A view of Karnataka Legislative Assembly
Credit: DH Photo
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Assembly passed a Bill to create a statutory authority named after science educator and Padma Bhushan H Narasimhaiah on Thursday.
The Dr H Narasimhaiah Science, Educational, Cultural and Tourism Development Authority Bill was passed unanimously.
Piloted by Law, Parliamentary Affairs & Tourism Minister HK Patil, the establishment of the Authority was announced in the 2025-26 Budget. The Budget also said that the Government Higher Primary School at Gauribidanur, where Narasimhaiah studied, will be upgraded.
“Dr Narasimhaiah, as we all know, was among India's excellent science educators and a prominent freedom fighter who brought recognition to Karnataka,” Patil said.
Patil said Narasimhaiah led “the most simple life” and that they came in contact as members of the Legislative Council. “I was Leader of the Opposition in the Council when Narasimhaiah was a member. I went to his room at National High School. The only furniture he had was a mat, a blanket and a pillow,” the minister said.
Hosur and Vidurashwatha in Gauribidanur taluk and other cultural sites in that region will come under the proposed Authority, Patil said.
Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka pointed out that Narasimhaiah started National College, which has lakhs of alumni many of whom are settled overseas. "Many of them are donating crores of rupees to their alma mater," he said.
Notaries Bill
The Assembly also passed the Notaries (Karnataka Amendment) Bill on Thursday. According to Patil, the Bill will provide reservation for SCs, STs, OBC, women and differently-abled applicants. “This is not recruitment, but recognition and registration of notaries,” he said.