Bengaluru: Former chief minister Siddaramaiah has strongly refuted accusations of discrimination and bias concerning his government's preliminary approval of Rs 71.8 crore to 155 organisations representing various backward communities. The funds were intended for constructing community halls and student hostels.
Controversy Over June 3 Order
The controversy erupted after an order issued on June 3, the day Siddaramaiah stepped down as chief minister and DK Shivakumar assumed office, was circulated on social media. Critics alleged favouritism, claiming that organisations from the Kuruba community, to which Siddaramaiah belongs, received over Rs 41 crore of the total allocation. Additionally, allegations surfaced that a trust named after Siddaramaiah's late son, Rakesh Siddaramaiah, in Gadag was sanctioned Rs 50 lakh.
Siddaramaiah's Clarification
Siddaramaiah clarified that the department's order is only a preliminary sanction, not a direct release of funds. He explained that the Kuruba community received a larger share simply because a higher number of organisations from that community submitted applications. He emphasised that preliminary approvals were also granted to numerous other communities, including Madivala, Lingayat, Vokkaliga, Besta, Balija, Golla, Jetti, Kumbara, Arasu, Helava, Savita Samaja, Uppara, Ganiga, Kuruhina Shetty, Halakki, and Reddy.
Pointing out that the list is not final, Siddaramaiah said applications from other OBC organisations are being examined, and funds will be released to them as well. He stated that the government strictly follows a continuous reservation formula: 70% of funds are earmarked for Categories I and II-A, while 30% is reserved for Categories III-A and III-B. The higher allocation to certain groups reflects the larger number of castes and organisations covered under Categories I and II-A.
Conditions for Final Funding
To secure final funding under government guidelines, organisations must submit proof of land ownership, local body building licences, and three years of audited financial statements through their district commissioners. Funds will be released in three phases based on annual reviews of construction progress.
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About the Author
Manu Aiyappa Kanathanda: Manu Aiyappa has been with The Times of India for over two decades, currently serving as the Political Editor. His reporting focuses on politics, public policy, and in-depth features that aim to inform and engage a broad readership. Over the years, his work has been recognised by both the Press Club of Bangalore and the Karnataka Media Academy for its clarity, credibility, and relevance to public discourse.
