Need N-Karnataka Development Authority: Y S V Datta

There is no hurdle for the integrity of Karnataka except discrimination and dissatisfaction that are witnessed in some parts of the state, said former legislator Y S V Datta.

“Unless we address such issues at an early stage, there is a threat of division of the state. There is, therefore, a need to find a solution to the regional imbalance in the state,” he called upon the people and authorities.

The former MLA was delivering a special lecture on ‘Akhanda Karnataka’ on the second day of Alva’s Nudisiri on Saturday.

Fund allocation

Datta said that the budgetary allocation was not equal among all the regions of the state. “A meagre amount has been set aside for the development of the North Karnataka region. There is a need to constitute a North Karnataka Development Authority to address the issues of regional imbalance,” he stressed.

“The funds should be earmarked equally if the integrity of Karnataka should remain intact. Centralisation of resources is a challenge to the integrity of Karnataka. Selfish motives and self-centred politics by various parties have been posing a hurdle to the decentralisation of resources, especially in earmarking funds for the development of North Karnataka region,” he felt.

His prime focus was regarding the distribution of resources and poverty in Karnataka. “Out of 21.7% of the poor in the state, the northern districts account for about 40%, which stipulates the extremity of regional imbalance,” he said.

The former legislator added that the solution can be provided only through equal distribution of funds and opportunity among the regions in the state.

He also stressed the need for maintenance of regional balance in the political topography of the state.

Poets’ contribution

Further, Datta said that poets from various centuries – like Pampa, Durga Sinha, Lakshmeesha, Sarvajna, Bendre and Kuvempu – have laid the foundation for the integrity of the state.

“Dejected over caste-based politics and regional imbalance, people have retained the demand for separate statehood. There is a need to give priority to the development of backward districts in the state,” he added.