Bangalore: The state cabinet on Thursday decided to auction the ‘C’ category mines, which was banned by the Supreme Court earlier this year.
A proposal explaining the methodology that the government would adopt in auctioning these mines, would be submitted to the Supreme Court.
"Only after obtaining the Apex Court’s approval, the government will go ahead with the auction process," law and parliamentary affairs minister, T.B. Jayachandra said.
Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, Jayachandra shared some of the conditions that the government would lay down for the bidders.
Since the sale and export of iron ore is banned, those who would do value addition to the extracted iron ore through production of steel, would be allowed to participate in the auction.
In another significant decision, the government decided to extend Ksheera Bhagya scheme to government aided schools.
The cabinet also decided to bring BPL families in the police, jail, fire and home guards wings under Anna Bhagya scheme. They were left out when the Congress government launched the scheme.
In a significant move to streamline the PDS system across the state, the cabinet decided to make it mandatory for PDS shops to remain open from the 1st to 10th of every month, starting January 1.
"The PDS shops will remain open between 8 am and 12 noon and 4 pm to 8 pm on all these days. The new scheme-Paditara Khatri (guarantee of ration) will also facilitate inspections," Jayachandra said.
The government has decided to change its policy and from now on, it would not procure rice from outside Karnataka.
"The cabinet fixed a Minimum Support Price of Rs 1600 per quintal for buying paddy from farmers and Rs 2400 per quintal for purchasing paddy from mills.
The cabinet also decided to procure a rice variety, Jyothi, to supply Anna Bhagya beneficiaries in the coast.
It was decided to include the arbitration clause in all tender agreements in the state to direct disputes to the Arbitration and Mediation Centre set up at Khanija Bhavan.
In the wake of the SC hearing on demand for Cauvery water for Bangalore city, the cabinet decided to seek an additional 10 tmc of drinking water in addition to the existing 17.64 tmc.
