On Kambala, Govt to follow HC orders

On Kambala, Govt to follow HC orders

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 30, 2016: It is reported that Govt has assured of measures based on the directives issued by the High Court in connection to the legality of Kambala race organised in Uttar Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kasargod districts.

MLC Ivan D’Souza said the buffalo race was an integral part of the culture of the coastal districts. The sport had history of eight centuries, however, some animal welfare organisations had taken objection to organising the sport and demanded a ban, citing cruelty against the buffaloes.. A three-member committee comprising the expert from Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Bidar, had recommended conditional permission for organising the sport avoiding any cruelty to the animals. However, the district administration had imposed a ban.

Home Minister G Parameshwar said the matter was pending before the court and, based on the direction issued and taking into consideration the sentiments of the people of the district, decision would be taken he stated.

Comensation  : The government assured in the Legislative Council of issuing circular to officials to facilitate ex gratia in case of death of children below 14 years in farm ponds, provided they are children of the respective farm filed owners.

Agriculture Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who spoke in response to a question by BJP member M K Pranesh during Question Hour, said that 58 deaths had been reported in farm ponds across Karnataka. When the Opposition took objection to the fact that families of victims had not been recompensed for the accidental deaths, the minister said the ex gratia could not be released for families of children who had been employed as it would amount to indirectly supporting child labour. It would be a violation of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.

Downplaying the allegation of under-use of the funds Byre Gowda said the government had spent Rs 1,050 crore in the last two years on farm ponds while in the current year Rs 200 crore had been earmarked for the purpose.

Farmers themselves should construct the farms ponds and also take safety measures to prevent accidental deaths, he stated.

Chairman Shankarmurthy apprised the government of the recent amendments of the Centre to the concerned law not to consider children as labourers if they worked in the units owned by their parents and suggested the government to ensure compensation taking note of the changes.