Belagavi: Kannada organisations seek quick resolution of border dispute

Kannada organisations have urged the new government to resolve the border issue with Maharashtra as soon as possible. They also plan to submit a list of demands to the government.

Their demands include strengthening institutions like the Hampi Kannada University and all universities in border districts as well as the strict implementation of the Kannada usage policy at government departments in all districts. They have also demanded special incentives for students from border villages who want to pursue higher studies.

They also demanded that all pending irrigation projects be completed on time, an accelerated irrigation development scheme be implemented in north Karnataka, and special emphasis be laid on small and medium irrigation projects. This should include lift irrigation schemes, tank filling schemes, tank desilting, nala cleaning, encroachment removal, and widening and deepening of water bodies. The implementation of these works can be done through the Irrigation Department or the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, said Ashok Chandaragi, convenor of the central committee of Kannada organisations.

Compared to south Karnataka, the northern part of the State has fewer government higher education institutions. More government medical, engineering, agriculture, and law colleges can be set up in districts that do not have them. The Public Works Department should be tasked with repair, maintenance and construction of government schools and colleges, they added.

Activists also sought the setting up of a Geographical Indication (GI) Information and Training Centre for Karnataka. This can help identify all crops, handicrafts, handlooms, and foods that can seek GI tags, they explained, adding that the centre can work with the Karnataka State Law University or local law colleges to train farmers to grow specified crops that can get GI tags. Crops like the Maldandi Jowar in Vijayapura and Khapli wheat from Belagavi can be added to the list, enabling farmers to earn higher incomes.

“There is a need for sharper focus on heritage tourism development in the State, especially north Karnataka. There are hundreds of temples, monuments, dargahs, forts, and other historical sites here. A large number of these are not identified by the Archaeological Survey of India or the Department of Archaeology Museums and Heritage. They can be protected and beautified to ensure higher footfalls and increase revenue for local residents,’’ Mr. Chandaragi noted.