Bangalore:
Karnataka Government would consider sending a fresh proposal to Governor H R Bhardwaj on premature release of over 100 life convicts on good conduct in view of the rejection of its earlier recommendations, Social Welfare Minister A Narayanaswamy said on Monday.
"We will consider sending a fresh proposal to the Governor in this regard," he told reporters in Bangalore.
Narayanaswamy said the government had sent proposals to the Governor on more than two oaccsions including in January last, but he rejected them. "We cannot do much. It is the discretion of the Governor to release prisoners with good conduct."
The Governor had rejected the proposals reportedly on the ground that the convicts did not meet the requirements as per guidelines laid down by Supreme Court for premature release.
Opposition Congress and JDS have criticised BJP Government over non-release of convicts during last four years.
Narayanasamy also said the state government was planning to give ownership rights to Dalits tilling 30,000 acres of land given to a community trust.
He said the process of establishing a full-fledged OBC Secretariat was underway and a proposal has been sent to the department of personnel and administrative reforms (DPAR).