Belagavi, Dec 11 (NationPress) Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah revealed that the state will initiate the process of filling 2.84 lakh vacant positions in stages, contingent upon securing approval from the Finance Department. This statement came in response to an inquiry from BJP MLC Nirani Hanamant Rudrappa during a session in the Legislative Council.

The inquiry focused on the measures being undertaken to address the nearly 2,84,881 vacant positions across various sectors, including corporations and boards.

Siddaramaiah highlighted that the total includes 1,01,420 vacancies in corporations and boards along with 14,677 in universities; the remaining vacancies are distributed among departments and local entities, leading to a comprehensive tally of 2,84,881.

Approval has already been granted to fill 24,300 positions. Additionally, under the provisions of Article 371J concerning the Hyderabad-Karnataka region, there is a necessity to fill 32,132 posts. Consequently, the effort to fill a total of 56,432 posts is currently underway, with implementation already in progress.

Article 371J is significant as it bestows special status upon the Hyderabad-Karnataka region, aimed at mitigating socio-economic and educational disparities. This area encompasses six districts: Gulbarga, Bidar, Raichur, Koppal, Yadgir, and Bellary.

The Chief Minister acknowledged that previous internal reservation issues had hindered the recruitment process, but reassured that those matters have now been addressed.

He confirmed that the filling of vacant positions will occur in phases, pending additional approvals from the Finance Department.

In response to a query from Congress MLC Ivan D'Souza, Siddaramaiah announced the implementation of a 3 percent reservation in the Forest Department, 3 percent in the Police Department, and 2 percent in various other sectors to promote athletes.

This inquiry sought to understand the strategies for supporting athletes, offering job reservations, enhancing sports facilities, and promoting the game of kabaddi.

Siddaramaiah revealed that the government has appointed 13 athletes who have excelled in the Olympics, Paralympics, Commonwealth, and Asian Games.

Within the Police Department, 70 constables and 14 PSIs have been directly appointed.

The government aims to provide reservations for athletes in the Forest Department, Police Department, and several other sectors. Additionally, there will be considerations to further encourage the sport of kabaddi.

Addressing a question from BJP MLC Shantaram B. Siddhi in the Legislative Council, Siddaramaiah stated that a determination will be made in the forthcoming financial year regarding the construction of a hostel in Yellapur, located in Karwar district.

This question aimed to gather information about building hostels for the benefit of students from backward and Scheduled Caste communities in Yellapur, Karwar district.

Siddaramaiah confirmed that a hostel will be erected in Yellapur to facilitate the education of students from various communities, including those categorized as backward and Scheduled Castes, within the Yellapur region.

He assured that an appropriate decision will be made in the next financial year to incorporate this initiative.