Mysore/Mysuru:  With the State Government announcing Development Corporations for various communities, the United Kodava Organisation (UKO) has appealed to Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha to exert pressure on the Government to set up a Kodava Development Corporation for the welfare of Kodava community.

 A 36-member delegation of UKO led by its President Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa  met the MP at his Office in Jaladarshini Guest House here yesterday and submitted a memorandum.

Responding positively, Simha said that he will appeal to the Centre to announce ‘Kodava Balo’ scheme for Kodavas on the lines of  ‘Jiyo Parsi’ scheme for minority Parsi community. Promising to meet the Chief Minister along with all Legislators from Kodagu district on the issue, Simha said that he was hopeful of the Union Government announcing the scheme in the 2023 Budget.

Pointing out that the demand for Kodava Development Corporation is justified, the MP said that it will help the comprehensive growth of Kodava community. The MP also highlighted the contribution of Kodava community in the growth of BJP in the district.

UCO President Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa said that Kodavas have played a vital role in the growth of BJP in the district and the surroundings over the years. But Kodavas have not got much in terms of development, he said and added that the formation of Kodava Development Corporation will largely help in addressing Kodava issues and problems.

Pointing out that the onus now rests on elected representatives of Kodagu district, he said that Kodavas are hoping that their just and long-pending demand will finally be met by the Government. The UKO had earlier submitted a memorandum to Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah, who responded positively and said that he will take up the issue with the Government. Development Corporations have been formed for Veerashaiva-Lingayat, Vokkaliga and Maratha and Kodavas too deserve such Corporation as the community has been classified under 3A category, he noted and has written a letter to the CM.