Kalyana Karnataka Leaders Renew Push for Full Implementation of Article 371(J)
The Hyderabad Karnataka Horata Samiti has renewed its demand for the effective implementation of Article 371(J) of the Constitution, calling for the special provision's benefits to extend beyond education and public employment to agriculture, irrigation, industry, culture, and the overall development of the Kalyana Karnataka region.
At a convention held on the birth anniversary of former Minister Vaijnath Patil, who spearheaded the movement for Article 371(J), speakers said the constitutional provision had not achieved its intended objectives even after more than 13 years of implementation. The provision, inserted in 2012, aims to promote the development of the Hyderabad-Karnataka region—now officially called Kalyana Karnataka—by providing reservations in education and government jobs for local residents. The region covers the districts of Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Gadag, and Bellary.
Writer Allamprabhu Bettadur said Kalyana Karnataka's literary and cultural heritage deserved greater recognition. Referring to Kavirajamarga, considered the earliest extant Kannada literary work, and Basava Kalyana, the centre of Basaveshwara's social reform movement, he called for greater representation for the region in the Rajyotsava Awards, Mysuru Dasara cultural programmes, appointments to various academies, and the selection of vice-chancellors for universities in the region.
Mr. Bettadur said public movements had played a key role in securing Article 371(J), and similar collective efforts were now needed for its effective implementation. He also expressed concern over the merger and closure of government schools and said completing irrigation projects and promoting multi-cropping would generate employment and strengthen agriculture.
Umakant Niggudagi, former president of the Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI), recalled the four-decade struggle led by the late Vaijnath Patil and alleged that the region continued to face neglect despite the constitutional amendment. Claiming that only 15 to 20% of the intended benefits of Article 371(J) had reached the people, he said industrial growth had remained limited despite the availability of KIADB land. A separate budget for Kalyana Karnataka, along with equitable opportunities in education and employment, would help address regional disparities, he added.
Basavaraj Kamanur and Jagannath Shegji questioned the utilisation of funds allocated to the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board (KKRDB). Mr. Shegji also alleged delays in preparing annual action plans by the board and sought greater transparency in the execution of projects allocated under KKRDB funds.
The convention also acknowledged the efforts of Gautam Patil, Vaijnath Patil's son, in carrying forward the movement for the effective implementation of Article 371(J). Lingraj Appa, KKCCI president Sharanabasappa Pappa, Horata Samiti members Gangadhar Kushtagi, Anil Beldale, and Nabisab Kushtagi also addressed the gathering.
The convention adopted several resolutions, including filling vacant government posts reserved under Article 371(J), completing pending irrigation projects, establishing an AIIMS in Raichur, creating a separate Ministry and a separate Budget for Kalyana Karnataka, setting up memorials for Vaijnath Patil in all seven districts, and taking stringent action against the misuse of Article 371(J) benefits through fake domicile certificates.
