Concessions for agriculture sought in Article 371(J) The agitation for special status to Hyderabad Karnataka seems to be losing its direction, considering the addition of several demands outside the purview of Article 371 (J). Before Visit The demand for inclusion of many other benefits under the provisions of the article 371 (J) of the constitution has grown shriller in anticipation of the visit of the Cabinet Subcommittee led by Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister H.K. Patil here on Monday. The subcommittee, formed to finalise the rules and fix the quantum of reservation in education and employment, would hear pleas, suggestions and opinions from social organisations and the general public from Gulbarga, Bidar and Yadgir districts. Currently, Article 371 (J) clearly states that the HK region would receive special reservation in employment in the State government sector and education. It also provides for the constitution of a statutory development board which will take up region-specific developmental works. Fresh demand However, a fresh demand for giving prime importance to agriculture has cropped up from the Kayaka Jeevigala Okkuta, a federation of different social organisations. These organisations want special concessions for agricultural development to be included under Article 371 (J). Leaders of the okkuta, who met here on Sunday, said the government should give importance to the agriculture sector, such as declaring red gram a special crop and providing concessions to red gram growers. They also wanted the ban on export of red gram to be lifted immediately. According to them, special status to Hyderabad Karnataka should not confine itself to simply extending reservation in employment and education; it should be extended to other fields to achieve the overall objective: the development of Hyderabad Karnataka. However, according to legal experts, the State does not have the power to authorise such benefits — this would require Parliamentary approval and the President’s assent.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Jul 2013 07:33:40 +0000
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