House regularisation under Akrama-Sakrama: Rs 5000 fine for SC and STs, Rs 10000 for others

BENGALURU: Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra said SC/STs will have to pay a fine of Rs 5,000 for regularisation of their houses built on 30x40 sqft sites on government land under Akrama-Sakrama. Those under General category would be levied a Rs 10,000 penalty.

The State legislature had passed the Karnataka Revenue (Second Amendment) Bill 2017 to amend the Karnataka Land Revenue Act 1964, for regularising dwelling houses built on 30x40 sqft sites.

Cost increase of dam repair project

The cabinet approved a revised estimate of Rs 581 crore for the World Bank-aided Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP). It was earlier estimated to cost Rs 276 crore. The works include plugging of leakages and cracks and strengthening of the structures, Jayachandra said. The project will cover the following dams: KRS, Narayanapura, Almatti, Hidkal, Malaprabha, Dharma Reservoir, Karanja, Amarja, Lower Mullamari, Bhadra, Tungabhadra, Hemavathy, Devarabelekere, Madaga Masur, Maskinagala, Vatehole, Gayathri Reservoir, Chikkahole, Hagaribommanahalli, Chulkinala, Mallagatta, Upper Mullamari, Lower Mullamari, Hattikuni, Vanivilas Sagar, Harangi and Kabini.

ACS report on SC and ST quota

The cabinet has accepted the report by a committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary in the case related to Supreme Court order quashing reservation for SC/STs in promotion in government service. The committee was asked to compile data on the extent of  backwardness of the SC/STs and the “inadequacy” of their representation in various departments. The report would be used to strengthen its argument in the Supreme Court where it has filed a review petition against its order striking down the promotions awarded to SC/ST employees since 1978.

Akrama-Sakrama saga

What is the scheme about?
Akrama-Sakrama is a scheme for regularising unauthorised construction of houses on government lands. In all, there are three types of Akrama-Sakrama introduced by the government.

The extension of Akrama-Sakrama for houses on sites measuring upto 30x40 sqft on government lands on the outskirts of cities and towns is expected to benefit over 5 lakh families.

Who will it benefit

It will benefit mostly poor farm labourers and small farmers in rural areas. But in urban areas, it will help not just middle class people, but big real estate sharks and builders, according to  observers.

Over 30 lakh applications have been received under the scheme for regularising houses built on government lands in rural areas

The Supreme Court issued a stay order on its implementation for sites on unauthorised private layouts and for building by-law violations in cities and towns, including BBMP limits.

Other cabinet decisions

Rs 138 crore Approval for  tender for a new campus for the University of Agricultural Sciences of Shivamogga. Campus would come up on 600 acres and be developed in two years

Rs 51.40 crore Approval for the construction of a barrage across Tungabhadra river at Gharbagudi, Haveri district

Rs 22.85 crore Nod for building Arogya Bhavan on Magadi Road