Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will take over as the Chancellor of the Karnataka State Rural and Panchayat Raj University, a role previously held by the Governor.
The decision, made by the Cabinet which met today, aims to streamline the university’s operations for better efficiency, revealed Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil.
This shift follows similar changes made in other states like Gujarat, reported Patil. The amendment is expected to enhance the university’s functioning.
This decision comes months after a standoff in September, when Karnataka’s Congress government clashed with Governor Thawarchand Gehlot. The Governor sought information about the prosecution sanctioning the Chief Minister, prompting the state government to counter by curbing his influence over government affairs.
The Cabinet in September had approved a bill Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) draft Bill-2024, curtailing the Governor’s powers in appointing the Vice-Chancellor for the university. The Cabinet had decided to bring the bill in the next legislative session.
Patil also announced that in a bid to give a boost to the state’s tourism sector, the Karnataka Tourism Department has announced plans to install ropeways and cable cars in 12 prominent tourism regions across the state under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The survey for these installations has already begun at Nandi Hills, Savadatti, Yadgiri, Kodachadri, and Anjanadri, among other locations.
These developments are part of the Karnataka Tourism Ropeways Bills Amendment Act, which aims to enhance the state’s infrastructure and offer visitors a unique experience in some of Karnataka’s most scenic areas.
