Article 371(J) of the Constitution is a blessing for the educated youth of the Kalyan Karnataka (KK) region, ensuring long-term educational and employment opportunities, Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil has said.
Speaking after unfurling the national flag at the Kalyan Karnataka Utsav celebrations in Yadgir on Thursday, the Minister highlighted how the Special Status has transformed the region’s socio-economic landscape.
Dr. Patil noted that the landmark constitutional amendment was achieved through years of relentless struggle led by prominent leaders, including Vaijanath Patil and Mallikarjun Kharge, alongside strong public agitation against regional development and economic imbalances.
Under the provisions of Article 371(J), local educated youth benefit from a 75% to 85% reservation in government jobs within the Kalyan Karnataka region, as well as an 8% reservation across non-KK districts in the State.
Detailing the impact on higher education and employment, Dr. Patil revealed that around 11,000 students have secured medical seats. Over 30,000 students have gained engineering seats, and nearly 10,00,000 unemployed youths have successfully secured State government jobs under the reservation quota after the implementation of the Special Status.
Turning to current regional challenges, the Minister addressed the ongoing drought situation. He stated that Shahapur had already been declared a drought-affected taluk in the first phase, and expressed confidence that the remaining five taluks in the district would be notified soon. He urged farmers not to panic, assuring them of the State government’s full support.
Dr. Patil also paid rich tribute to the freedom fighters who fought for the liberation of the erstwhile Hyderabad-Karnataka region from the Nizam’s rule. He recalled the decisive leadership of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel during the police action.
He said that Swami Ramanand Teerth, Pandit Taranath, Vidyadhar Guruji, Sardar Sharana Gowda Inamdar, and Chandrashekhar Patil also immensely contributed to liberation from the Nizams.
Published – September 17, 2026 08:38 pm IST
