From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Belthangady, Dec 17: Congress opposition leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday released a book, ‘’Vasanta Vinyasa,’’ on the life of Belthangdy ex-MLA Vasant Bangera also felicitated him along with his wife.

The Congress leader also distributed prizes to those who had won prizes in the Karate competition.

Former JD(S) MLA from Kadur YSV Datta, who is said to be contemplating to join Congress, and the author of the book Aravind Chokkadi were present. Datta, however, has not spelled out his stand and has clarified that he will consult the voters of his constituency before taking any decision.

Govt not serious about OBC Reservation:

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah strongly condemned the neglect and injustice done to the backward class communities by the ruling BJP on the question of political reservation and the Basavaraj Bommai government’s failure to hold the elections to the local bodies at the specified time.

With the Supreme Court granting time to the government to complete the reservation to the other backward class (OBC) communities by March 31, the Congress leader said the delays and lethargic attitude of the government indicates that it is not serious about holding elections to the local bodies nor doing anything on the reservation issue. The Bommai government’s failure to abide the directions of the apex court in last May on conducting three-stage scrutiny before finalizing the reservation for the OBCs was responsible for the impasse.

Siddaramaiah said the Bommai government constituted the Justice Bhaktavatsala commission to study the reservation issue and took a decision on fixing the reservation seats without proper application of mind. The High Court had rejected the reservation list prepared on the basis of the Bhaktavatsala commission and has refused to make proper corrections. The Supreme Court has now castigated the government, which is shameful, he said.

Withdraw transfer orders of Asst Professors

The Congress leader also attacked the State Government for its failure and inaction in taking up developmental issues but concentrating only on transfers. The latest order of the Commissioner for Higher Education on conducting the transfers of Assistant Professors coming under the department by December was highly improper, he said.

Instead of taking steps for filling up the vacancies and appointing lecturers and professors, the Higher Education Department has resorted to fresh transfers within 6 months, he said condemning the second set of transfers.

He said those who had been transferred in Mangaluru, Mysuru, Bengaluru and other cities have been again transferred to different colleges in the same cities. This is nothing but a racket to make money and the government’s decision must be for the benefit of the people and improving the education system.

Effecting transfers in December, just a few months before the annual examinations, will affect the students and disrupt the system besides causing untold hardships to the lecturers and assistant professors, Siddaramaiah said demanding that the transfer orders must be withdrawn immediately.