Legislative assembly passes bill; Opposition Congress walks out

Bangalore : Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Wednesday passed The Agricultural Universities and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2012 amid a walkout by opposition Congress.

The government said it intends to establish a separate Agricultural and Horticultural University in Shimoga.

Districts like, Chikmagalur, Uudpi, Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Davanagere and Chitradurga would come under this university.

Agriculture Minister Umesh Katti, who piloted the bill, conceded the demand of JDS leader H D Revanna to exclude Hassan district from the ambit of the bill.

Opposition Congress leader Mr Siddaramaiah and others opposed establishment of a university to benefit Shimoga, the home district of former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, in whose regime the proposal was approved.

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Mr Siddaramaiah said the government can set up a good agriculture and horticulture college in Shimoga to "please somebody", but not a university.

After Congress members staged a walkout, the house approved the bill by voice vote.

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The house also passed The Karnataka Command Areas Development (Amendment) Bill, 2012 and Karnataka Homeopathy Professional (Amendment) Bill, 2012.