Madikeri: Codava National Council, which is spearheading the struggle for creation of an autonomous Kodava homeland in Kodagu, has urged the Government to disregard the Nanjundappa Commission report on Kodagu.

In a statement here on Tuesday, N.U. Nachappa, secretary-general of the council, alleged that the commission has deprived the district of all benefits by recommending that Kodagu does not require development with regard to infrastructure, education and employment opportunities.

Grants

The Government cut down grants to the district in the wake of the report, he said.

Why was the city of Bangalore, Information Technology capital of the country, or Gulbarga, hub of the cement industry, not termed rich? Mr. Nachappa asked.

People alienated

The Government has ignored the interests of Kodagu. Such discrimination will alienate the people, he said.

Mr. Nachappa demanded setting up of a Coorg Development Board, as suggested by the Constitution Review Commission in 2002 to ensure all- round development of the district. Such a move will provide Kodagu reservation in education and employment, he said.

The council will urge the Government to include the issue in the Governor's address at joint session of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Nachappa said.

Copies of the memorandum have been despatched to the Governor, the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister, he said.

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