Vishwakarma community demands 3% reservation in jobs

Udupi, September 2: Government should provide three per cent reservation in jobs to the members of the Vishwakarma Community, who are the second highest population among the Backward Classes, said Akhila Bharatha Vishwakarma Mahasabha President KP Nanjudi.

Speaking to press persons after the preparatory meeting of the state level Vishwakarma Jayanthyothsava Celebrations, to be held at Mysore on September 17, Mr Nanjudi also demanded the government to provide for political representation to their community based on their population.

Government shall make laws to protect gold and silver ornament makers from police atrocities. It shall be made mandatory to interrogate the accused of stolen gold and silver purchasers, in the presence of officer bearers of their Associations. Sheds for gold and silver craftsmen shall be constructed by the government, land and financial assistance to 67 pontiffs of their community to run educational institutions shall be made available the earliest, holiday shall be declared on Vishwakarma Jayanthi and a Corporation for the development of their community shall be set up, he said.

Nanjundi said that all these demands will be place before the government at the Vishwakarma Jayanthyothsava to be held in Mysore. Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda, former PM HD Devegowda, opposition leader Siddaramiah were expected to take part in the programme, he added.

DK and Udupi District Vishwakarma Union President Alevoor Yogish Acharya, Ullal MLA UT Khader, President of the Gold and Silver Workers' Association Rajesh Acharya and others were present.