Mysuru: Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has announced that the Karnataka government will consider renaming Chamarajanagar University after Dr B R Ambedkar, with the proposal to be discussed in the State Cabinet.

Shivakumar made the announcement while speaking at a programme in Kollegal on Wednesday, where he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several development projects in Chamarajanagar district.

The Chief Minister said the government was committed to the comprehensive development of Chamarajanagar and highlighted various development and irrigation projects being taken up in the district.

University renaming proposal

The proposal to name Chamarajanagar University after Dr B R Ambedkar has been a demand in the district. Shivakumar said the matter would be placed before the Cabinet for discussion and a decision would be taken thereafter.

A new Ambedkar Bhavan was also inaugurated in Kollegal during the Chief Minister’s visit. The event was part of a larger programme covering development works in the Kollegal and Hanur areas.

The university’s renaming is therefore a proposal at this stage and requires the formal decision of the State government.

Focus on Chamarajanagar development

Shivakumar said the government had undertaken development works worth around Rs 3,000 crore in Chamarajanagar district.

He said the government would continue to focus on strengthening infrastructure and improving economic opportunities in the district.

More than 25 development works were among the projects inaugurated or taken up during the Kollegal-Hanur programme, according to reports on the event.

The Chief Minister also highlighted irrigation initiatives aimed at improving water availability and expanding agricultural activity in the district.

Rs 120 crore lake rejuvenation project

Shivakumar announced a Rs 120 crore project for the comprehensive development of a series of lakes under the Suvarnavathi irrigation project.

The initiative is aimed at improving water availability and supporting agricultural activities in the district. The government has also been taking up various irrigation works to make more land suitable for cultivation.

He also highlighted development works worth Rs 459 crore in Gundlupet taluk.

Measures have additionally been initiated to distribute food kits to vulnerable tribal communities living in forests across nine districts of Karnataka.

Focus on sericulture and silk production

The Chief Minister said the government would focus on reviving sericulture and silk production in Kollegal and restoring the region’s prominence in the sector.

Kollegal has a longstanding association with silk production and is known for its silk saree and handloom industry.

Shivakumar pointed to the rise in cocoon prices and said more farmers were taking up sericulture. He also said the sector had expanded to districts including Haveri, Gadag and Ballari.

He further referred to the State government’s decision to grant industrial status to the handloom sector, saying the move would enable the sector to upgrade its production activities.

Government highlights welfare measures

Shivakumar also reiterated the government’s position that all five guarantee schemes would continue.

He said the government remained committed to the welfare and development of people in Chamarajanagar and referred to measures being taken for vulnerable communities, including tribal populations.

During his visit, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the Ambedkar Bhavan in Kollegal and paid floral tributes to Dr B R Ambedkar and Lord Buddha.

The development programme comes as the State government continues to announce infrastructure, irrigation and welfare initiatives for Chamarajanagar.