Madikeri: The United Kodava Organisation has appealed Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to set up a Kodava Development Corporation exclusively for the welfare of Kodava community.

In a press statement, the Organisation’s Convenor Manju Chinnappa said that the previous Government headed by B.S. Yediyurappa, responding to  pleas and representations, had formed Veerashaiva-Lingayat, Vokkaliga and Maratha Development Corporations.

Pointing out that the Organisation’s representation to the Chief Minister has stressed on the need for forming Kodava Development Corporation on the lines of other communities, he said that Kodavas have played a crucial role in taking the State forward and reaching newer heights. 

Noting that Kodavas, who are from Kodagu district of South Karnataka, have a unique tradition, customs, heritage and culture, he reiterated that Kodavas have made enormous contribution for the growth of the State and the country after Kodagu was merged with the then Mysore State in 1956.

Highlighting the sacrifices made by Kodavas in defending the country’s borders, Manju Chinnappa said that the community has played a very vital role in the country’s defence sector and sports field, earning national and international accolades. 

Recalling the achievements  of Kodavas in different fields such as administration, medical, police, politics, judiciary, agriculture, commerce, education etc., he argued that the State Government must table a Bill under the 162nd schedule of the Constitution for the formation of Kodava Development Corporation, for a comprehensive growth of Kodava community, with a starting fund of Rs. 1,000 crore, for chalking out various developmental programmes.