Karnataka government to act on demand for Maratha reservation as per Constitution: CM Bommai

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 20 : Action would be initiated within the provisions of the Constitution after getting the report from the Backward Classes Commission on the demand of the Maratha Community for reservation, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has said.
The Chief Minister, in his address at a function to inaugurate the Maratha Communities Development Corporation and Orientation programme, said the state government is responsive to the demand of the community to include it under Category 2A instead of the present Category 3B. The state government is considering the proposal. Action would be initiated in this regard after getting the report from the Backward Classes Commission.
The Chief Minister said that his government is committed to render social justice for various backward communities. The state government has decided to provide a grant of Rs10 crore to prepare a Detailed Project Report for the development of various heritage monuments of great Maratha personalities.
The ideals of great saints like Ramdas, Tukaram and Eknath are eternally relevant, their identity would be preserved, Bommai said.
The Maratha community has a significant presence along the state borders from Karwar to Bidar. Special programmes have been formulated for the development of these border areas. Budgetary provisions have been made for comprehensive development of Gram Panchayats in border areas, Bommai said, according to a press release.
It said the Maratha community has joined Karnataka's mainstream.
"The Maratha Development Corporation has drawn up many welfare programmes for the community from self-employment schemes to all-round development of women. The state government has provided Rs100 cr for these programmes," he said and assured greater allocation if the funds already provided are effectively utilised.
The Chief Minister termed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as the evershining star of 5000 year Indian history. The credit of humbling the Mughal dynasty and establishing a strong Hindu empire goes to Shivaji Maharaj, so he enjoys a special place in Indian history, Bommai said.
"The Maratha community has a great history. Prime Minister Modi is leading the country unitedly ahead when the nation is celebrating its 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'. It is our duty to work together to realise PM Modi's mission of making India the world leader. Each community has to contribute in this regard. With this objective former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa established the Maratha Development Corporation," Bommai said.