Bengaluru: The Karnataka govt is considering allotting land to all backward castes, a proposal that will be placed before the cabinet shortly, chief minister Siddaramaiah said Sunday. Addressing the devanga community, he said when the proposal is approved, their organisation too would receive land measuring between 2 and 2.5 acres.Responding to a demand for a Weavers’ Development Corporation, Siddaramaiah said a corporation that includes devanga community would be established. Urging unity, he told members of the devanga sabha and leaders of the weaver community to do away with sub-caste divisions and organise themselves as a single force.Speaking at the centenary celebrations of the organisation, Siddaramaiah said the Constitution envisages a society free of caste discrimination. “Dr BR Ambedkar said an equal society can be built only through social, economic, educational and political freedom for all,” he noted.Recalling welfare measures taken for weavers, the CM said the electricity tariff was reduced from Rs 4.2 per unit to Rs 1.2 per unit for connections up to 10 HP when he was finance minister, benefiting nearly 80% of the community. “The subsidy was later extended to 20 HP. Rebates were increased from 10% to 20%. Loans up to Rs 5 lakh were provided at zero interest. The Weavers’ Sammana Yojana was fixed at Rs 5,000, and the birth centenary of Devadasi Mayya was also celebrated by our govt,” he said.“You should stand with those who stand with you,” Siddaramaiah added.Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar assured them that the BDA would identify land for their association.
