Two MLAs table resolutions seeking Kittur Karnataka Development Board and special policy for coastal region

Two private members’ resolutions were tabled in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday seeking formulation of Kittur Karnataka Development Board on the lines of Kalyana Karnataka Development Board; and formation of either a separate board or amending the norms related to the existing Karavali Development Board to empower it with the authority to advise government on various issues related to development of the coastal region including altering the CRZ norms.

The resolution seeking the formation of Kittur Karnataka Development Board was tabled in the House by Congress member Kona Reddy who sought an allocation of ₹5,000 crore a year as a special grant.

Mr. Kona Reddy said the districts of Dharwad, Vijayapura, Belagavi, Uttara Kannada, Gadag, Haveri, and Bagalkot that come under Kittur Karnataka had remained backward. The low human development indices and per capita incomes underlined the need for measures to bring in development in this region, he said.

The resolution was welcomed by members of the region, cutting across party affiliations, including Congress member Laxman Savadi and the Opposition members Arvind Bellad and Basanagouda Patil Yatnal.

Responding to this, Planning and Statistics Minister D. Sudhakar said the government would decide on such a demand depending upon the outcome of the proposed debate on the G.K. Govind Rao committee on removing regional imbalances.

Coastal concerns

Meanwhile, the resolution tabled by BJP member Gururaj Shetti Ghantiholi expressed concern that the coastal region was reeling under backwardness as there were technical problems in implementing development projects due to the region’s inherent geographical challenges. Even the CRZ norms had come in the way of implementation of some of the development schemes here, he alleged.

The resolution sought the adoption of scientific and pro-development norms in the State’s coastal region on the lines of Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra.

Replying to the resolution, RDPR Minister Priyank Kharge asked the members from the coastal region to come out with details, identifying the policy blind spots. Minister D. Sudhakar assured the House of convening a meeting of the MLAs concerned, along with Speaker U. T. Khader to discuss the issue.