Karnataka Cabinet Greenlights Landmark Rohith Vemula Bill

The Karnataka Cabinet has given the nod to the Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Exclusion or Injustice) Bill aimed at eradicating caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions. Alongside this landmark legislation, a series of vital infrastructure projects received clearance during the meeting chaired by Minister H K Patil.

The bill proposes compensation of up to Rs one lakh for students facing discrimination and imposes penalties, including imprisonment, on offenders. Initiated after strong advocacy by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the bill seeks to prevent tragedies similar to that of Rohith Vemula, a Dalit student who died by suicide in 2016 due to caste-based discrimination.

In addition to the legislative focus, the Cabinet approved infrastructure projects worth Rs 13,262 crore for elevated corridors and revised plans for the Intermediate Ring Road. A biogas purification system, road transport corporation central office, and the transfer of Karwar Airport development also received significant attention.