The economically underdeveloped North Karnataka largely depends upon the revenue generation from South Karnataka for funds.
As a part of demands for statehood to North Karnataka, the Uttara Karnataka Horata Samiti is all set to hoist the separate flag in front of Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi on Tuesday. The flag unfurling comes in the wake of August 2 Bandh called by the organization to demand the separate North Karnataka state. Earlier, thee activists had alleged that the State government spearheaded by CM HD Kumaraswamy is meting out step-motherly treatment to North Karnataka. The row started over the inadequate allocation of funds to the North Karnataka region in the state budget recently presented in Vidhan Soudha.
While the demand has already fueled the political blame-game in the state, the demand is less likely to materialize. Here’s why:
Historically speaking, there has always been a huge disparity between the North and South Karnataka, not only on the economic indicators but also on the health indicators. The Southern Karnataka, which was under Mysore Princely state before the formation of Karnataka state is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. The Mysore state was always a prosperous region and economically well-off. On the other hand, up North, the picture is far different. North Karnataka is mostly a dry region with scorching heat. The lack of water resources has added to its woes.
The adverse conditions in North Karnataka have led to lack of investment and thus, lack of employment in this region. Though the North Karnataka has potential to develop as a tourist spot the unavailability of basic facilities has marred it. The agriculture has also suffered greatly because of lack of availability of water. While South Karnataka thrives on Cauvery water, North Karnataka is dependent on Mahadayi. However, the ongoing tussle between Goa and Karnataka over the water has left many farmers in a lurch. There is a high economic disparity between the people of North Karnataka and South Karnataka.
Highlighting the income disparity between the two regions, a committee headed by late Prof. DM Nanjundappa had recommended the investment of additional 16,000 crores in North Karnataka over next eight-year starting in 2007. To pacify the discontent people from North Karnataka, the UPA government had even given a special status to the Hyderabad-Karnataka region under section 371(J). A provision was created reserving 70% seats in colleges for local students while 75-85% jobs reserved for the local candidates.
However, despite this, the region remains largely underdeveloped. Except for few cities like Hubbali-Dharwad and Belgavi which are comparatively more developed, rest other districts remain largely under-developed. The disparity between the two regions was prominently visible during my visit to Karnataka while covering the assembly elections. I travelled first to Gadag district where Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally was scheduled. Talking to the people nearby I got to know that the water scarcity is so severe in the area that sometimes the households don’t have the water supply for months. Water tankers are the regular scenario in the region. The greenery is rarely found.
On the other hand, my visit to Mysore for the public speech of Prakash Raj helped me get an insight of South Karnataka. The contrasting picture is the very reason why demands of separate North Karnataka are misplaced. The economically underdeveloped North Karnataka largely depends upon the revenue generation from South Karnataka for funds. The separate state will mean North Karnataka will no longer get the assistance of these funds which will eventually take the region on the back foot on development indicators.
However, many in the region also are divided over the demand. While the Uttara Karnataka Horata Samiti has spearheaded the agitation, many activists and scholars have decided not to support the Bandh on August 2. The small organizations that are fighting for Mahadayi water have also refused to support the demand.
In the run-up to 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the matter will surely be fuelled. However, the chances are genuine voices of concern over discrimination to North Karnataka might drown amidst the noise of Separate State demand.
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