Draft report on development of 6 backward districts ready: K'taka

The report will be placed before the Cabinet in 2-3 days and then sent to Centre for approval

A Cabinet sub-committee entrusted with the task to formulate regulations vis-a-vis financial, social and educational development of people of six backward districts would submit its draft report to the government tomorrow, chief minister Siddaramaiah said today.

Parliament a few months ago had inserted the Article 371(j) in the Constitution for according special status to these districts -- Gulbarga, Yadgir, Raichur, Bidar, Koppal and Bellary -- known as the Hyderabad-Karnataka region.

Responding to Gurupadappa Nagamarapalli (BJP) during Question Hour in the Assembly, Siddaramaiah said the sub-committee, chaired by Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister H K Patil, had already toured the region interacting with MPs, MLAs and intelligentsia eliciting their views on the subject. "The draft report will be placed before the Cabinet in two-three days and then sent to the Union Government (for its approval," the Chief Minister said.

According to officials, the sub-committee may have formulated necessary regulations for establishing a separate development board for the region, ensuring equitable allocations of funds, and providing requisite reservation in employment and education for reducing inter-regional and inter-district disparity and promoting inclusive growth.