Bengaluru, 24 July

Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed four bills on Tuesday despite protests from Opposition BJP members who demanded an immediate discussion on the alleged MUDA scam. The bills passed are Karnataka Irrigation (Amendment) Bill, 2024; Karnataka Municipalities and Certain Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024; Karnataka Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2024; Karnataka Appropriation Bill, 2024.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is also the Minister for Irrigation, presented the irrigation bill which is designed to tackle the illegal extraction of water from irrigation canals and ensure fair distribution to farmers.

The municipalities bill, introduced by Urban Development and Town Planning Minister Byrathi Suresh, aims to extend the provisions of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Act, 2020, across the State, allowing taxation of unauthorised buildings in all cities and urban local bodies. The amendment replaced Land Acquisition Act, 1984, and Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, aiming to enhance transparency and fairness in land acquisition.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the goods and services tax bill which will result in collecting the tax on the intra-state supply of goods or services or both by the State government. Additional clause 61 of section 2 of the bill is for ensuring smooth collection of tax with transparency and section 122A for putting a penalty on non-registered machines used for manufacturing tobacco and pan masala products

With the implementation of the appropriation bill, presented by the Chief Minister, 29 departments of Karnataka government will spend Rs 8,573 crore from a consolidated fund of the State. -Salar News

Assembly may pass 4 bills in upcoming sessions

1. Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Bill, 2024

This bill aims to provide provisions regarding the appointments, duties and functions of revenue officials. It seeks to address lakhs of pending applications and encroachments as the department is operating with half its staff capacity. 

2. Karnataka Medical Registration and Other Law Bill, 2024

The bill aims to prohibit violence against medical service personnel and includes provisions for establishing a council to monitor such cases. It proposes amending Karnataka Medical Registration Act of 1961, introducing a new section that grants the State government the authority to take over cases of violence against healthcare professionals.

3. Karnataka SC\ST and Other Backward Classes (Reservation of Appointments) Bill, 2024

The bill aims to ensure reservation for people from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and other backward classes in government positions, boards, corporations and universities.

4. Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Bill, 2024

Under this bill, the government will engage companies, societies, cooperative societies and NGOs in protecting and maintaining Karnataka's ancient and historical monuments, archaeological sites and remains. -Salar News