Karnataka celebrates Formation Day

Bangalore, Nov 1 (UNI) Karnataka today celebrated its 52nd Rajyotsava Day (State Formation Day) with Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa announcing Rs 25 Crore for promotion of Kannada language which was accorded Classical status by the Centre yesterday.

However, the celebration was marred with protest and demonstration in Gulbarga by various organisations in protest against not according special status to Hyderabad-Karnataka Region, the most backward region in the State.

Expressing his gratitude to the Prime Minister for the Classical status to Kannada, Mr Yeddyurappa said the state government would sanction Rs one crore grant to any University, either in India or abroad for setting up a chair for research activities in Kannada language.

The Chief Minister said that the government, in a bid to encourage use of Kannada, would award Rs 50,000 each to the students who qualify in Union civil cervices exams by writing in the language.

Expressing his strong opposition against the demand for separate Statehood for Hyderabad-Karnataka Region, Mr Yeddyurappa said that he would lead a delegation to meet the Prime Minister to seek special status to North Karnataka region under Article 371 of the Constitution.

" We want the Centre to amend Article 371 to include North Karnataka for special grants and also an IIT. I will take leaders of North Karnataka region in the delegation", he said.

While, Sapna Publishers brought out 52 books to mark the occassion Cultural programmes by School children were held.

In the evening Mr Yeddyurappa would distribute Rajyotsava Awards to 92 personalities selected. The award, for the first time carries Rs One lakh cash prize.

UNI TEAM MSP RKN1851