Karnataka, 16 Sept

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said the State cabinet will meet on 17 September to discuss the development of Kalyana Karnataka region, and decisions are likely to be taken regarding a separate secretariat and industrial policy for the region.

The cabinet meeting in Kalaburagi would also coincide with 'Kalyana Karnataka Utsava' celebrated to mark the liberation of the region from the Nizam’s rule, and the celebrations to mark 10 years of Article 371(J) of the Constitution under which the region got special status.

"We may not be able to fulfill all the expectations, but we will certainly try to give solutions to a few important issues. Regarding what was mentioned in the budget and other important issues, we will discuss and decide in the cabinet tomorrow," Siddaramaiah said.

Speaking to reporters, CM said a subject on employment issues in the region, is also expected to come up before the cabinet.

"There has been a demand for a separate secretariat for the Kalyana Karnataka region for a long time now, we will try to do it," he said in response to a question.

Kalaburagi is considered as the capital of the 'Kalyana Karnataka' or the Hyderabad Karnataka region as it was earlier known. These districts that were under the erstwhile rule of Nizams of Hyderabad are among the backward regions in the state.

The region comprising Bidar, Ballari, Vijayanagara, Kalaburagi, Koppal, Raichur and Yadgir, enjoys special status under the Constitution (Article 371(J)) owing to its backwardness.

Noting that a separate industrial policy for Kalyana Karnataka region will be decided tomorrow, he said, "We will do everything possible tomorrow, we are in favour of Kalyana Karnataka (development)." PTI