Hyderabad Karnataka Horata Samiti reiterates call for effective implementation of Article 371(J)

Allamprabhu Bettadur, writer and member of Hyderabad Karnataka Horata Samiti, speaking at a convention held to demand effective implementation of Article 371(J) of the Constitution in Kalaburagi town on Wednesday (July 29). | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI

The Hyderabad Karnataka Horata Samiti on Wednesday (July 29) renewed its demand for effective implementation of Article 371(J) of the Constitution, saying that the benefits of the special provision must extend beyond education and public employment to agriculture, irrigation, industry, culture and overall development of the Kalyana Karnataka region.

At a convention held on the birth anniversary of former minister Vaijnath Patil, who spearheaded the movement for Article 371(J), speakers said the constitutional provision has not achieved its intended goals even after more than 13 years of its implementation.

Writer Allamprabhu Bettadur said the literary and cultural heritage of Kalyana Karnataka deserves more recognition. Referring to Kavirajamarga, considered the oldest extant Kannada literary work, and Basava Kalyana, the center of Basaveshwar’s social reform movement, he called for greater representation of the region in Rajjotsava awards, Mysuru Dasara cultural programmes, appointments to various academies and selection of vice-chancellors for universities in universities.

Mr. Bettadur said public movements had played a key role in securing Article 371(J) and a similar collective effort was now needed for its effective implementation. He also expressed concern over the merger and closure of government schools, saying that completion of irrigation projects and promotion of more crops would create employment and boost agriculture.

Recalling the four decades of struggle led by the late Vaijnath Patil, Umakant Niggudagi, former president of the Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI), alleged that the region continued to face neglect despite constitutional amendments.

Claiming that only 15 to 20% of the intended benefits of Article 371(J) have reached the people, he said industrial growth remained limited despite the availability of KIADB land. A separate budget for Kalyana Karnataka along with equitable opportunities in education and employment would help address regional disparities, he added.

Basavaraj Kamanur and Jagannath Shegji questioned the utilization of funds allocated to the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board (KKRDB). Mr. Shegji also alleged that the board was delaying the preparation of annual action plans and sought more transparency in the implementation of projects allocated from KKRDB funds.

The convention also recognized the efforts of Gautam Patil, son of Vaijnath Patil, in continuing the movement for the effective implementation of Article 371(J).

Lingraj Appa, KKCCI president Sharanabasappa Pappa, Horata Samiti members Gangadhar Kushtagi, Anil Beldale and Nabisab Kushtagi also addressed the rally.

The convention passed several resolutions, including filling government vacancies reserved under Article 371(J), completion of ongoing irrigation projects, establishment of AIIMS in Raichur, creation of a separate ministry and separate budget for Kalyana Karnataka, establishment of memorials for Vaijnath Patil in all seven districts and taking strict action against misuse of benefits under Article 371(J)mic to faskeske.

Published – 29 Jul 2026 20:45 IST