Bengaluru: The decks were cleared for 'Kambala,' a popular rural sport of coastal Karnataka following modifications made to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment ) Bill, 2017 as suggested by the President of India.
Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting presided over by CM Siddaramaiah here on Friday, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T.B. Jayachandra said after the bill was unanimously approved by both Houses, it was sent to the President for his assent. However, the President returned the bill directing the state government to remove a particular sentence which said, “notwithstanding as may be prescribed by the state government through notification”. Accordingly, the Cabinet decided to remove that sentence from the bill which would once again be forwarded to the President for his signature.
The minister said there would be no changes in whatever was decided by the government after a thorough discussion recently, except for the removal of one sentence. Now, it was legal to hold bullock races or bullock cart races provided there was no ill treatment of the animals. Once the President signs the bill, it would return to the office of the Governor.
He said the Cabinet decided to waive the water bill of Rs 23.11 crore and an interest of Rs 16.90 crore due from slum-dwellers in BBMP limits till March 31, 2017. Besides, slum dwellers living in houses measuring 20 X 30 feet or less would be supplied 10,000 litres water per month for which the government would pay Rs148.
Other decisions
- Approval for two ball mills at a cost of Rs 57.49 crore in HGML
- Increasing retirement age of V-C of Dr Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University from 65 to 67
- Altering inalienable period for sites granted under R&R package to displaced families under Mangalore SEZ from 10 years to 5 years
- Approval for construction of hostels for STs in various districts at a cost of Rs 512 crore
- Recommendation to Centre to declare Halumatha community as synonymous to Kuruba community
