Karnataka assembly passes land reforms bill with amendments by council
Bengaluru: A day after the Legislative Council passed the contentious "The Karnataka Land Reforms (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020" that liberalises farmland ownership with certain amendments, it was adopted by the assembly on Wednesday, despite the Congress staging a walkout.
The government on Tuesday had managed to pass the bill in the legislative council after JD(S) backed it.
"We have not made any major changes to the bill that was discussed and passed earlier by this House, other than certain minor things, giving some clarity with clarifications," Revenue Minister R Ashoka said.
Senior Congress MLA H K Patil, however, moved certain amendments to the bill, which was objected to by BJP MLA K G Bopaiah and Law Minister J C Madhuswamy, stating that no amendments can be moved at this stage as the bill has already been passed by this house and the legislative council.
Stating that discussions can happen only on amendments made by the council, Madhuswamy said the bill cannot be debated with fresh amendments suggested by any member.
Asking Patil whether he was trying to amend the Constitution, he pointed out that the amendment he suggested proposes to restrict people of other states from purchasing land in Karnataka.
As Siddaramaiah rose to defend Patil, saying that the government was giving land to non-agriculturists and corporate bodies, Madhuswamy hit back at the former Chief Minister, pointing out that one who allowed change of land use by bringing amendments in 2015 should not speak now.
Amid argument between some Congress and BJP MLAs following this, Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, citing rules, rejected the amendments moved by Patil.
The bill was then passed by a voice vote in the assembly, even as Congress legislators staged a walk out.
Before going to the council, the assembly had passed the bill during the monsoon session in September. It had replaced an ordinance to the effect, promulgated by the government in July.
As the bill was pending before the council, the government in October had re-promulgate the ordinance.
The Karnataka Land Reforms (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020 that further amends the act of 1961, removing almost all restrictions on buying farm land.
The assembly also passed the Karnataka Stamp (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020, aimed at giving an impetus to the growth of industry in the state as proposed in the Industrial Policy and to reduce the stamp duty to first sale of flat or apartment up to Rs 35 lakh as proposed in the budget.
Also passed was the Karnataka Parliamentary Secretaries Salary, Allowances and Miscellaneous Provisions (Repeal) Bill, 2020.
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TN polls: DMK promises Rs 8,000 'Illatharasi' coupon scheme for women
Chennai (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin on Sunday released his party's manifesto for the April 23 Assembly elections, and announced providing the "Illatharasi" coupon scheme worth Rs 8,000 for women to buy/replace household electronic goods.
He promised to implement a number of welfare measures in different sectors including education, industry and farming should the DMK return to power and described his party's set of poll promises as a "superstar.".
He said the coupon for women could be used to buy household appliances like TV, refrigerator, washing machine, mixie, microwave oven, induction stove or replace them.
"This new Illatharasi scheme will be implemented. Under this scheme, the women of families who don't come under the income tax bracket would be provided a one-time coupon worth Rs 8,000 to purchase these electronic goods from the shops in their places of residence," Stalin said.
'Illatharasi' in Tamil literally translates to the "queen of the house," and in effect refers to a women head of the family.
Announcing a slew of welfare measures targeting women, girl students, farmers and fishermen, he said "I have mentioned a few as a highlight."
"Usually in Tamil Nadu elections the DMK election manifesto is the hero, but now Dravidian model 2.O's poll manifesto is the superstar," Stalin, who is confident of winning over 200 seats out of 234 in the April 23 election, said.
Expanding the coverage for treatment under the CM Health Insurance scheme to Rs 10 lakh by increasing the annual income ceiling, hiking pension for elderly, widows and spinsters above 50 years to Rs 2,000 per month, doubling the monthly grant under the Kalaignar Magalir Urumai Thogai (monthly assistance) to Rs 2,000 and adding new eligible women under this scheme were some of the other promises the ruling party made.
Expanding the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme till Class 8, and providing free modern electric pump sets without any meters to more than 20 lakh farmers receiving free electricity were among the numerous announcements.
The DMK chief assured to enhance the procurement price of paddy to Rs 3,500 per quintal and the procurement price of sugarcane to Rs 4,500 per tonne.
About 10 lakh new concrete houses will be built under Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam housing scheme and various other housing schemes towards a hut-free Tamil Nadu by 2030.
Skill training will be imparted for five lakh youth who have completed higher education and they will also receive Rs 1,500 per month upon enrolment and completion of 6-month training under the Naan Mudhalvan scheme, he said.
The state will ensure foreign investment of Rs 18 lakh crore aiming to create 50 lakh jobs in five years. The monthly higher education grant of Rs 1,000 to students under Pudhumai Penn and Tamil Pudhalvan schemes will be increased to Rs 1,500. About 35 lakh free laptops will be provided to all college students.
Establishing four future-ready global cities around Coimbatore, Salem, Madurai, and Tiruchirappalli apart, about 50 Semmozhi Poonga's will be constructed across Tamil Nadu, he said.
In his address, Stalin exuded confidence that the DMK is " going to form government for seventh time."
"This confidence is not just of the party workers but all of TN people, because no state government has made so many achievements. So many record schemes have been delivered. We have achieved double digit growth," he said
The DMK started its tenure in 2021 with a 10-year vision plan.
Today, 1.31 crore women were receiving Rs 1000 monthly assistance, he said. The BJP tried to stop it citing election but we realised the conspiracy and gave it in advance in February," the DMK chief added.
The manifesto was prepared by a team headed by party deputy general secretary and Lok Sabha MP Kaniozhi and the team members included two state ministers. Stalin felicitated them on the occasion.
