The Hindu : Govt. in a dilemma over KDA chief post?

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Feb 01, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka-Bangalore

Govt. in a dilemma over KDA chief post?

By K.N.Venkatasubba Rao

BANGALORE Jan. 31. The delay in naming the Chairman of the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) is likely to embarrass the Government as the issue has a casteist political dimension to it.

It was expected that the Government would announce the appointment by January 13 after Baragur Ramachandrappa completed his term. But it maintained a stoic silence even after receiving the relevant file from the Department of Kannada and Culture.

This had given credence to the theory that Prof. Ramachandrappa was likely to be made an MLC and if not, he might get an extension.

However, Prof. Ramachandrappa categorically stated that he was not seeking an extension. It is learnt that the Government is under pressure from various communities, particularly Lingayats and Vokkaligas. It has several names on its mind, including that of the former Vice-Chancellor, M.M.Kalburgi, the Sharana Sahitya Parishat President, Go.Ru.Channabasappa, the Kannada writer, Chi. Srinivasa Raju, and the former chairman of Karnataka Janapada and Yakshagana Academy, Kalegowda Nagavara.

According to sources, the Government has narrowed down the choice to Prof. Kalburgi, Mr. Channabasappa, and Prof. Raju, keeping in mind their contribution to their respective fields. It appears to have developed a soft corner for Prof. Raju as it could not appoint him the Chairman of Kannada Book Authority because of last minute caste considerations. It is reported to be open to the choice of Prof. Nagavara, despite knowing that he was appointed by the Janata Dal Government and there were allegations against him. The Government is also aware that he has been with the Janapada Academy and Sahitya Academy for the past 12 years.

"The very post of the Chairman of the KDA, which comes under the Department of Culture, is paradoxical in nature. The person who holds the post enjoys the privileges of a Cabinet minister while the minister concerned holds the rank of a Minister of State.

On the financial front, the Chairman of the KDA is entitled for a fixed travelling allowances of (within the city limits) Rs. 15,000 a month, unlimited travelling allowance at the rate of Rs. 8 per km. for touring the State, an annual sumptuary allowance of Rs. 50,000, a dearness allowance of Rs. 800 a day on tour, Rs. 30,000 a month towards house rent, free telephone calls, a car, and a monthly salary on a par with that of a Cabinet minister, if he is not holding the office on deputation. Besides, he is entitled for 12 staff members, including a gazetted rank personal secretary, five personal assistants, four Class IV employees, and two drivers. The post naturally demands lobbying for obvious reasons and the Government is not ignorant of the situation," sources said.

The Government may have thought that it is wise in deferring its decision notwithstanding the pressure from a section of ministers and legislators.

It is not likely to announce its decision until the political priorities such as change of guard in the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee followed by a ministry reshuffle and nominations for the Legislative Council are over. But the delay in naming the right person, for political reasons, might "boomerang on the Government and jeopardise the interests of the State," sources said.

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