The Hindu : Kerala News : Unified Universities Bill withdrawn

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Nov 25, 2004

Kerala

Kerala

Unified Universities Bill withdrawn

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, NOV. 24 . The Cabinet today decided to withdraw the Unified Universities Bill in view of criticisms against it. The Bill is now before the Select Committee of the Assembly, which had held a public hearing on it.

Though the Bill was aimed at improving the academic functioning of the universities, concerns were raised that it would destroy the autonomy and democratic character of the university.

The Bill envisaged nominated Syndicates and Senates with higher representation for academics. Now, most of the Senate members are elected from various constituencies. Opposition parties and student organisations were among those who objected to the Bill.

The Cabinet approved the draft Road Safety Bill which proposes formation of a road safety fund and road safety authority.

Road safety

The Chief Minister, Oommen Chandy, told presspersons after the Cabinet meeting that the legislation would help the coordination of various projects and the functioning of different organisations for road safety. No new levy was proposed. The Chief Minister said the Cabinet had, in principle, approved the proposal to build an airport at Kannur on build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis in view of the public demand. The decision was subject to some private agencies coming up with a feasible proposal and clearance by the Centre. (Captain Krishnan Nair of Leela Group had submitted a proposal earlier). The Government had acquired 400 acres of land for the airport. More land would be acquired only if there was a viable proposal, he said.

Mr. Chandy said a special unit headed by a tahasildar would be set up in Payyannur to decide on claim petitions related to the acquisition of 2,359 acres for the Ezhimala Naval Academy. About 100 persons had preferred claims . The unit would function for one year.

Watchtower

A police watchtower would be built at the Mappila Bay Fishing Habour in the district in view of clashes occurring between different sections of fishermen there. About Rs. 4.1 lakhs had been sanctioned for this.

Replying to a question, Mr. Chandy said the Government had not thought of reducing sales tax on petrol and diesel to bring down the prices.

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