil Nadu bag second and third spots, respectively, says the report.

Karnataka tops the overall Devolution Index (DI) ranking of the Panchayat Raj system among States in India, while Kerala and Tamil Nadu are in the second and third spot, respectively.

The report titled ‘Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence-Based Ranking’ (2024) released by the Centre on February 13 states that Karnataka tops the chart in the DI and in the key sub-indices of ‘finances’ and ‘accountability’. Overall, the State has commendable performance across nearly all identified metrics.

States/UTs were ranked according to the overall panchayat DI and six key dimensions of framework, functions, finances, functionaries, capacity enhancement, and accountability. The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi, prepared the report.

Overall index score

The report notes that Karnataka ranks first with an overall index score of 72.23 followed by Kerala (70.59), Tamil Nadu (68.38), and Maharashtra (61.44). While BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh ranks fifth (60.07), Gujarat is ranked sixth (58.26). Bihar along with the north-eastern and hilly States of Assam, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand emerged as moderate scorers but with values above the national average of 43.89.

Six key dimensions

In the framework criterion, Kerala ranks first followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Haryana

In the functional criterion, Tamil Nadu tops the list followed by Karnataka, Odisha, and Rajasthan

In the finances criterion, Karnataka has secured the top place followed by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan

In the accountability criterion, Karnataka tops followed by Kerala, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh

In the functionaries criterion, Gujarat ranks first followed by Tamil Nadu and Kerala

In the capacity building criterion, Telangana has secured the first spot followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat

Framework dimension

In the ‘Framework’ dimension, Kerala ranks first with a score of 83.56 followed by Maharashtra (74.74), Karnataka (74.43), and Haryana (73.3).

This dimension includes legal requirements such as holding regular panchayat elections, reserving seats for women, SCs, and STs, and establishing State Election Commission and State Finance Commission.

Functions

In the ‘functions’ dimension, Tamil Nadu tops with an index value of 60.24. Karnataka (57.62), Odisha (57.46), and Rajasthan (56.13) are marginally separated from each other. This criterion stipulates States to assign local functions to panchayats, enabling them to act as institutions of self-government. Karnataka delegates a significant number of functions to panchayats and GPs enjoy maximum power to levy taxes and non-taxes, it said.

Finances

Under the criterion of ‘Finances’, Karnataka has secured the top place with a score of 70.65 followed by Kerala (62.89), Tamil Nadu (55.78), and Rajasthan (54.56). In this indicator, States have been evaluated based on the release of funds in time under the 15th Finance Commission. It is found that most States are not serious about the constitution of the SFCs and implement their recommendations. 

Accountability

Karnataka has topped in the ‘Accountability’ dimension with the highest score (81.33) in the indicators of ‘social audit’ and ‘gram sabha’. Karnataka is followed by Kerala, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh with the score of 81.18, 80.36, and 76.07, respectively.

Criteria adopted in this category are accounting and audit of panchayats, social audit of panchayats, functioning of gram sabha, transparency and anti-corruption, panchayat assessment, and incentivisation. Overall, the GP system in Karnataka has served as a vital institution for promoting local self-governance, participatory democracy, and sustainable development in rural areas, the report noted.

Functionaries

In the ‘Functionaries’ dimension, Karnataka has one of the maximum number of panchayat officials working as per the sanctioned positions prescribed by the State. Gujarat tops the list with a value of 90.94, followed by Tamil Nadu (84.25), and Kerala (82.99). Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Maharashtra have secured scores above 70 along with Himachal Pradesh (70.06). Key indicators included in this dimension are the physical infrastructure of panchayats, e-connectivity of panchayats, panchayat officials, and sanctioned and actual staff positions.

Capacity building

In the ‘Capacity building’ dimension, Karnataka is among the top 10 States. Key indicators included in this category are training institutions, and training activities of elected representatives and officials.

Telangana has secured the first rank (86.19) followed by Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, with the score of 84.29 and 83.96, respectively.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)