Implement 371(J) to keep Karnataka united: JSP, HKHS

Expressing dissatisfaction over the “improper implementation” of Article 371(J) of the Constitution, Jana Sangram Parishat (JSP) and Hyderabad Karnataka Horata Samiti (HKHS) alleged that the State government was “reluctant” to implement the Article 371(J) and develop the backward HK region.

Addressing a joint media conference here on Monday, State Working President of JSP, Raghavendra Kushtagi alleged that the State government was deliberately delaying the bifurcation of incumbent employees into local and non-local cadres and denying, by various means, the reservations to HK candidates in jobs, promotions and education under Article 371(J).

“Minority educational institutions have approached the Court claiming that the reservations under Article 371(J) cannot be applicable to them and managed to get stay order. The government showed no interest to vacate it. Cadre bifurcation of incumbent employees into local and non-local which should have been completed within three months from the date of Order has not yet been completed even after years,” he said.

“By denying our legitimate rights under Article 371(J) and showing least interest in developing backward HK region, he added, the State government is indeed forcing us to raise the demand for autonomous status and even a statehood for Hyderabad Karnataka region”.

He advised the government to honestly implement the Article 371(J) in its actual sense for keeping the State united.

Mr. Kushtagi also demanded the government to remove Qamar Ul Islam from the post of the chairman of Hyderabad-Karnataka Region Development Board (HKRDB) on the grounds of inefficiency. “Mr. Islam is good for nothing and completely unfit for the post of HKRDB chairman post,” he said.

Kavalu Samiti

Mr. Kustagi announced that a meeting of civil-society organisations, activists and individuals from all the six districts of HK region would be convened on next Sunday at Indian Medical Association hall in Raichur to formulate next course of struggle.

“A Kavalu Samiti for the implementation of Article 371(J) of the Constitution would be formed in the meeting,” he added.

HKHS district secretary Malakappa Patil, Aam Aadmi Party representative Bhimaraya Jaradabandi, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike district president Ashok Kumar Jain and others were present.