Bengaluru, Jul 14: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday announced that the Congress government’s manifesto promise to establish Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas would be implemented within a month, with each association receiving an annual grant of Rs 10 lakh to promote leadership, community service and youth engagement.
Addressing reporters here, Parameshwara said the scheme, inspired by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s “Bharat Jodo Yatra”, had received the Chief Minister’s approval after Cabinet discussions and would be implemented through the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports in coordination with several other departments.
“We had promised in our manifesto that a special programme would be announced to commemorate the Bharat Jodo Yatra. The chief minister has now reviewed the proposal and approved the programme following discussions,” he said.
The deputy CM further said guidelines for constituting the Sanghas in every gram panchayat across the state had already been issued. Each Sangha would have 100 to 250 members and would organise sports and cultural activities besides creating awareness among youth about national events such as Independence Day and Republic Day.
“We have decided to provide an annual grant of Rs 10 lakh to each Sangha. There is nothing wrong even if up to Rs 1,000 crore is spent on empowering young people. The matter was discussed extensively by the Cabinet under the leadership of the chief minister,” he said.
Parameshwara, who holds revenue portfolio, said detailed guidelines had been issued on membership eligibility and the constitution of the associations to ensure representation of all communities.
“The formation of associations across the state will be completed within the next 15 to 20 days, or within a maximum period of one month. All necessary measures will be taken to ensure that they function effectively,” he said.
On FIRs registered against farmers accused of assaulting officials conducting a survey for the proposed Bidadi township project, he said people had every right to express their views through lawful means, submit representations or hold peaceful protests.
“However, if it is established that protests were conducted illegally due to political instigation or pressure, action will be taken in accordance with the law,” he warned.
The minister added that the government would explain the need for the township project and how the interests of local residents would be safeguarded.
Responding to questions on the pending Cabinet expansion, Parameshwara said the delay would not affect the forthcoming legislature session.
Around 20 ministerial positions out of 34 are yet to be filled and discussions were underway with the Congress high command, he said.
“Rahul Gandhi, who was on a foreign visit, has now returned. The necessary decisions in this regard are likely to be taken in the coming days,” he added.
Rejecting BJP MLC Chalavadi Narayanaswamy’s allegation that ministerial berths were being distributed in exchange for money, Parameshwara said the charge reflected the BJP’s own political practices.
“He is merely describing what they have practised in the BJP. It is not right to compare their political culture with ours,” he said. (PTI)
