Celebrations began in northern Karnataka today over the news that Union Cabinet Sub-Committee on Political Affairs has recommended to amend article 371 to provide special status to their region. The special status to the six backward districts of North Karnataka, known as Hyderabad-Karnataka region, is expected to provide reservation in employment and education sector, apart from receiving special grants from the Centre for its development.

Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, former Chief Ministers B S Yeddyurappa and Dharam Singh, KPCC president G Parameshwar and leaders from northern Karnataka representing various organisations and political parties have welcomed the decision. The leaders felt that the Sub-Committee’s decision, once approved in the Parliament, will speed up development of the region in the field of education, health services and employment opportunities.

Vaijanath Patil, the leader of Hyderabad-Karnataka Horata Samithi, the organisation which has been leading an agitation for special status, expressed happiness over the decision of the Cabinet Sub-Committee.