Hyderabad Karnataka Horata Samiti revives campaign for effective implementation of Article 371(J)
After remaining largely inactive for several years, the Hyderabad Karnataka Horata Samiti has revived its campaign to press for the effective implementation of Article 371(J)
After remaining largely inactive for several years, the Hyderabad Karnataka Horata Samiti has revived its campaign to press for the effective implementation of Article 371(J) of the Constitution, which provides special provisions for the socio-economic development of the seven districts of the Kalyana Karnataka region. As part of the renewed initiative, the samiti will hold a deliberation on the effective implementation of Article 371(J) in Kalaburagi on July 29. The meeting will review the implementation of the constitutional provisions, discuss the region’s pending developmental issues, and formulate a roadmap to secure the full benefits envisaged under Article 371(J). The event coincides with the birth anniversary of the late Vaijnath Patil, a former Minister and the chief architect of the movement that led to the region’s constitutional recognition through Article 371(J).
Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi city on Monday (July 27), Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI) president Sharanabasappa Pappa said the deliberations would also focus on strengthening the organisational structure of the Hyderabad Karnataka Horata Samiti to intensify future advocacy. He said that although Article 371(J) was introduced to accelerate the region’s development and provide equitable opportunities in education and employment, its objectives have not been fully realised because of inadequate implementation and administrative delays. Besides raising demands such as filling vacant government posts reserved under Article 371(J), establishing the long-pending tribunal, relaxing the upper age limit for eligible candidates and awarding grace marks in competitive examinations, the meeting will also deliberate on the demand for a separate ministry for Kalyana Karnataka and measures to ensure balanced development across all seven districts.
Pappa said samiti would urge the State government for the implementation of the Govind Rao Committee recommendations, transparent recruitment to reserved posts, increased investment in education, healthcare, irrigation and industries, improved connectivity, enhanced employment opportunities for youth, and equitable allocation of funds by the Union and State governments. Other priorities include strengthening the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board (KKRDB), setting up a separate railway division in Kalaburagi, developing industrial corridors and special economic zones, establishing an AIIMS in Raichur, expediting irrigation projects, expanding educational and medical facilities, and reviving the Tur Dal Board to support farmers. Activists, intellectuals, youth, representatives from various associations and organisations across the region have been invited to participate in the meeting and offer suggestions to strengthen the implementation of Article 371(J).
The BriefWire