Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna expressed confidence that the Kodava Development Corporation would be announced shortly, following positive discussions with the Chief Minister.
A delegation of the United Kodava Organization (UCO), led by its President Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa, met MLA Ponnanna at his residence office in Virajpet and discussed the long-pending demand for the establishment of a Kodava Development Corporation.
Addressing the delegation, Ponnanna stated that the demand for a separate development corporation for the Kodava community has been consistently raised by Manju Chinnappa and the UCO leadership. He noted that the proposal was also included in his election manifesto, following which the matter was taken up with the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister, he said, responded positively and acknowledged the necessity of establishing a dedicated corporation with adequate financial allocation.
MLA Ponnanna emphasized that there would be no compromise in protecting the interests of all communities, including the Kodava community of Kodagu. He stated that he does not engage in politics when it comes to development and reiterated his commitment to inclusive and non-discriminatory service for the comprehensive development of Kodagu.
After submitting the memorandum, UCO President Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa stated that a significant portion of government welfare schemes do not effectively reach the Kodava community. He pointed out that nearly 60 percent of the Kodava population falls under backward categories and emphasized that preserving culture and heritage while ensuring comprehensive development has become increasingly challenging. He urged the government to announce the Kodava Development Corporation in the upcoming budget in the interest of the community’s welfare.
Members of the delegation included Cheppudira Suzu Karumbaiah, Nellamakkada Jeffrey Madaiah, Apparanda Venu Ponnappa, Pudiokkada Dinesh, Azzinikanda Suraj Thimmaiah, Thithimada Bose Ayyappa, Machhamada Ramesh, Badumanda Vishnu Kariappa, Kavadichanda Deepu Uthaya, Kademada Thimmaiah, Cheppudira Pratima Karumbaiah, Bollachettira Maina Kalappa, Kakhichanda Deena Uthappa, Tanvi Uthappa, Kunjilanda Gracie Poonachcha, and Koniyanda Kavya Somayya.
