Article 371(J) a blessing for educated youth in Kalyana Karnataka: Sharan Prakash Patil

Article 371(J) of the Constitution has proven to be a boon for the well-educated youth of Kalyan Karnataka (KK), ensuring sustained opportunities in education and employment, according to Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil. Addressing the Kalyan Karnataka Utsav celebrations in Yadgir, Dr. Patil emphasized how the Special Status has brought about a positive transformation in the region's socio-economic conditions.

The landmark constitutional amendment was the result of years of persistent efforts by notable leaders such as Vaijanath Patil, Mallikarjun Kharge, along with the public's determination against regional disparities and economic imbalances.

Under Article 371(J), local educated youth are granted a reservation of 75% to 85% in government jobs within the Kalyan Karnataka region itself, as well as an 8% reservation across the rest of the state, excluding KK districts. Dr. Patil further revealed that the implementation of this special status has resulted in a significant increase in the number of students securing admission to medical and engineering colleges.

Around 11,000 students have obtained medical seats, over 30,000 have been granted engineering seats, and nearly 1 million unemployed youths have found employment in the State government through the reservation quota.

Turning his attention to the current regional crisis of drought, Dr. Patil informed that the district of Shahapur had already been identified as a drought-affected taluk in the initial phase, and that the remaining five taluks in the district were expected to be notified soon. He encouraged the farmers to remain calm and assured them that the State government would provide its full support.

In addition to this, Dr. Patil paid a heartfelt tribute to the freedom fighters who fought for the liberation of the erstwhile Hyderabad-Karnataka region from the Nizam's rule. He acknowledged the pivotal leadership of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel during the police action.

Dr. Patil also highlighted the contributions of Swami Ramanand Teerth, Pandit Taranath, Vidyadhar Guruji, Sardar Sharana Gowda Inamdar, and Chandrashekhar Patil towards the liberation from the Nizam's control.