Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar has said the state will pass a resolution protecting farmers’ interests during the special session on the Kasturirangan report and take the state’s position to the Centre through an all-party delegation.
He also announced that an all party delegation comprising legislators and MPs would meet the Prime Minister and Union ministers after the matter is discussed in the state legislature. “Forest officials should not issue notices and harass farmers. I have instructed that people should not live in an atmosphere of fear. Shivakumar also linked the government’s approach to its plans for tourism and employment in the region.
Our government had earlier rejected this report, but now we have to send our opinion to the Centre by September 27,” he said. “Under the Forest Rights Act, there is a 25-year limit for tribal people and 75 years for others. In the coming days, a decision will be taken to prescribe a 25-year limit for everyone and a proposal will be sent to the Centre,” he said.
Because of the Kasturirangan report, there is serious concern among people in this region.
Shivakumar said the government had earlier rejected the report during Siddaramaiah’s tenure, but the state must now formulate its position before the deadline. The special session, Shivakumar said, would allow the government to hear farmers’ demands, formulate the state’s response and discuss the drought situation. He said he was visiting affected areas before the issue is taken up in the legislature. Shivakumar said the government would take those views into account before finalising its position. “After discussing the Kasturirangan issue in the session and taking a decision, we will take an all party delegation comprising legislators and MPs to the Prime Minister and Union ministers and convey your views,” he said. Shivakumar said farmers should not face harassment from forest officials and that the government would seek a solution within the legal framework. In the coming days, a solution will be provided within the legal framework,” he said. He also said the government would examine changes relating to forest rights. He said the government was working on a tourism policy covering both the coastal and Malnad regions to create jobs and encourage investment.
“For the past two days, I have travelled through Udupi, Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts and today I have come to Sakleshpur.
