Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru
Bengaluru, May 3: In a major outreach to backward and Dalit communities, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday assured substantial financial support to Maths representing marginalised sections across the state.
A delegation of seers from the Federation of Backward and Dalit Mutts met the chief minister at his official residence, 'Kaveri', and presented a comprehensive memorandum outlining their long-pending demands.
Responding positively, Siddaramaiah assured them that the state government would extend grants to all Dalit and backward mutts, enabling them to continue their socio-educational mission without financial roadblocks.
Among the key highlights of the delegation’s demand was the allocation of land in Chitradurga district for establishing a traditional Gurukula aimed at training priests and civil service aspirants from oppressed communities. The chief minister accepted the proposal and instructed officials to identify suitable land and submit a detailed report at the earliest.
The seers also appealed for site allotments in Bengaluru to facilitate religious and educational activities for backward classes and Dalits. Siddaramaiah assured that the proposal would be actively considered by the concerned departments.
Separately, a delegation led by Purushothamananda Swamiji of the Uppara community also met the CM and pressed for greater political representation and community upliftment initiatives.
The Federation’s memorandum called for:
• Rs 10 cr each for 17 community-led projects focusing on education and empowerment.
• A Rs 25 cr grant for building the Gurukula in Chitradurga, which will offer religious, academic, and civil service training.
• Rs 2 cr each to 35 mutts, trusts, and institutions for essential infrastructure upgrades.
The proposed Gurukula will not only train priests from backward and Dalit communities in traditional spiritual practices but will also focus on preparing students for IAS and KAS competitive examinations, thus opening the door to administrative representation.
Prominent religious leaders, including Jagadguru Niranjanandapuri Mahaswami (Kanakaguru Peetha), Jagadguru Immadi Siddarameshwara Mahaswami (Bhovi Gurupeetha), and Jagadguru Basavamurthy Madara Channaiah Mahaswami (Shivasharana Madara Channaiah Gurupeetha), were part of the delegation.
This move by the chief minister is seen as a significant step towards inclusive development and social justice, aligning with the Congress-led government’s agenda of empowerment through equitable access to education, land, and governance.