IPL matches at Chinnaswamy stadium only after KSCA complies with safety upgrades?

According to sources, the Cabinet placed the onus on the KSCA to implement recommendations of the Justice John Michael Cunha Commission’s report following the June 4 stampede that killed 11 people.

Belagavi: The Cabinet is said to have decided to allow matches of the upcoming season Indian Premier League (IPL) season at the Chinnaswamy stadium only after the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) complies with safety and security requirements.

According to sources, the Cabinet placed the onus on the KSCA to implement recommendations of the Justice John Michael Cunha Commission’s report following the June 4 stampede outside the stadium in which 11 people died.

The stampede occurred during celebrations of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) victory in the IPL.

The Commission concluded that the “design and structure” of the stadium were “unsuitable and unsafe” for mass gatherings. Citing “systematic limitations”, the Commission had “strongly” recommended relocating events where large crowds are expected to venues that are “better suited”.

The Commission has recommended: purpose-built queuing and circulation zones separated from public roads, adequate gates for mass entry and exit (ingress and egress), integrated public transport access points and tourist hubs, emergency evacuation plans compliant with international safety norms, and sufficient parking and drop-off infrastructure to handle attendee volumes.

Newly-elected KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad, a former India pacer, met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar on Wednesday. Shivakumar had said that he wouldn’t allow IPL to be shifted outside Bengaluru.

New cess?

The Cabinet is learned to have to approved a Bill to introduce a cess of ₹1,000 on new vehicles by amending the Karnataka Road Safety Aurhority Act. This Bill may be introduced in the ongoing session of the legislature here.

Internal quota

The Cabinet is also said to have approved a Bill providing internal reservation for Scheduled Castes by sub-classifying them within their 17% quota for jobs and education. This Bill, too, is coming up in the ongoing session.