Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said in the Legislative Council on Tuesday that the government was open for discussion on illegal mining.
He, however, said he would not be present when the Council would discuss the matter on Wednesday since he has to be in Delhi.
Home Minister K.J. George said a special investigation team headed by an Inspector-General of Police (IGP) was looking into the issue of illegal mining.
The issue of illegal mining was raised by Leader of the Opposition K.S. Eshwarappa.
Court’s supervision
However, ruling party floor leader S.R. Patil said that since the matter of illegal mining was under the “constant supervision of the apex court”, and that since the matter was very well within the jurisdiction of the courts, it could not be discussed.
He said under Rule 59 for procedures of the House, it was clear that the matter could not be taken up for discussion. But if the Chairman of the Legislative Council decides they should answer the question, the government would answer, he said.
During the discussion on budgetary demands for the Education Department, K.V. Narayana Swamy of the Janata Dal (Secular) said there was shortage of teachers in aided schools.
College infrastructure
Maritibbe Gowda of the JD(S) said government colleges lacked infrastructure. As many as 4,000 posts of lecturer were vacant, he said.
