A meeting convened by the Kalyana Karnataka Horata Samiti on Saturday resolved to observe an annual Article 371(J) Day across the seven districts of Kalyana Karnataka and to organise a series of awareness programmes on the constitutional provision.

The meeting, chaired by the samiti’s honorary president Basavaraj Deshmukh, was attended by representatives of educational institutions, university officials, college principals, academicians, legislators and Samiti members.

Samiti founder-president Lakshman Dasti described the implementation of Article 371(J) as a significant milestone in the region’s development. He said the provision had helped safeguard educational and employment opportunities for the people of Kalyana Karnataka and proposed that its implementation be commemorated every year through a dedicated observance.

The proposal was unanimously endorsed by the participants. The meeting also decided to organise seminars and discussions in educational institutions to create greater awareness about the objectives, provisions and benefits of Article 371(J).

Shashil G. Namoshi, MLC, said the effective implementation of Article 371(J) required continued efforts beyond political affiliations and stressed the need for educational institutions to play a larger role in public awareness. He promised support for conducting seminars and academic programmes on the subject.

B.G. Patil, MLC, suggested that universities and colleges organise programmes highlighting the history of the movement for Article 371(J), the circumstances leading to its inclusion in the Constitution, and its impact on the region.

The meeting also discussed measures for strengthening the implementation of Article 371(J) and the broader development of Kalyana Karnataka. Participants called for focused administrative mechanisms to ensure the effective execution of development programmes in the region.

Samiti members emphasised the need to disseminate factual information about Article 371(J) and address misconceptions regarding the provision. They said awareness programmes would help improve public understanding of its constitutional status and development objectives.

The meeting resolved to constitute a committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Deshmukh to coordinate seminars and outreach programmes in colleges and educational institutions across the region. The first programme is expected to be held shortly, followed by a series of events in different districts of the Kalyana Karnataka region.