Karnataka cabinet accepts Justice D’Cunha's report on stadium stampede
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka cabinet on Thursday accepted Justice John Michael D’Cunha’s report on the stampede near Chinnaswamy stadium here on June 4 that killed 11 people and injured many.
The cabinet also decided that it will initiate action against private organisations that were involved in holding the RCB victory celebration, Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil told PTI after the meeting.
"The cabinet has decided to accept Justice John Michael D’Cunha’s report and take legal action on its basis," he said.
The legal action will be against private associations and companies such as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and DNA Entertainment Networks.
As far as the police officers are concerned, a departmental inquiry will be initiated, the minister said.
He further said that whoever is responsible for the stampede and negligence have been indicated in Justice D’Cunha report.
The judicial probe was ordered by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on June 5, a day after the tragedy took place.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda and Additional Commissioner (West) Vikash Kumar Vikash were among those who were suspended following the stampede.
The incident occurred during a victory parade organised by the RCB franchise after their successful IPL campaign. A massive crowd gathered outside the stadium, leading to stampede.
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TN seeks duty-free cotton imports to support textile sector: CM Vijay writes to PM
Chennai (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to remove the import duty on cotton.
In his first letter to Modi after taking over as chief minister of the state, he said Tamil Nadu is the country’s largest textile and apparel exporting state.
Lakhs of people are dependent on this sector for both direct and indirect employment, especially women from rural and semi-urban backgrounds, Vijay pointed out.
Stating that the industry is facing a severe crisis due to an increase in cotton prices and consequently yarn prices, he said, “I understand this is caused primarily due to a shortage in cotton production and increased trading activity in the country.”
Pointing out that the price of cotton has increased from Rs 54,700 to Rs 67,700 per candy—an increase of 25 per cent over the last two months—while yarn prices have increased from Rs 301 to Rs 330 per kg, he said, “In this situation, the continued supply of raw material can be ensured only through imports.”
However, there is an import duty of 11 per cent on cotton, he said, adding that in such a situation, permitting duty-free cotton imports will help the industry meet increasing export commitments and remain globally competitive.
Vijay said that after agriculture, the textile and apparel sector is one of the largest employment-generating sectors.
“There is a significant responsibility on the government to safeguard the employment of lakhs of people and ensure the sustainability of the textile value chain," he said.
“Hence, I request your intervention to remove the import duty on cotton from the existing 11 per cent to 0 per cent to ensure the availability of raw material. This measure will enable the textile and apparel industry to remain globally competitive, enhance exports, and protect jobs,” he added.
