Karnataka Cabinet Approves Key Legislative Bills 2025
The Karnataka State Cabinet recently approved 18 bills ahead of the joint legislative session in 2025. These laws cover a broad spectrum of social reform, urban governance, environmental regulation, and administrative efficiency. They aim to modernise governance frameworks and address long-standing social issues in the state.
Greater Bengaluru (Amendment) Bill, 2025
This amendment empowers the State Election Commission to prepare electoral rolls for city corporation elections. It fixes the jurisdictional boundaries of corporations to streamline election processes. The bill facilitates early completion of voter lists to ensure timely and transparent municipal elections in Bengaluru.
Karnataka Devadasi (Prevention, Prohibition, Relief and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2025
Replacing the 1982 Act, this comprehensive legislation addresses the exploitation of Devadasi women and their children. It provides relief, rehabilitation, and empowerment measures. A key provision allows children of Devadasis to omit their father’s name on official documents, enabling them to use their own or their mother’s name. The bill also contemplates recognising paternal identity through DNA testing if desired. This law aims to end social stigma and ensure dignity for Devadasi families.
Karnataka Ground Water (Regulation for Protection of Sources of Drinking Water) Amendment Bill
The amendment adopts central government guidelines to strengthen the protection of groundwater sources. It aims to regulate extraction and safeguard drinking water supplies amid growing environmental concerns.
Other Important Bills Approved
Several other bills focus on administrative reforms and economic facilitation –
- Karnataka Ports (Landing and Shipping Fees) Amendment Bill updates fee structures.
- Karnataka Compliance Decriminalisation Amendment Bill simplifies offences to promote ease of doing business.
- Karnataka Essential Services Maintenance Amendment Bill aligns with the Central Act of 2023.
- Karnataka Municipalities and Certain Other Laws Amendment Bill reduces procedural complexity in urban governance.
- Registration Bill integrates property software to prevent illegal registrations.
- Karnataka Tourism Trade (Facilitation and Regulation) Bill establishes district-level monitoring committees.
- Municipal Corporation Bill sets conditions for levying imposts.
- Karnataka Co-operative and Souharda Bills incorporate gubernatorial suggestions to improve cooperative governance.
- Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Amendment Bill sets minimum age criteria for office bearers.
- Karnataka Urban and Rural Programme Amendment Bill creates a dedicated Commissionerate for urban development authorities.
Significance
These bills reflect a multi-dimensional approach to governance reform. They combine social justice with administrative efficiency and environmental protection. The Devadasi Bill marks a historic step in addressing entrenched social exploitation. Urban governance reforms aim to enhance transparency and citizen participation. Groundwater regulation responds to urgent ecological challenges faced by the state.
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