Siddaramaiah to discuss Kalyana Karnataka ministry in Cabinet

Speaking at a public event, Siddaramaiah highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring that the Kalyana Karnataka region, which has historically lagged behind in development, receives the attention and resources it needs. He also took the opportunity to remind the public of the special provisions granted to the region under Article 371(J) during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government’s tenure, a decision he claims was rejected by the previous National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.

Special Provisions under Article 371(J)

The Kalyana Karnataka region, which comprises districts such as Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Bidar, Koppal, and Ballari, has been recognised as a backward region, historically facing underdevelopment in education, infrastructure, and job opportunities. In 2013, the UPA government introduced Article 371(J) into the Constitution to provide special status to this region, allowing for reservations in education and government employment for locals.

Siddaramaiah lauded the efforts made during that time and expressed disappointment at the NDA government’s alleged rejection of these special provisions. “The special provisions granted under Article 371(J) were crucial in addressing the developmental gaps in the region, and their rejection by the NDA government has slowed down progress,” the Chief Minister said.

Cabinet Discussion on New Ministry

In a bid to accelerate the region’s growth and development, Siddaramaiah revealed that the state government would be discussing the formation of a separate ministry for the Kalyana Karnataka region in an upcoming Cabinet meeting. This proposed ministry would focus solely on the issues and needs of the region, ensuring that it receives the necessary resources and attention to bridge the development gap with the rest of the state.

“The government is committed to the development of Kalyana Karnataka. Therefore, we have allocated Rs 5,000 crore to further this cause,” Siddaramaiah said. This financial allocation, according to the Chief Minister, will be directed toward infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment generation in the region, ensuring that the benefits of development reach every corner of Kalyana Karnataka.

Rs 5,000 Crore Allocation for Development

The Rs 5,000 crore allocated for the development of Kalyana Karnataka underscores the government’s commitment to transforming the region. The funds will be utilised for a variety of projects aimed at improving infrastructure, boosting educational institutions, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing healthcare services. Additionally, the region’s agriculture and irrigation needs will also receive special attention, given the agrarian nature of the economy in these districts.

The Chief Minister stressed that the development of Kalyana Karnataka is one of the government’s top priorities, and he reaffirmed the state’s dedication to ensuring that the funds are used efficiently to uplift the region. “We are committed to seeing Kalyana Karnataka flourish. The region has been neglected for too long, and it is our responsibility to ensure that it catches up with the rest of Karnataka,” Siddaramaiah added.

Historical Challenges of Kalyana Karnataka

The Kalyana Karnataka region, which was a part of the Nizam of Hyderabad’s dominion until 1948, has faced numerous challenges since its integration into the state. For decades, the region lagged in development due to a combination of geographical isolation, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of focused government attention.

Despite the introduction of Article 371(J), many of the problems in the region persist, with infrastructure, education, and employment opportunities still not on par with other regions of Karnataka. The creation of a separate ministry dedicated to Kalyana Karnataka’s development is seen as a significant step toward addressing these long-standing issues.

Looking Ahead

The proposal to form a separate ministry for Kalyana Karnataka represents a key policy shift by the current government. It is expected that the ministry will focus on developing a comprehensive action plan that caters to the specific needs of the region, ensuring long-term and sustained development.

While the Rs 5,000 crore budget is a strong indicator of the government’s intent, much will depend on how these funds are allocated and implemented at the grassroots level. The success of the initiative will largely hinge on whether the state can ensure that the funds reach their intended targets and make a real difference in the lives of the people of Kalyana Karnataka.

In the meantime, the upcoming Cabinet meeting will be critical in determining the next steps for the creation of this ministry and the rollout of further development plans for the region.

Conclusion

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s announcement regarding the formation of a separate ministry for Kalyana Karnataka could mark a significant step in the region’s journey toward greater development and prosperity. With Rs 5,000 crore allocated for the region’s development, the government appears focused on addressing its unique challenges and fulfilling its promise of inclusive growth. The decision will be closely watched as it could have far-reaching implications for both the region and the state as a whole.

Read More : BJP and pro-Hindu groups protest against police raid on RSS office