Karnataka bans use and sale of dreaded Endosulfan

In a major decision, the state government has banned the use of the pesticide, Endosulfan, with immediate effect. The decision was taken citing health reasons. The cabinet took note of reports of physical deformity caused because of the use of the pesticide in several parts of the state. While the state government makes a recommendation to the Centre in this regard, a ban on the sale and use of the insecticide has been introduced for 60 days, to begin with.

Endosulfan is used as an insecticide for cashew crops in Belthangady, Puttur and Bantwal taluks, higher education minister VS Acharya said, pointing to reports of severe illnesses in the areas where the insecticide is sprayed aerially. The insecticide had proven adverse impact on humans, animals and birds, and the consequences of its use, Acharya said, were ‘scary’.

“We have decided that the use and sale of Endosulfan will be banned for 60 days, and simultaneously, we will request the Centre to accord permission for a complete ban. Kerala has already banned it, Acharya said, adding that not only aerial spraying, but use of the insecticide itself will be discontinued.

Aadhaar to be delayed
Bangalore is likely to be covered only in the third phase of the Union government’s Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) project, enrolling citizens with the Aadhaar number. After the first phase was initiated in Mysore and Tumkur in October 2010, the E-governance department, the implementing agency for the project, has decided to launch the programme’s second phase in eight districts, spread over four divisions. Bangalore will be part of the third phase of the project in the state, and the project will be taken up in May or June in the city.

Acharya said on Thursday that the Aadhaar project would soon be taken up in the 28 districts of the state.

“After Mysore and Tumkur, the E-governance department has invited tenders for eight districts, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Gulbarga, Bellary, Bijapur, Dharwad, Dakshina Kannada and Mandya, where the second phase of the project will be implemented. The tenders are expected to be finalised soon, and the issue of the unique identity numbers will start in April in these districts. After that, the other districts will be taken up,” said Ashok Dalwai, deputy director-general, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

No more government role in temples
The state government has decided to amend Section 25 of the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Act, 1997. The proposed amendment would end the state government’s role in the appointment of the board of trustees to look after temples. Instead, religious councils would be constituted in the district and state level to take care of the appointment of trustees.

Under the present Act, the state can appoint nine boards of trustees to over 34,000 Muzrai temples. This provision was challenged in the high court, and the Act itself was struck down by the court. The Supreme Court later revived the Act, and directed that an amendment be brought to Section of 25 of the KHRICEA Act. The state  appointed the justice Rama Jois Committee to look into the issue. The panel also recommended the amendment of Section 25. Under directions from the apex court and in accordance with the recommendations of the panel, the state has decided to bring an amendment to the act, which will be tabled in the next legislative session, explained Acharya.