Steps to check misuse of rules

Cabinet decides to bring Poisons Rules under Revenue Department

With a view to streamlining procurement and supply process of poisons like cyanide and acids and to prevent their misuse, the State cabinet on Friday decided to bring the Karnataka Poisons Rules, 1966, under the Revenue Department.

Briefing reporters about the cabinet decision, Minister Shobha Karandlaje said Deputy Commissioners and tahsildars of districts are now empowered to procure and supply poisons and acids. The rules hitherto was under the purview of Health Department. Due to the shortage of staff, the Drugs Control Department, which functions under the Health Department, was unable to effectively procure and supply them. As a result, they were widely misused, including inflicting physical harm to people, the minister pointed out.
Dr Jagashetty, Drugs Controller, said that till 1974, the licensing authority was the Revenue Department. Sale of sulphuric acid, nitric acid, methanol etc., have to be inspected by the Drugs Controller Department.

“We have just 30 inspectors, while there are 22,000 medical stores and wholesale drug dealers in the State. In case of misuse of acids, we have no authority to book cases. Police and Excise departments function under deputy commissioners. Hence, the rules pertaining to poisons have been brought under the revenue department”, he said.

Teachers’ transfers

The Cabinet approved transferring government school teachers on a seniority basis through counselling system.

District and taluk will be taken as a cluster unit to receive applications for transfers.

Based on the seniority, the district administration will allow transfer of teachers, the minister said.

Celebrations

The Cabinet has decided to celebrate the 500th anniversary of coronation of Krishnadevaraya, king of Vijayanagara empire at Hampi.

A Cabinet advisory committee headed by Tourism Minister G Janardhana Reddy, who is also in-charge of Bellary district, has been set up to chalk out programmes for the event, she said.

Other issues

* Acquiring 12 acres land at the cost of Rs 8.92 crore to provide infrastructure facilities for tourists at Belur in Hassan district

* Promulgating ordinance to establish a Sanskrit and Veda University at Mysore, and Music and Performing Arts University in Bangalore.