We are neither acting against Centre nor violating any law: Karnataka govt defends issuing Permanent Resident Certificates
Bengaluru, July 21 (IANS) Amid the political row over Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs), the Karnataka government on Tuesday mounted a strong defence of the initiative, with Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara stating that only those who have lived in the state for 10 years would be eligible.
He also stated that “we can’t give our daughters in marriage to Bangladeshis.”
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said, “We need to formalise this process. A certificate will be issued if applicants provide evidence that they have lived in Karnataka for 10 years.”
“Can we give our daughters in marriage to Bangladeshis? No. We are neither acting against the Union Government nor violating any law. We are proceeding strictly in accordance with the law,” he clarified while answering a question on allegations of government being accused of facilitating Bangladeshi immigrants to settle down in the state.
“Tahsildars were issuing caste certificates even earlier. Has anything changed now? Caste certificates have been sought during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The BJP should understand why we have introduced this arrangement. The Government is issuing these certificates officially, and I do not see anything wrong with it.”
He said the Government had decided to issue Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs) based on applicants having been born in Karnataka. “Most people have been asked to provide details from the 2002 electoral rolls. Around 50–60 per cent of people may have such records. However, some may not possess a Permanent Resident Certificate. The PRC will be helpful to such individuals,” he said.
He further stated, “On the one hand, BJP leaders have repeatedly alleged in the Legislature that the number of Bangladeshis and people from other states is increasing and that government benefits and Aadhaar cards are being provided to them. I answered such allegations several times when I was the Home Minister.”
Responding to a media question on how declaring drought would benefit the people of the state, he said no decision had been taken yet. “The decision must benefit farmers and ordinary citizens. It should also support those who are forced to migrate in search of work due to a lack of employment. We will take a decision after considering all these factors,” he said.
Asked whether senior leaders should be accommodated in the Cabinet, he said the party’s leaders had travelled to Delhi. “The Cabinet will be expanded if the high command grants approval. I have heard that the leaders will discuss the criteria for the expansion. One of the considerations is to provide greater representation to younger leaders, and this must be taken into account,” he said.
Responding to a question on whether the Cabinet expansion should be undertaken keeping the 2028 Assembly elections in mind, he said he had no information in this regard. “The decision will be taken based on the prescribed criteria. When I was the party president, one of the criteria was to form the Cabinet by promoting new leadership. I believe that criterion continues to apply,” he said.
Asked when drought-affected districts would be classified, the Deputy Chief Minister said necessary instructions had already been issued to the Deputy Commissioners. “Preparations required for drought management are underway. Officials have been directed to assess which taluks are facing drought-like conditions and submit reports. Further action will be taken after the reports are received,” he said.
Responding to the BJP’s allegations regarding drought management, the Deputy Chief Minister said the Government had released a grant of Rs 5 crore to every district for drinking-water arrangements. “A total of Rs 329 crore is available in the Personal Deposit (PD) accounts of the Deputy Commissioners. We have also announced that Rs 1 crore will be allocated to every taluk. BJP leaders should understand all these measures and speak responsibly,” he said.
–IANS
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