Special status for Hyderabad-Karnataka region cleared

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday cleared a Constitution amendment bill granting special status to the Hyderabad-Karnataka region, with provision for reservation in education and jobs for locals.

The Constitution (118th Amendment) Bill, 2012, to insert a new Article 371-J to provide special recognition for the six backward districts—Gulbarga, Yadgir, Raichur, Bidar, Koppal and Bellary—was passed unanimously.

As all the members present in the House voted in favour, the bill was passed with an overwhelming majority. The bill, which required two-thirds majority, got 347 votes and none against. It is not known when the government will table the bill in the Rajya Sabha.

The bill provides for establishing a separate development board and equitable allocation of funds for development of the region. Apart from this, it will provide quota in public employment through local cadres and reservation in education and vocational training institutions for those who belong to the region by birth or by domicile.