'Doubts on rural quota Bill clarified'

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE, JAN. 2. The State Government was confident of the Governor, Ms. V.S. Rama Devi, giving assent to the Bill providing for horizontal reservation to rural candidates in State services as the Government had convinced her about the constitutionality of the Bill and its legislative competence to enact it, the Law Minister, Mr. D.B. Chandre Gowda, said here today.

Mr. Chandre Gowda told presspersons that the Bill had been returned by the Governor some time ago as she had some doubts about the constitutionality of the Bill in the light of the decision of the Supreme Court that reservation should not exceed 50 per cent. She had asked the Government to get the opinion of the Advocate-General.

The minister said he had held discussions with the Governor and clarified in writing that what was intended in the Bill was horizontal reservation which was not unconstitutional. The question of the State's legislative competence had also been raised and it was clarified that the Government had satisfied itself about its competence before introducing the Bill.

The Government had today received the opinion of the Advocate- General that the Bill providing for horizontal reservation was not unconstitutional. The opinion would be sent to the Governor immediately.

Universities Bill: Mr. Gowda said the joint select committee on the Karnataka Universities Bill, 2000 which had its first sitting today had chosen the Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr. G. Parameswar, as its chairman. The committee had decided to come out with a time-bound report. It was decided to invite suggestions from the public on the Bill.

A comparative statement of the provisions in the Bill on the subject in other States would also be secured by the time of next sitting on January 19.

Asked about the move to set up a bench of the High Court in Hubli, Mr. Chandre Gowda said the Chief Minister had sought an appointment with the Chief Justice for a discussion and was awaiting a response.

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Section  : Southern States
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