Demand for 371 (J)-like status for Kittur Karnataka put forward by MLAs as debate on North Karnataka begins

Lack of job opportunities, non-prioritisation of irrigation projects and other issues figured in the debate

The demand for making a provision similar to 371 (J), which provides reservation for people in the backward Kalyana Karnataka region and offers other benefits, for Kittur Karnataka region too surfaced in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, as the House began a three-day debate on issues related to the development of North Karnataka.

Participating in the debate, the Congress’ N.H. Konaraddi maintained that Kalyana Karnataka was marching towards development after the 371 (J) status was given through a constitutional amendment. He demanded that a similar provision be made for Kittur Karnataka.

Joshi should build pressure

He said Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who too hails from Kittur Karnataka, should build pressure on the Centre in this regard.

JD(S) member Manappa Vajjal expressed concern that though North Karnataka supplied power to the entire State through its thermal units, the power supply in the region, especially the three-phase supply for farmers, was very poor.

Though the government was earning a good revenue from the Hutti gold mines located in the region, in turn Kittur Karnataka was getting inadequate funds from the government to take up development works.

The BJP’s Siddu Savadi told the government to take up works related to the Upper Krishna Project on a priority basis, and not to give any room for people to raise a demand for creating a separate State.

The BJP’s Sharanu Salagar wondered why the northern region did not get priority like their southern counterparts. Even the Krishna and its projects were not getting the same priority that was being given to the Cauvery, he alleged.

Expressing concern that a lack of job opportunities in the northern region had compelled youth from there to migrate to cities, he said it was a painful thing as they were not in a position to even return on time to participate in the funeral rites of their family members who stay back in villages.

Only annual tour

JD(S) member Sharanagouda Kandakur wondered if holding a legislature session in Belagavi was helping the development of North Karnataka at all. The session has turned out to be an “annual tour” for everyone, he said.

Published - December 16, 2024 07:39 pm IST