K’taka border residents can seek Maharashtra jobs

The state government told Bombay High Court (HC) on Thursday it had issued a notification in 2008 allowing people in 865 villages in disputed areas bordering Maharashtra and Karnataka to apply for government jobs.

All government departments were aware of this circular, the government said in an affidavit filed in response to a petition by three persons from the disputed areas seeking jobs in Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).

A recent MSRTC recruitment ad did not mention any provision for residents of the disputed areas.

A bench of Justice A M Khanvilkar has asked MSRTC to consider the cases in keeping with the 2008 notification. The High Court is also hearing a PIL on the issue. It has already issued a notice to the state government and other respondents.

The disputed areas are in Bidar, Belgaum and Karwar districts of Karnataka claimed by Maharashtra.

Jay Chougale, an activist from Belgaum, contended that as per the 2008 circular, people in the disputed villages were eligible for government jobs in Maharashtra.

But the MSRTC ad of August 7 said applicants must be domiciled in Maharashtra.

Bandh in Kolhapur

Kolhapur: Shiv Sena called a bandh in the district bordering in Karnataka on Thursday to protest inauguration of a second legislature complex in Belgaum.

President Pranab Mukherjee is slated to inaugurate Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, a Rs 400-crore second legislature complex, amid objections by political parties in Maharashtra citing a boundary dispute with Karnataka.

Stray incidents of stone-pelting were reported in the city during a march led by Sena.

Shiv sainiks came out on the streets at around 10 am and led a march during which some people allegedly pelted stones at autorickshaws and buses, police said.

NCP to support Belgaum residents

Mumbai: NCP said on Thursday it would provide all possible support to people in Belgaum, facing problems from the Karnataka government.

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