Belagavi, 10 Dec

The Drugs and Cosmetics (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2025, was among the twelve Bills tabled in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.

As per the Bill, it is considered necessary to amend the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 to empower the State government to specify such authority and officers, to carry out the functions of the Central Drug Laboratory and the Director, in respect of drugs and cosmetics in Karnataka, with prior approval from the Centre.

It places the burden of proof on the person from whose possession the drug or cosmetic was seized, that such drug or cosmetic is not misbranded or adulterated. While prescribing all offences punishable under the Act to be cognizable and non-bailable, the Bill also prescribes rules making power to the State government under the Act.

Also tabled was the Karnataka Labour Welfare Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which amends the Karnataka Labour Welfare Fund Act to redefine "establishments" as those having more than 10 employees instead of 50. It also proposes to introduce an e-banking system and online banking in the procedure of contribution.

Karnataka Rent (Amendment) Bill that seeks to achieve the principle of "minimum government maximum governance" by decriminalisation of minor offences and rationalisation of monetary penalties as envisaged in the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act 2023 (Central Act 18 of 2023), was also introduced.

The Karnataka State Universities (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025 tabled in the Assembly, seeks to rename "Ranichannamma University" as "Kittur Ranichannamma University".

The Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill proposes to remove discriminatory provisions against individuals affected by leprosy, as directed by the court.

Also tabled was Karnataka Cine and Cultural Activists (Welfare) (Amendment Bill, 2025; the Malnad Area Development Board (Amendment) Bill; the Bayaluseeme Development Board (Amendment) Bill; the Shree Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority and Certain Other Laws (Amendment) Bill; the Chandraguthi Shree Renukamba Kshetra Development Authority Bill, and the Sri Malai Mahadeshwaraswamy Kshetra Development Authority (Amendment) Bill.

The government, however, did not table the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle (Amendment) Bill that eases the procedure for the release of vehicles seized for illegal cattle transport, though it was listed.

Lingayat protesters detained during march to Suvarna Soudha

Members of the Lingayat Panchamasali community on Wednesday observed a ‘Panchamasali Atrocity Day’, marking one year since police lathi-charge during an agitation seeking 2A reservation. The community held a silent march to condemn the incident and reiterate their demand.

The protest rally began at Mahatma Gandhi Bhavan in Belagavi and moved through Rani Chennamma Circle and the Deputy Commissioner’s office before heading towards Sangolli Rayanna Circle. Thousands of protesters took part in the silent march, wearing black armbands and carrying Panchamasali flags as they demanded justice and reservation under Category 2A.

As the march proceeded towards Suvarna Soudha, police detained several prominent leaders, later releasing them.

Those detained included Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peetha seer Sri Basavajaya Mrutyunjaya Swamiji, and BJP legislators Basangouda Patil Yatnal, C.C. Patil, Aravind Bellad, and Siddu Savadi, among others.

Farmer collapses during protest, hospitalised in Belagavi

A farmer participating in an ongoing protest at the Suvarna Garden premises suddenly fell ill on Wednesday morning. Yallappa Hirekurabar, 35, a resident of Kudachi village in Raibag taluk, was among the protesters demanding the fulfilment of various pending demands.

The farmer experienced a sudden spike or drop in blood pressure, likely triggered by the heavy crowd, prolonged sloganeering, and the overall stress at the protest site, eyewitness said. He became dizzy and collapsed. Medical personnel present at the venue immediately administered first aid and shifted him to the Belagavi District Hospital.

The incident caused brief anxiety and confusion among the protesters, but the situation was soon brought under control. Fellow farmers, organisers, and police officials extended timely assistance.

Protest leaders said the agitation has intensified due to the government's delay in addressing the farmers’ demands, resulting in heightened mental and physical strain on the participants. Hospital sources later confirmed that Yallappa Hirekurabar’s condition is now stable.