Backward classes federation urges Karnataka government to complete construction of Devaraj Urs Bhavan in Shivamogga

The Shivamogga District Hindulida Jathigala Okkuta, a federation of backward classes, has urged the State government to complete the construction of the Devaraj Urs Bhavan, which began in 2017, at the earliest.

Federation president V. Raju, in a press conference here on January 3, said that the Congress-led government had sanctioned ₹3 crore for the construction of the bhavan on government land in 2017. However, the amount was insufficient to complete the project.

Later, the government sanctioned another ₹1 crore for the building. “The additional amount was utilised only to set up the district office of the Backward Classes Welfare Department in the building. The construction of the bhavan did not see any progress. We sought another ₹2 crore to complete the project. The government has released the amount, and we thank Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for considering our demand,” he said.

However, he said that the government must utilise the amount entirely for the construction of the bhavan and complete it at the earliest. “We have been fighting for the building for over eight years. The government should utilise the funds judiciously and ensure the building is ready for public use,” he added.

R.K. Siddaramanna, former MLC, and others were present at the press conference.