Commending former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa for initiating the new Anubhava Mantapa project, a magnificent structure to demonstrate the historical Anubhava Mantapa built and operated by the sharanas (reformers) of the 12th century, at Basavakalyan in Bidar district, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, on Saturday, announced that the work for the mega project will commence next month.
“Mr. Yediyurappa took the initiative to build the new Anubhava Mantapa in Basavakalyan. He subsequently announced ₹500 crore for the project and released [some portion of] the funds. We will ensure that there will be no hurdles in the implementation of the project and the overall development of Basavakalyan,” the Chief Minister said.
He was addressing a public meeting at Basavakalyan in Bidar district on Saturday. The event was organised by the Basavakalyan Kshetra Samiti and the Basavakalyan Vikas Academy for the purpose of making Basavakalyan a beautiful cultural centre.
Reciting a vachana of Basavanna, a 12th century reformer, Mr. Bommai said that what the sharanas advocated over 800 years ago was still relevant today.
“Sharanas led by Basavanna showed the way of life. They upheld the superiority of labour by stating that labour leads to heaven. They had clarity on what they advocated. Their preaching on life and religion is still relevant,” Mr. Bommai said.
Holding the previous Congress Government responsible for the delayed release of funds meant for the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB) and thus the delayed implementation of development projects, the Chief Minister said that his Government would release the special grants for KKRDB within the same financial year.
“Previous Government used to release this current year’s fund next year. But we won’t do that. We have increased the special grants from ₹1,500 crore to ₹3,000 crore for KKRDB in the budget. We will give approval to all action plans within the end of April and ensure that all the funds would be spent in the same year,” Mr. Bommai said.
“We have given approval for the recruitment of 14,000 vacancies, including 5000 teachers’ posts, in Kalyana Karnataka. There is a demand to fill more vacancies and we would do it in the days to come,” the Chief Minister said, reiterating his Government’s commitment to the development of Kalyana Karnataka by effectively implementing the special status accorded to the region under Article 371(J) of the Constitution.
He also commended senior BJP leader and former parliamentarian Basavaraj Patil Sedam for his efforts to inculcate awareness and skills among the young people in Kalyana Karnataka region through his Kalyana Karnataka Human Resources, Agriculture and Cultural Organisation.
“To support his initiatives, our Government has given ₹200 crore for the organisation. He is working for the overall development of Kalyana Karnataka and our Government would continue to support him,” he said.
Mr. Yediyurappa and Union Minister Bhagwant Khuba were among the dignitaries present at the event apart from the heads of various Lingayat mutts.
