Date:26/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/26/stories/2008112655130400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Panel to be formed on Mahishi report

Special Correspondent

Experts will examine how to implement recommendations

Aim is to increase job opportunities for Kannadigas
Dates for Vishwa Kannada Sammelan to be finalised soon

BANGALORE: Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa on Tuesday announced that the Government would constitute a committee of experts to study how to implement the recommendations of the Sarojini Mahishi committee on job quota for Kannadigas in various establishments.

Mr. Yeddyurappa told reporters here that the expert committee would also examine ways of providing a boost to the development of Kannada language in the wake of it being declared a classical language.

The committee would find out if Central assistance could be obtained for the purpose.

The basic intention was to increase the employment opportunities for Kannadigas in the State, the Chief Minister said.

The dates for the Vishwa Kannada Sammelan in Belgaum would be finalised soon, he said.

Mr. Yeddyurappa reiterated that the Government would organise a grand function at the Banquet Hall of the Vidhana Soudha on November 30 to celebrate Kannada being declared a classical language.

The poet G.S. Shivarudrappa will inaugurate the function, which will be attended by various Kannada writers who supported the struggle for getting classical language status, such as D. Javare Gowda, Patil Puttappa, L.S. Sheshagiri Rao, Nisar Ahmed and Kamala Hampana.

Mr. Yeddyurappa said the Government had decided against presenting gold medals to 100 people who campaigned for classical language status for Kannada. The decision was taken because it would be difficult to honour all those who strived for the goal.

It would be insulting if any important names were left out.

The Government had also decided to cancel its plans to hold similar functions at the district level in the wake of the announcement of byelections, he said.

Mr. Yeddyurappa also cautioned the Centre that the State would be forced to launch a struggle to seek special status for the backward region of Hyderabad Karnataka if it did not sanction the long-standing demand for an amendment to Article 371 of the Constitution. He would consult Opposition parties on the matter, the Chief Minister said.