Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

1. Karnataka government forms tripartite committees for formulation of Labour Code Rules

The Karnataka government has formed tripartite committees to look into the formulation of the State’s rules for the four Labour Codes notified by the Central government. The four committees, comprising representatives from the Labour Department, trade unions, and employers, have been formed to revise and finalise the draft rules and issue the required notifications. 

While the State had previously formed committees to look into the same, they comprised only Labour Department officials. During a meeting with Labour Minister Santosh Lad on February 11, the union and industry representatives shared concerns and feedback regarding the draft rules. Following this, Mr. Lad assured that the existing committees will be converted into tripartite committees.  

2. CM Siddaramaiah demands re-implementation of MGNREGA, abolition of VB -G RAM G

Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on February 23 urged the Centre to abolish the newly-enacted Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevik Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, and re-implement the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), at the MGNREGA Bachao Andolon organized by the Congress at Chickaballapur, on February 23. .

Asking the Centre to re-establish the right to employment and self-governance for gram panchayats, the CM said that the Centre should declare a uniform minimum wage of ₹400 per day for rural employment. “Until the demands are met, our andolan will not stop. It will continue like the protest of the farmers, who fought against the three farm laws (introduced by BJP government),” he added.

3. Chikkamagaluru police book case against people protesting death in elephant attack

Balehonnur police in Chikkamagaluru district have registered a case against several persons, who participated in a protest on February 22 following the death of an agricultural labourer in an elephant attack, accusing them of obstructing government servants from discharging their duties, and attempting to lift and overturn a police vehicle, among other charges.

Hundreds of local people took part in the protest at Kadabagere in N.R. taluk on February 22, keeping the dead body of the deceased. They demanded a permanent solution to the human-elephant conflict, besides a compensation of ₹50 lakh to the family of the deceased. The police used canes to disperse the mob, and handed over the body to her family.