Article 371 (J): officials told to prepare draft rules

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said he had directed officials to prepare draft rules within three days for implementing Article 371 (J) of the Constitution, which provides special status to the Hyderabad Karnataka region comprising Gulbarga, Raichur, Yadgir, Bidar, Bellary and Koppal.

Speaking to press persons after a preliminary meeting attended by Ministers from the region and officials here, the Chief Minister said one more meeting would be held to consider the draft. It would take a month to complete the entire process of formulating the draft and finalizing it. He said the government would have to study the financial assistance from the Center and the State government’s share for the welfare measures.

Mr. Siddaramaiah said he would soon meet Union Ministers and officials in New Delhi and seek Central assistance for development activities in the six districts.

On the impact of gutka ban on arecanut growers, he said other States had also taken the step following a direction by the Supreme Court.

On the fall in prices of arecanut by Rs. 2,000 a quintal after the ban was announced, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the government would protect the interests of areca growers.


source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/article-371-j-officials-told-to-prepare-draft-rules/article4771706.ece