Rajyotsava celebrated in Raichur
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Minister Ajay Singh and others taking part in the 71st Rajyotsava programme in Raichur on Sunday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology and Raichur district in-charge Ajay Singh praised the immense contribution made by leaders and freedom fighters who spearheaded the Karnataka unification movement, highlighting the State’s rich cultural heritage and religious tolerance.
Addressing a gathering after unfurling the national flag during the 71st Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations at the Mahatma Gandhi District Stadium in Raichur on Sunday, Dr. Singh recalled the century-long struggle to bring Kannada-speaking regions under a unified State as they lay scattered under the British administration.
”Deputy Chennabasappa initiated the movement for unification as early as 1856. The century-long agitation culminated in the creation of the unified Mysore State on November 1, 1956, which was subsequently renamed Karnataka by the then Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs on November 1, 1973,” Dr. Singh said.
He remembered the invaluable contribution of prominent stalwarts, including Alur Venkataraya (Kannada Kulapurohita), Acharya B.M. Srikanthaiah, A.N. Krishnarao, Hardekar Manjappa, Kuvempu, S. Nijalingappa, H.S. Doreswamy, Bellary Siddamma and Patil Puttappa, among others.
Highlighting the State’s literary and cultural achievements, the Minister noted that Karnataka remains a sanctuary of religious tolerance, moral conduct and peaceful coexistence.
He added that it is a matter of immense pride that Kannada literature has been honoured with eight Jnanpith awards.
Explaining about the administrative and developmental measures, Dr. Singh stated that the State government has responded effectively to the severe drought situation, declaring 226 taluks State-wide, including all taluks in Raichur district, as drought affected.
He noted that Raichur district faced a 49% rainfall deficit receiving only 222.5 mm of rainfall during the monsoon season (June to September) against the normal average of 439.6 mm. Deficits across individual taluks ranged between 35% and 62%.
Under the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB), an action plan involving 890 development works worth ₹622.35 crore has been approved for Raichur district for 2025-26.
Out of these, 61 works have been completed, 394 are in progress, while an expenditure of ₹178.03 crore has been incurred so far.
To address water scarcity and boost groundwater levels, the Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development Department has executed 1,890 works, including check dams, lift irrigation projects, lake developments and borewell drilling, at an estimated cost of ₹874.09 crore over the last three financial years (2023-24 to 2025-26).
Of these, 1,274 works have been completed, while 616 works, including the rejuvenation of Mavinakere, Neerabhavikuntakere and Rampur lakes in Raichur city, are in progress. A total of ₹547.88 crore released by the State government has been fully utilized to date.
Highlighting employment generation under rural employment schemes, Dr. Singh stated that Raichur district has secured the top position in the State by generating 82.83 lakh person-days against a target of 110 lakh person-days for the current year.
A total of 3,52,654 families have been issued job cards in the district, including 6,895 newly distributed cards.
Under the Viksit Bharat-Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Scheme (125 days), action plans have been drawn up to implement 5,679 water conservation, 3,880 rural livelihood and 3,927 infrastructure works.
Dr. Singh reiterated that the State government is committed to delivering welfare benefits through its five guarantee schemes.
He concluded his address saying, “Hesarayitu Karnataka, Usiragali Kannada”.
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