Belagavi: The Karnataka government on Thursday introduced a Bill in the Assembly to prohibit and criminalise social boycott, especially those imposed by self-appointed caste panchayats, with a jail term of up to three years and a fine of Rs 1 lakh, Deccan Herald reported.

According to the report, the Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, presented by Law Minister H K Patil, lists 19 forms of social ostracisation. These include refusal to do business, denying opportunities, obstruction from participation in events or blocking access to facilities and cutting-off of ties.

The Bill reportedly notes that unconstitutional practices such as caste panchayats issuing punishments or enforcing boycotts continue in parts of the state. Any assembly of people convened to impose a boycott will be treated as an unlawful gathering and attract penalties. Aiding or abetting such boycotts will also invite up to three years’ jail and Rs 1 lakh fine.

Under the proposed law, the government will appoint a Social Boycott Prohibition Officer to detect offences.

As per the report, the government also introduced the Greater Bengaluru Governance (Second Amendment) Bill in the Assembly on Thursday. The Bill seeks to include Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs, MLAs and MLCs as members of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The chief secretary and heads of the urban development and finance departments will also get seats in the GBA, as per the Bill.

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New Delhi (PTI): Rajya Sabha nominated MP Sudha Murty on Friday urged the government to take steps to guarantee free and compulsory care and education for children in the age group of 3 to 6.

The private member resolution moved by Murty said the government may consider amending the Constitution to introduce a new article Article 21B in this regard.

Moving the resolution, she said: "Children are our future. They are the rising Sun. Their early education should benefit their life. Hence I request through you sir to our government to consider amending our Constitution to give fundamental right to education from 6 to 14 years to 3 to 14 years."

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Murty said several parents who are not well-off are not even aware of the importance of Anganwadi education.

The government, the resolution said, needs to "work towards universal access to quality Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) through strengthening Anganwadi services, or through any other mechanism the government may deem appropriate, to ensure that all children receive equitable and holistic early childhood support."

The resolution also urged the government to take suitable measures to enhance delivery, training and support systems related to early childhood services, recognising their role in securing strong foundations for lifelong learning and development.