Cry for separation: Some departments to be shifted to North Karnataka
A sub-committee headed by the Chief Minister will decide where these institutions will be located once they are shifted.
Bengaluru: Seeing the demand for separate statehood for North Karnataka rising among people dissatisfied with its development, the state government has now decided to increase its focus on it by shifting a few of its organisations that deal with issues specific to it from Bengaluru to the region. The Cabinet on Thursday approved the report of a committee headed by the Chief Secretary, which has recommended shifting of some major government institutions established for the development of North Karnataka to the region from the city where they are presently located.
A sub-committee headed by the Chief Minister will decide where these institutions will be located once they are shifted. Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Krishna Byregowda said that the committee had suggested shifting the offices of the Krishna Jala Bhagya Nigama, to Alamatti, and moving the head office of the Karnataka Niravari Nigama, Sugar Development Directorate, Cane Development Commissionerate and Karnataka Power Loom Corporation to other parts of North Karnataka. “As these establishments deal with issues related to North Karnataka, they are being shifted there,” the Minister said.
The Cabinet also decided to divide the Karnataka Urban Drinking Water Supply and Sewage Board to create the Uttara Karnataka Urban Drinking Water Supply and Sewage Board, which will deal specifically with the needs of North Karnataka. One member of the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission will be transferred to North Karnataka and the region will get two commissioners to deal with human rights issues, the Minister said.