Mysore/Mysuru: Chairman of Karnataka Border Area Development Authority Dr. C. Somashekar has said that it has been decided to conduct a study and survey about the living conditions of the people at 63 taluks in the border areas.

“The job of conducting the survey has been assigned to the eight Universities of the State,” he added.

Disclosing this at a progress review meeting of Mysuru District border taluks of H.D. Kote and Saragur held at Deputy Commissioner (DC)’s Office auditorium on Tuesday, Dr. Somashekar said that it has become inevitable to study the economic, social, cultural, educational and linguistic issues of the Kannadigas living in the border areas.

He said that there are 980 villages in 63 taluks of 19 districts which are in the border areas of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Goa. “Since it is necessary to ensure the total development of Kannadigas living in border areas, the Authority has decided to carry out surveys through eight Universities of the State and get reports from them so that needed action can be initiated,” he said.

“Some buildings have been constructed in the border areas through Zilla Panchayats under MNERGA scheme. A scientific study about the economic, educational and cultural developments needed in the border areas is being carried out. Priority is being given to the cultural and other practices of the border areas. Development should not be limited to just construction of roads and drainage systems, authorities should  create cultural fund in Gram Panchayat budget and encourage local culture to prosper, which will help the people of the border areas,” opined Dr. Somashekar.

“Four Gram Panchayats of Saragur and H.D.Kote taluks of Mysuru district have been a given grant of Rs.1.3 crore of which Rs.80 lakh has been used. People seeking employment are being given jobs. More grants will be given after receiving the survey report,” he said.

Mysuru Deputy Commissioner Dr. K.V. Rajendra, Zilla Panchayat CEO B.R. Poornima, Authority Secretary Prakash, Deputy Divisional Officer Kamalabai, Social Welfare Department Joint Director Malati, Women and Child Development Department Deputy Director Basavaraju and other officials of various departments were present at the meeting.