371-J, 30k teacher vacancies top Kalyana Karnataka outfit's charter

Koppal : The Kalyana Karnataka Pradesha Abhivruddhi Horata Samiti will submit a memorandum to chief minister DK Shivakumar in Kalaburagi on Sept 17, demanding effective implementation of Article 371-J and a series of measures to accelerate development in the region. The memorandum seeks the immediate filling of nearly 30,000 vacant teaching posts in Kalyana Karnataka, constitution of an authority for the effective implementation of 371-J, and a 10-year action plan for utilisation of Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board (KKRDB) funds. It also calls for the appointment of teaching and non-teaching staff in educational institutions and the provision of basic infrastructure facilities. Among its other demands are measures to fully utilise Karnataka's 700 tmcft share of Krishna basin water, a special package to promote industrial growth and generate employment for youth, and focused initiatives to boost development across Kalyana Karnataka. The samiti has further sought cancellation of approval granted to a private factory coming up near Koppal city and a ban on the expansion of polluting industries. Santhosh Deshpande, president of the Horata Samiti, said the demands were aimed at ensuring that the benefits envisioned under 371-J translated into tangible development on the ground. Backing the demands, former MLA Mahima Patel said Kalyana Karnataka continued to lag in development and required schemes tailored to its specific needs. Employment and implementation of 371-J featured prominently in the charter. MLC Hemalatha Nayak alleged that people from the region continued to face injustice in employment, promotions and recruitment, and urged the government to address the issue through the cabinet sub-committee. She assured continued support to the samiti's agitation inside the legislature. Sandhya Madinur, state council member of the Advocates' Association, said the region's youth continued to face challenges despite 371-J being in force for 13 years. Activists, writers and citizens also urged the government to spend its share of funds on the region's comprehensive development and sought an annual allocation of Rs 5,000 crore to speed up growth in Kalyana Karnataka. The samiti has decided to mobilise over 500 people from Koppal district for the protest in Kalaburagi on Sept 17, coinciding with Chief Minister Shivakumar's scheduled participation in the Kalyana Karnataka Liberation Day flag-hoisting ceremony. Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news. Download the TOI App.