KSOU Act to be amended

To ensure recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Mysuru, from 2016-17, the State Cabinet has decided to amend the KSOU Act, 1992, and restrict the university’s courses within the State’s jurisdiction.

The UGC discontinued recognition to all open and distance learning courses of KSOU beyond 2012-13 for flouting its norms, directives and guidelines on distance learning programmes. The university offered programmes through distance learning mode in violation of the UGC policy on territorial jurisdiction notified on June 27, 2013.

RGUHS campus

The State Cabinet on Wednesday approved construction of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) campus and two hospitals at Archakarhalli, Ramanagaram taluk, at an estimated cost of Rs. 580 crore. A hi-tech hospital (250 beds) and another general hospital (750 beds) would be developed on the campus. The State government would fund construction of the 750 bed-hospital.

Mysugar revival

The Cabinet meeting presided over by the Chief Minister approved a Rs. 27 crore package for revival of Mysugar Factory, Mandya, to undertake repair works and commence sugarcane crushing during the 2015-16 season. The factory has been incurring losses for the past two decades. The government holds 97 per cent equity in the factory.

Caste names

Based on the recommendations of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, the Cabinet decided to remove the caste names ‘Nayinda’ and ‘Hajama’ from the OBC list. Authorities have been directed to issue caste certificates under the ‘Savitha’ caste.

Tender reservation

The Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 1999, will be amended to provide reservation for tender works for the Scheduled Castes (17.15 p.c.) and the Scheduled Tribes (6.95 p.c.). Reservation, however, is restricted to works costing less than Rs. 50 lakh.