Karnataka vows full implementation of Article 371(J) for Kalyana Karnataka

The Karnataka government has reaffirmed its commitment to the comprehensive development of Kalyana Karnataka and to the full implementation of the constitutional provisions under Article 371(J). Home, IT-BT and e-Governance Minister, and Kalaburagi district in-charge Minister, Priyank Kharge said on Wednesday that any shortcomings in the implementation of the provision would be rectified, and that the government would not permit injustice to the region.

Speaking after inaugurating a seminar on the implementation of Article 371(J) organised by the Kalyana Karnataka Horata Samiti at Sharnbasva University in Kalaburagi, Mr. Kharge said the benefits guaranteed to the region under the constitutional provision must reach its people. He recalled that the UPA-II government at the Centre, led by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, enacted Article 371(J) after Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge persuaded leaders of various political parties to support the constitutional amendment.

Mr. Kharge noted that Article 371(J) provides reservations in education and employment and has opened up opportunities for the region's development. He pointed to the proposed Kalyana Karnataka Economic Mission, aimed at accelerating economic growth, as well as a laboratory being established in Kalaburagi under the LEAP programme. A Global Capability Centre and an IT park are also being set up in the region, he said.

Medical Education, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Minister Sharan Prakash Patil said the provision had created significant opportunities in employment and education for people of the region. Nearly one lakh jobs have been provided to candidates from the region under Article 371(J), and the number of medical seats available to students from the region has increased substantially, he said. The Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board has spent about ₹18,000 crore on healthcare, education and infrastructure projects, Mr. Patil added, reiterating that the government would ensure 100% implementation of the provision.

Kalyana Karnataka Horata Samiti founder-president Laxman Dasti described Article 371(J) as an important instrument, secured after decades of struggle, for improving educational and employment opportunities for the region's youth. He said the seminar series was intended to raise awareness about the constitutional provision among students and young people, and should be extended to other districts in Kalyana Karnataka.