The winter session of the state legislature is likely to begin on December 8 at the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi. | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO
Activists and Kannada organizations demanded the creation of an exclusive secretariat for the development of North Karnataka and increased decentralization in day-to-day governance at the state level.
They have asked that both houses of the legislature pass resolutions on the issues during the winter session, which is likely to begin on December 8.
Uttara Karnataka President Vikasad Vedike and Congress President Ashok Poojary urged the Chief Minister to announce the creation of a ministry for North West Karnataka, now called Kittur Karnataka region. This will help coordinate with all departments and ensure special financial grants for the development of the region, he said.
“The state government has set up an exclusive secretariat for the Kalyan Karnataka region, which is a welcome step. But Kittur Karnataka is also a backward region and needs special attention. The state government is implementing several central and state-sponsored development programs and programs for the region. But all the departments are working independently and there is no coordination. A special secretariat can provide coordination,” he said.
Vedike submitted a memorandum to the state government in this regard.
Mr. Poojary urged the state government to declare Belagavi as the second capital of the state and initiate large-scale decentralization of various departments.
“Senior officers of the cadre of secretaries and directors should be posted in Belagavi to take up additional duties and reduce the burden on the secretariat in Bengaluru,” he said.
Mr. Poojary also demanded the division of Belagavi district into two or more smaller districts for administrative convenience.
The Central Committee of Kannada Organizations urged the state government to ensure that there is a meaningful discussion in the session on the development of North Karnataka.
“Several times in the past, the state legislature has discussed issues other than the development of North Karnataka. This trend should not continue. The Belagavi session should initiate a discussion on the problems the region is facing, possible solutions and pending projects and how to resolve the deadlock,” said committee chairman Ashok Chandaragi.
Kannada activist Mehboob Makandar said the upcoming session should focus on issues of quality of education in schools and colleges in border areas and the level of implementation of Kannada in government offices in all border districts.
“Several times when Speakers schedule a special discussion on North Karnataka issues, legislators waste time on issues like roads, bridges and irrigation. These are important issues but more important are issues of livelihood, education, health and employment generation,” he said.
Legislative Council Speaker Basavaraj Horatti announced in Hubulli on Saturday that the winter session is likely to be convened for 10 days from December 8
However, Mr. Horatti said most legislators from North Karnataka districts are not actively participating in development discussions.
“However, this time we will try to encourage more lawmakers, both from the south and the north, to actively participate,” he said.
Published – 26 Oct 2025 20:14 IST
