Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced that the state will introduce a resolution aimed at safeguarding farmers’ interests during the special session addressing the Kasturirangan report. He emphasized that the state’s stance will be presented to the Centre through an all-party delegation.
He also announced that an all party delegation comprising legislators and MPs would meet the Prime Minister and Union ministers after the matter is discussed in the state legislature. “For the past two days, I have travelled through Udupi, Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts and today I have come to Sakleshpur. Shivakumar also linked the government’s approach to its plans for tourism and employment in the region.
Because of the Kasturirangan report, there is serious concern among people in this region. Our government had earlier rejected this report, but now we have to send our opinion to the Centre by September 27,” he said. “Under the Forest Rights Act, there is a 25-year limit for tribal people and 75 years for others. In the coming days, a decision will be taken to prescribe a 25-year limit for everyone and a proposal will be sent to the Centre,” he said.
Shivakumar said the government had earlier rejected the report during Siddaramaiah’s tenure, but the state must now formulate its position before the deadline. The special session, Shivakumar said, would allow the government to hear farmers’ demands, formulate the state’s response and discuss the drought situation. He said he was visiting affected areas before the issue is taken up in the legislature. Shivakumar said the government would take those views into account before finalising its position. “After discussing the Kasturirangan issue in the session and taking a decision, we will take an all party delegation comprising legislators and MPs to the Prime Minister and Union ministers and convey your views,” he said. He also said the government would examine changes relating to forest rights. The government would also prioritise applications concerning Akrama Sakrama, Bagair Hukum and forest rights, Shivakumar said. “Along with this, our government will give priority to disposing of Akrama Sakrama, Bagair Hukum and forest rights applications and providing solutions to your problems,” he said. He said the government was working on a tourism policy covering both the coastal and Malnad regions to create jobs and encourage investment.
