Council refers K'taka State Universities Bill to House committee

The Karnataka State Universities Bill, 2017, which seeks to have a common law to govern all universities in the state, has been referred to a House committee of the Legislative Council  on Friday.

The Bill, passed by the Legislative Assembly in June last year proposes to usher in uniformity in functioning of universities, academic calendar of events, conduct of examinations, appointment of staff, admission process among others.

The Bill also seeks to give the state government more powers over universities, including a greater role in matters such as appointment of vice-chancellors.

The Bill was taken up for consideration when BJP members were staging a dharna in the well of the House demanding the resignation of Mines and Geology Minister Vinay Kulkarni charging that he was involved in the murder of a BJP ZP member.

Higher Education Basavaraj Rayareddy said he will try to convince the opposition members regarding the merits of the Bill.    However,    Council Chairman D H Shankaramurthy said it will be better if it is referred to the House committee.