Kannadigas Seek Justice in Recruitment: KDA Chairman Writes to Defence Minister Following Memorandum Submission
Bengaluru: A determined delegation led by Veekaputra Srinivas, President of the All Karnataka Vishnu Sena Samiti, accompanied by office bearers Veerendra Patil, Aditya, Parshwanath, Kannada Sri Samanyara Koota, and Harsha Laxman, President of Kannada Vidyarthi Koota, submitted a memorandum to Dr. Purushotham Bilimale, Chairman of the Kannada Development Authority (KDA). The memorandum outlined grievances about the neglect of local candidates in central government recruitment for Group C and D posts at the 515 Army Base Workshop in Bengaluru.
Key Demands Highlighted in the Memorandum
The memorandum emphasized several demands, including:
- Publishing recruitment advertisements in local newspapers across Karnataka.
- Allowing Kannada as a medium for written tests in Group C and D posts.
- Extending application deadlines and deferring recruitment processes to ensure fairness.
- Securing intervention by the state government, MPs, and central ministers to protect Kannada-speaking aspirants.
It also cited past successful campaigns led by the association in collaboration with the KDA, Karnataka’s Chief Ministers, and MPs, which had achieved positive outcomes for Kannadigas.
KDA Chairman Steps into Action
Responding to the delegation, Dr. Purushotham Bilimale assured immediate steps to address their concerns. He has since written a detailed letter to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, highlighting the recruitment process’s shortcomings. The letter specifically pointed out the lack of local publicity, leaving Kannada-speaking candidates unaware of job opportunities.
Dr. Bilimale urged the Defence Minister to:
- Publish recruitment notifications widely in local Kannada newspapers.
- Allow examinations in Kannada as an option.
- Extend recruitment deadlines to ensure fairness for local candidates.
“This is an issue of federal fairness and justice for Kannadigas. We will also engage Karnataka MPs and central ministers to advocate for this cause,” Dr. Bilimale said.
Delegation Criticizes Silence of Karnataka MPs
The delegation expressed disappointment over the lack of response from Karnataka MPs on this critical issue. Advocate Satya Shree and Parshwanath called it a betrayal of the state’s youth, urging stronger representation from elected officials to address this pressing matter.
Historical Advocacy Cited as Precedent
The memorandum recalled the efforts of former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna, who had successfully advocated for Kannada to be included as a medium for written tests. The letter from Krishna to then Defence Minister George Fernandes was highlighted as an example of effective collaboration that safeguarded local interests.
Call for Intensified Efforts
The delegation urged the KDA to hold press conferences, mobilize support, and push for the central government’s intervention to rectify the ongoing neglect of Kannada-speaking candidates.
As this issue gains momentum, the spotlight remains on the central government’s response to the KDA Chairman’s appeal and the demands of the Kannadiga community.
Quotes/Statements
- “Ensuring fair opportunities for Kannadigas in recruitment processes is not just a regional demand; it is a matter of justice and national integration.” – Dr. Purushotham Bilimale, Chairman, KDA.
- “The neglect of local candidates in Karnataka-based central government recruitments is unacceptable. We demand transparency and fairness.” – Veekaputra Srinivas, President, All Karnataka Vishnu Sena Samiti.
- “Publishing recruitment notifications in local Kannada newspapers is a basic step toward equality. Karnataka’s youth deserve a level playing field.” – Advocate Satya Shree.
- “The silence of Karnataka MPs on this critical issue is a betrayal of the state’s youth. We need stronger representation in safeguarding their rights.” – Harsha Laxman, President, Kannada Vidyarthi Koota.
- “Recruitment in Kannada promotes federal principles and strengthens local participation in national institutions.” – Dr. Purushotham Bilimale.
