Mysore/Mysuru: Karnataka Nomadic and Semi Nomadic Development Corporation Chairman K. Ravindra Shetty has urged the State Government to release Rs. 250 crore for the development of nomadic communities.

Speaking at a press meet held at Jaladarshini Guest House here on Wednesday, Corporation Chairman K. Ravindra Shetty said, “Karnataka Nomadic and Semi Nomadic Development Corporation was set up in the State on Feb. 2, 2020. Since that time, I have been touring all over the State to know about the effectiveness of welfare programmes being implemented in the region.” 

Pointing out that a vast majority of people from nomadic and semi nomadic communities are living at different parts of the State without any basic facilities, he said that they choose open places near a village or town and live there under temporary shelter and move from one place to another for livelihood. These people are called by different names in different areas and according to an estimate, there 46 communities in the State, he added.

“The Corporation requires  adequate grants to implement development schemes for the nomadic and semi nomadic communities. Earlier, from the year 2013-14 to 2019-20, Rs. 438.85 lakh worth of financial aid had been awarded to 1,101 beneficiaries belonging to nomadic and semi nomadic community, under various schemes implemented by D. Devaraj Urs Backward Classes Development Corporation,” he said. 

After Karnataka Nomadic and Semi Nomadic Development Corporation was set up, various welfare programmes including Ganga Kalyana Yojana, loan facilities for nomadic people through Arivu Scheme and women’s self-help groups were implemented. 

“We have achieved 100 percent of our target by successfully implementing self-employment schemes by spending Rs. 14 lakh in Mysuru district,” he said and urged the administration to release more grants for the purpose. 

Mysuru District Organiser H.A. Shobha, Chamarajanagar District Organiser M. Shwetha and Director Lakshman were present at the press meet.