Article 371(J) transforms jobs and education for Kalyana Karnataka youth

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Eshwar Khandre has asserted that the constitutional provision granting special status to Kalyana Karnataka has transformed employment and education prospects for thousands of young people in the region.

Mr. Khandre, who also serves as Bidar district in-charge Minister, made the statement after unfurling the national flag at the Kalyana Karnataka Utsav held at the District Nehru Stadium in Bidar.

Liberation anniversary marked with tribute

The region achieved freedom from the Nizam's rule after a prolonged struggle by thousands of people, the Minister said, speaking at the event. He paid tribute to the leaders and activists who fought for the region's liberation and emphasized that their contribution should always be remembered.

"The Special Status under Article 371(J) of the Constitution has given a new lease of life to the aspirations of the region's youth," Mr. Khandre said. He detailed that thousands had secured government jobs through the special reservation provision, while students had gained greater access to medical, engineering, dental and other professional courses.

Basavakalyan project nearing completion

The Minister announced that work on the modern Anubhava Mantapa at Basavakalyan, being constructed at a cost of ₹750 crore, had reached approximately 70% completion. The project would be inaugurated around Basava Jayanti next year, he said.

Drought relief measures intensified

On the drought situation, Mr. Khandre said the government had made arrangements to ensure that people did not face drinking water shortages. The Centre had been urged to simplify drought-declaration norms and increase drought-relief assistance, he added.

"A sum of ₹306 crore has been released for drinking water management across the State, and additional funds have been provided to Bidar district," the Minister said. Officials have been directed to drill new borewells, hire borewells or arrange water tankers wherever necessary, he stated.

Employment guarantee works expanded

Employment guarantee works had been intensified in all 181 gram panchayats of Bidar district to check distress migration, Mr. Khandre said. Around 110 lakh person-days had been generated during the past two months, he reported.

The Minister also listed various development initiatives in Bidar, including road improvement, tourism infrastructure, the proposed Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Research Centre, development of Bidar city, renovation of Chitguppa barrage and works under the Karanja irrigation project.

Lok Sabha member from Bidar Sagar Khandre, MLAs Rahim Khan and Shailendra Beldale, Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Sharma, Zilla Panchayat CEO Gitte Madhav Vitthal Rao, and Superintendent of Police Pradeep Gunti were among those present at the event.

Source: The Hindu