Article 371(J) has brought new opportunities to Kalyana Karnataka, says Minister Raghumurthy
Minister T. Raghumurthy says Article 371(J) has expanded education, employment and infrastructure opportunities in Kalyana Karnataka, with ₹18,000 crore spent on development.
Article 371(J) of the Constitution, which granted Special Status to Kalyana Karnataka, has created fresh opportunities for the region's residents in education, employment and infrastructure, Minister for Scheduled Tribes Welfare T. Raghumurthy said on Thursday.
Speaking after unfurling the national flag at the Government Pre-University College grounds in Ballari to mark the 79th Kalyana Karnataka Utsav, the Minister said the government remained committed to the region's comprehensive development, social justice and public welfare.
He said the Special Status conferred during the UPA government's tenure had helped address some of the developmental challenges the region faces, opening up prospects in education, employment and infrastructure.
Mr. Raghumurthy said the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board had carried out works worth about ₹18,000 crore. The outlay includes ₹2,202 crore for education, ₹2,071 crore for health, ₹974 crore for employment, ₹498 crore for backward classes, ₹638 crore for SC/ST development and ₹313 crore for minority welfare. A further ₹425 crore has been allocated for groundwater-related works, ₹1,000 crore for Kalyana Patha and ₹166 crore for Praja Soudhas.
Recalling the region's accession to the Indian Union, the Minister noted that the area remained under the Nizam's rule after Independence, and that the Razakars had attacked those who opposed that rule. It became part of the Indian Union on September 17, 1948, following a military operation led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru.
On the drought situation, Mr. Raghumurthy said 101 taluks had been declared drought-hit on the basis of deficient rainfall and a prolonged dry spell. More taluks would be added if they met the prescribed criteria, he said, adding that the government had submitted a proposal seeking assistance from the Centre and was working to supply drinking water and fodder and to generate employment under the VB-G RAM G programme to curb distress migration.
Ballari Lok Sabha Member E. Tukaram said successive governments had taken steps to reduce regional disparities, and that Article 371(J) had helped widen opportunities for the people of Kalyana Karnataka.
Activists who contributed to the implementation of Article 371(J) were felicitated at the event, which also featured a range of competitions.