Bengaluru: Social and economic progress of any community is possible only through unity and collective efforts, said Backward Classes Welfare Minister K.H. Muniyappa on Wednesday.
Speaking after inaugurating the website of the Tigala Community Development Corporation and releasing a handbook containing details of the corporation’s programmes at Devaraja Urs Bhavan in Bengaluru, the Minister said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had fulfilled the long-pending demand of the Tigala community by establishing a separate corporation.
“Earlier, when the community was part of a common corporation, ₹6 crore was allocated. After the formation of a separate corporation, there is a shortage of funds. If the corporation representatives submit a request, I will arrange a meeting with the Chief Minister and make efforts to secure additional funds,” Muniyappa assured.
Highlighting the contribution of the Tigala community, the Minister said the community, which has traditionally been associated with agriculture and vegetable cultivation, plays a significant role in ensuring food supply to society.
“Community development should not be viewed through political differences. Everyone is equal when it comes to development. Unity is the key to progress,” he said.
Website to bring transparency: MLA Narendra Babu
MLA Narendra Babu said the newly launched website would bring transparency to the functioning of the Tigala Community Development Corporation and help people access information about welfare programmes.
He said several community development corporations have been established in Karnataka and recalled that the demand for a separate corporation for the Vahnikula community had remained pending for years.
He said former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had announced the initiative, while the Siddaramaiah government, under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, completed the registration process and provided financial support.
Narendra Babu urged the government to increase financial assistance under schemes such as Ganga Kalyana and foreign education support programmes to benefit more eligible candidates.
Welfare schemes must reach villages: P.R. Ramesh
Former MLC P.R. Ramesh said separate corporations were created for the development of various backward communities.
Describing the Tigala community as a self-respecting community, he said its members have traditionally depended on vegetable cultivation for their livelihood.
He stressed the need to increase budgetary allocation and create awareness about government schemes at the village level so that benefits reach genuine beneficiaries.
More beneficiaries needed: Corporation Chairman
Tigala Community Development Corporation Chairman L.A. Manjunath said shortage of funds was affecting the implementation of welfare programmes and appealed to the government to provide additional financial support.
“When applications are invited for welfare schemes, selecting only one beneficiary from each district is not enough. The number of beneficiaries should be increased to ensure wider benefits,” he said.
The programme was attended by Arya Vysya Development Corporation Chairman Ramaprasad, Maratha Development Corporation Chairman Mariyoji Rao and other community leaders.
