H K Patil: Rural Emancipator by vyas sivanand

VISIONARY

MAN OF

REASON T

o know Hanamanthagouda Krishnagouda Patil, popularly known as H. K. Patil, is not difficult, but to comprehend him is, especially at times when the political landscape is asymmetrical. He is known to be a man who ‘speaks’ with his silence, and his deep sense of pragmatism is often a challenge to grasp for even those who have known him well. And this is the gift that marks him as one bearing the impeccable stamp of ‘fine, rare breed in the political stable’. In a lifetime, one comes across only a few men who have the courage to explore the aptitudes of leadership, and Patil has proved that he has this skill in abundance. What also makes him distinct from even the very few in this league is his ability to make right decisions, based on what appeals to his reason.

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

VISIONARY

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

Inhaling the petrichor of change and dreaming of a pleasant societal canvas, Patil has always tried to carry an altruistic perspective during his political pursuits. His life-changing foray into politics began in 1984 and his election as member of the Legislative Council (MLC) from Graduates’ constituency catapulted him to the limelight at the age of 31. His strength: Lessons learnt from life, and guidance of veterans. Since then, Patil has been following one core principle — to make politics an instrument of development and a tool to serve people. Breaking away the carcasses of old policies, he strove ahead with his inimitable style of decision-making that was never seen before within the bylanes of power. Ensuring that ideas that are robust and logical, are transformed into those that can spearhead change, Patil has, all along, exhibited an unparalleled flair to embrace and execute realistic goals through discussion, dissent and debate. As someone who has consistently avoided conventional routine in small as well as big matters, whether it is policy-making or a ministry’s nomenclature, Patil has been a believer in finality. He disapproves of impulsive actions, and instead favours patience, winning struggles in inches not miles, and then cherishing the victory to move towards winning a little more. He clearly coloured his priorities with a heavy inclination towards the doctrine of egalitarianism. In later years, this quality helped penurious villagers step out of a life full of misery, bringing to them comfort and succour.

Patil’s contribution to the various sectors that he helmed during his political career was shining enough to make a mark even at the national level, resulting in some of his initiatives becoming national policies. Having been a witness to the agony faced by farmers in North Karnataka during his time as the MLC, he slowly developed an antidote to the struggles of the rural population by not just evolving ideas but attaching himself closely to their grief. He maintained such an acuity that his passion saw the elevation of rural Karnataka to the centre stage with the chief minister’s 21-point programmes, wherein all initiatives were driven by necessity and reason. He believes that the principle of development lies in the choice given to the masses, and he gave them many, in whatever capacity he was serving them. And this belief has been captured in this coffee-table book by The New India Express. In each part, the growth of H. K. Patil as he embraced farmers and poor villagers at different levels and in various sectors, has been documented in detail. The focus is also on his indubitable faith in pragmatic reforms and change for betterment, and elevating life of the rural masses. It is an effort to bring to the fore the traits of a personality that waded through deep murky waters of strong disagreements and resistance, and gained triumph as not many could, with a distinctive demeanour, rarely felt in the fickle circle of political virtues.

WISDOM VOICE

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

Compassion and empathy towards people who live in the rural parts of our country has always seen a moral void. People in general do not realise that much of their rural counterparts form the basis of our very existence. It is our responsibility to do all that we can, especially because they have little temptations, and a soul rich with simple things.

Architect of 73rd Constitutional Amendment, Rajiv Gandhi, the then Prime Minister was welcomed by Patil (extreme left) and the then Chief Minister and doyen of Panchayat Raj, Ramakrishna Hegde

IRON WILL PATIL A sagacious leader, H. K. Patil has also proved that he can question any iniquity with ferocity

CHAPTER 1

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 2

THE NURTURING

From his childhood days, H. K. Patil’s family and friends were his inspiration to achieve not for himself, but for the people

PAGE

CHAPTER 3

PAGE

22 VOICE OF CAUSE

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

H. K. Patil speaks about his life, regional imbalance, urban-rural disparity and farmer issues

PAGE

RECAPTURE

CHAPTER 4

Frames of time which reflect the journey of H. K. Patil from his youth till the time he became a household name

Patil has a flair for politics & welfare; the various ministries he helmed have his footprints.

CHAPTER 5

BOND OF FAMILY

PAGE

174

Family life has been a huge benefit for Patil, with an understanding wife and children giving him the freedom to serve society

CHAPTER 6

CORRIDORS OF POWER

PAGE

180

The budding leader

YOUNG LESSONS

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER COOPERATOR

PURSUIT OF PURPOSE Born in rural part of Karnataka, H.K. Patil demonstrated his concern for the region at an young age, inspired by his father and grandfather who were building a foundation of cooperative movement to develop the villages then. No wonder, later as a political visionary, he devised and implemented most of the ideas he had nurtured in his heart during his growing up years.

Youthful years

YOUTH SPIRIT

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER COOPERATOR

EQUIPPING

TO ELEVATE Patil made no little plans. When in college and later when he was elected to the Senate, he always focused on long-term solutions to current and emerging concerns in the society. In his youth, he was witness to the plight of villagers, especially in drought-prone regions, water issues faced in rural areas, corrupt practices, unemployment and the unquestioned injustice among many others. These left deep anguishing feelings within him. And as he grew along with intellectuals, he was finding ways to address these hurdles that were stumbling blocks in the making of a progressive and egalitarian society.

Patil in his 40s

MATURE ACTIONS

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER COOPERATOR

LAUDABLE

LEADERSHIP It was 1993. The oppressed and battered rejoiced. A thoughtful leader had taken charge. Armed with ideas of change, there was no way to stop him. It was time for putting action to reasoning and readiness for responsibility. Patil’s approach was soft but passionate. His plans of uplifting lives,especially in rural areas, were fresh and trailblazing. Though imperceptible in the beginning, they gathered strength and altered people’s lives for the better. First, he saw the change...then many joined him, and soon, the state realised — a leader had arrived...with a mission that was clear — Upliftment.

WISDOM VOICE

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

We have accepted the parliamentary system of democracy; all of us have to work within that system. Democracy is not a mere political system; it is a way of life and a state of mind. Imbibe these qualities; only then you will be able to work in a befitting manner and assure results in this democratic set up.

THE JOUNREY

With Sri Sri Sri Tiruchi Swamigal of Sri Kailash Ashrama Mahasamsthana

Sharing stage with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

THE PASSAGE

With brother D.R. Patil, then MLA, Gadag

Patil expressing his gratitude to voters on his first political victory

Peppered with the principles of patriotism and social work during his childhood and youth, H.K. Patil took steady and thoughtful strides towards the corridors of power. Learning from the humble bylanes of Hulkoti and applying the grassroot knowledge for the welfare of the society from Vidhana Soudha, his journey has been remarkable and he transformed many lives. And in many areas, with his political acumen, he has been able to make a huge difference.

CHAPTER ONE

Being discontent was not natural to Patil, it was situations and events around that made him voice his dissent. And there is nothing more magniﬁcent than resentment transmuted into possibility; strong positive assertion of what is right for all humanity. That has been a determined Patil’s endeavour, and Karnataka is a better place because of leaders like him.

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

IRON

WILL PATIL

H K Patil’s tryst with power did not just result in altering convention, but also led to the creation of a new landscape within the broad spectrum of political and bureaucratic frameworks which were transparent, thoroughgoing, rurally all-encompassing and modernistic. He has also been vocal about issues where right answers were not coming forth. “Be it the JSW land issue, shifting Bangalore Turf Club, NICE issue, TAPCO, BYWATERS issue, the tug of war with the Speaker, unearthing of funds being swindled from mainstream accounts to dummy accounts (fake accounts) or heading the Cabinet sub-committee on illegal mining, I was determined to question any irregularity, in every case,” Patil says.

RELENTLESS GOALS

lways enthusiastic about serving people, as a senior Congress legislator, H. K. Patil went the extra mile to ensure that he did all he could do to ensure relief to people in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic which hit the world in 2020. While relief measures were undertaken, he went further and wrote several letters to Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa highlighting issues of diagnosis and quarantine policy being not in accordance with accepted standards, preparedness of the state to allow foreign travellers, institutional quarantine issue and the necessary management, safe and adequate number of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits not being provided to medical staff and other frontline workers. He felt he had duty of guiding the government, updating on new developments and disagreeing with the handling of it by the government as well as raising questions on the efficacy of statistical data being released to the public. In fact, he has always done that, when in power or not. During his public life of more than three decades, even while raising issues that stoked heated debates, humility was his key trait and which reflected in all the activities that he undertook. He always presented a picture of a person who felt the need of the hour to carve a caring system of governance, which will govern to secure, preserve, protect and defend the qualitative life of all sections of the people.

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

Patil brothers overseeing the COVID relief material distribution in April 2020

In the Assembly with Ramalinga Reddy, former Home Minister; H. D. Revanna, then PWD minister; and Dinesh Gundu Rao, ex-KPCC President

MANIFESTATIONS OF THE IRON WILL On JSW Steel According to Patil, in June 2019, he opposed the alliance government for selling 3,667 acres of land at Toranagallu in Sandur taluk to JSW Steel in Ballari for a concessional price. “The then government had stated that Jindal fulfilled all conditions and had claimed that Jindal had no dues towards the Karnataka government. But the claim was refuted as Jindal owed over Rs 2,000 crore to the state government which was also confirmed by the Lokayukta report,” he says. “There should be distribution of wealth as per the Constitution and it should not concentrate with

only one individual or company. I believe in that principle. Later, the government changed its decision and it was the victory of people and not of mine,” he adds.

On BTC In November 2019, H. K. Patil as Chairman, Public Accounts Committee (PAC) took serious note of the lapses in the functioning of the Bangalore Turf Club, which reportedly owed Rs 32.86 crores in rental amount to the state government. “The committee unanimously decided that all racing activities must be stopped from December 2 and the government should recover all dues from the club before that date,” he says.

RELENTLESS GOALS

On COVID Corruption

In 2020, Patil as Chairman of Public Accounts Committee (PAC), had sought a report from the Health Department over complaints of corruption in the procurement of ventilators, diagnostic kits, and protective equipment to fight the Covid-19 crisis. On May 28, the Committee was also slated to visit various quarantine shelters, Covid-19 hospitals and the Health Department to verify the facilities and safety measures provided to frontline staff. The PAC had already sought a report from the Health and Family Welfare Department after allegations of corruption surfaced regarding misuse of taxpayers’ money. “My intention is that the taxpayers’ money should be utilised properly without any room for corruption and there should be effective delivery of services to the people. There should be transparency. Being the chairman of the PAC should I keep mum when the allegations are being proved prima facie?” he had said. According to him, the PAC has expressed its desire to visit certain places and inspect if quality service was being delivered to the people. “There were complaints that old ventilators that were already run for thousands of hours were purchased by the government, and the money was already paid for the same. There were complaints that PPE kits were of inferior quality and they were purchased at double the original price. The PAC has authority to check wrong-doers and to check unwise expenditures,” he has stated.

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

An article on H. K. Patil related to huge deposits in dummy accounts that appeared in Kannada Prabha

On Dummy Accounts In November 2016, when he was Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, a probe into the scam in the department confirmed unauthorised transactions of around Rs 10,279.80 crores over several years. Patil had said that civil and criminal action would be initiated against all those responsible for conducting the unauthorised transactions, opening dummy accounts and parking money meant for various schemes and diverting them as well. The irregularity in question, according to him, occurred between 2009 and 2014. An inquiry was first conducted by IFS officer Punati Sridhar. After his reports pointed out financial misconduct, another committee was appointed. It consisted of finance experts led by the State Accounts Department’s Additional Director, N. B. Shivarudrappa. Stating that the report confirmed the instances of misconduct detailed in the Punati Sridhar report, Patil said malpractices occurred through 106 dummy accounts.

RELENTLESS GOALS

On Transparency

On Illegal Mining

In 2013, when Patil was Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, the department launched an online system for monitoring the implementation of the works and thereby bringing in transparency in their execution. Named ‘Gandhi Sakshi Kayaka’ software, it was a web-based user-friendly monitoring system. The workflow-based system, which also utilises Google Maps, made it mandatory for compulsory uploading of photos of different stages of works and related documents, failing which bills would not be generated. All RDPR projects, barring those related to Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, came under the initiative. Web hosting of his decisions were also made a practice.

In November 2017, the illegal iron ore export scam triggered a fresh round of political slugfest ahead of the Assembly election in the state as the government was all set to hand over the probe to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conveyed its helplessness to continue with the probe and special courts were designated to conduct cases on illegal mining. The Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) was headed by H. K. Patil when he was the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister. The committee was closely monitoring the progress of the probe into the illegal mining and export of iron ore cases in the state, and decided to recommend a SIT probe into the case. The Lokayukta report, which had exposed the

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

With Justice Santosh Hegde, former Supreme Court judge who valiantly investigated illegal mining and submitted a historic report

Patil taking charge as Chairman, KPCC Campaign Committee

scam, had estimated the total loss to the exchequer of about Rs. 16,000 crores in four years (2006-2010) due to illegal export of iron ore from Mangaluru and Karwar ports. “It is shocking that the CBI has cited technical grounds for not registering cases related to illegal export of iron ore. The CSC, which discussed the issue, favoured ordering a probe by SIT. However, the state cabinet will take a final call,” Patil had said. He also stated that as many as 130 companies (54 in Mangaluru and 76 in Belekeri) were involved in exporting 3.65 lakh Metric Tonnes of iron ore from Karnataka ports. “The worth of alleged illegal iron ore exported is around Rs 5,000 crore, it could be even more,” Patil had said.

Congress Campaign Committee Chief On December 22, 2018, Patil was appointed as Chairman of the Congress Campaign Committee by Rahul Gandhi to strategically improve the party’s image by use of technology, especially social media, to showcase the ideology of the party and inclusive development agenda as well as highlight the failures of BJP at the Centre. He was a member of the Congress Manifesto Committee for Karnataka, headed by Veerappa Moily, and he was instrumental in using electronic media for campaigning in the 2019 General Elections. When Congress lost the elections, he gave up the post on moral grounds on May 25, 2019. “As campaign committee chairman, I had the privilege to take the

policies and message of the party to the people. In view of the debacle, I feel it my moral duty to own up the responsibility,” Patil had said.

RELENTLESS GOALS

On Suvarna Soudha

Suvarna Soudha was built as a part of Karnataka’s efforts to redress the feeling of negligence and regional imbalance towards Northern Karnataka. The proposal to hold legislature sessions in North Karnataka was mooted by Patil by appointing a committee, under the chairmanship of Dakshinamurthy, the then secretary of parliamentary affairs, to recommend a suitable place in North Karnataka “The idea and the effort finally culminated in Suvarna Soudha being built in Belagavi. Thanks to all political leaders who were instrumental in realising the dreams of Northern Karnataka people,” he says.

Karnataka-Maharashtra Border Issue In March 2016, H.K. Patil asserted that the state would remain firm in its stand on the border dispute with Maharashtra at the Supreme Court hearing that was scheduled for April 1. As in-charge of the border issues in Karnataka, he said Karnataka would demand that the Centre either implement the Mahajan Commission report on the boundary dispute or maintain status quo on the row. “The state government and its legal team are fully prepared with all the required documents and information to make its stand clear to the court once the case comes up for hearing,” he had said.

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

‘Bhoomi Puja’ of Suvarna Soudha with then Chief Minister Kumaraswamy and Dy. Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa in Belagavi

Patil with Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai, founder of Shrimad Rajchandra (spiritual guru of Gandhiji) Mission, Dharampur, Gujarat; Siddaramaiah, then Chief Minister, and Ho. Ve. Srinivasaiah, Chairman, Karnataka Gandhi Foundation on the 150th year of Gandhi Jayanti

In December 2019, he urged Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa to convene a meeting of Kannada activists and experts to decide on the state’s future course of action on the border dispute. In a letter to Yediyurappa, Patil stated, “There is a need to take some urgent legal steps with regard to the border row as the Maharashtra government is taking a series of steps to pursue its case before the Supreme Court.”

On Prohibition During the Covid pandemic in May 2020, H. K. Patil urged Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa to prohibit liquor in the state, saying the lockdown provided an opportune time to make this decision.

He made a strong pitch for total prohibition in Karnataka to lay the foundation for “a happy, peaceful and joyful society”. He said that it was an opportunity for taking this “revolutionary’’ step. In a letter, he appealed to Yediyurappa to say goodbye to the administrative policy (allowing liquor sales), which gave Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of prohibition for an addiction-free society a “go-by” and focused only on revenue generation. He even wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “Mahatma Gandhiji always advocated for two principles of real freedom that is external purity by Swachata and internal purity by prohibition. Already a milestone has been achieved by making India Open Defecation-Free; I urge that nothing could be a more appropriate gift to the

RELENTLESS GOALS

A villager expressing her gratitude to Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu after inaugurating a toilet as part of Open Defecation-Free Karnataka at Nargund Taluk. Then Governor Vajubhai Valla and the then Union Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation Ramesh Chandappa Jigajinagi were present

women of India on the 150th anniversary of the Mahatma than nationwide prohibition of liquor. The nation has proved during the lockdown that alcoholics can definitely live without consumption of alcohol for several days without complications. It is perhaps the right time to consider taking states into confidence,” he had written.

On Rehabilitation Authority When H. K. Patil was heading the committee constituted by the KPCC to study the floods in August

RURAL

H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

2019, he urged the state government to form a ‘Rehabilitation Authority’ to construct and rebuild villages that were damaged in the Bombay-Karnataka region. The committee conducted a survey and submitted its report with recommendations. According to the report, over 20 lakh acres of land, including non-agricultural land, have been damaged in the region, mainly Belagavi, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Gadag, Haveri, Dharwad and Uttara Kannada. As many as one lakh acres of agricultural land had been completely damaged.

tee under the chairmanship of Patil (RDPR minister) for the implementation of 371 J. A report with Draft Government orders were submitted in record time of 45 days facilitating faster implementation.

LEADERSHIP ROLES

Patil as Chairman of KPCC Flood Study Committee surveying aboard a goods train when all roads were blocked due to floods. I. G. Sannidi, ex-MP is also seen.

On 371 J “Thanks to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Manmohan Singh for the constitutional amendment of 371 J, which provided special status to the Hyderabad-Karnataka area,” says Patil. The Government of Karnataka had appointed a Cabinet sub-commit-

“The Congress ideology right from the time of Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi has always inspired me. Narasimha Rao gave me the opportunity to serve the people of Karnataka. Sonia Gandhi has been an inspiration and strength to me. Later, Rahul gave me an opportunity to serve the party and I am grateful to them,” said Patil. As Minister of State for Textiles, Food Processing and Industrial Co-operatives, his constructive work included establishing the Karnataka State Power Loom Development Corporation, Karnataka Handloom Technology Institute and power loom complexes. He ensured that the weavers of Karnataka got a minimum 100 days work and the entire cotton grown in Karnataka was promised to be processed in the state itself. As the Leader of Opposition, he was a successful constructive leader for the entire opposition in the upper house. It is to his credit that no less than 10

Patil submitting the 371 J implementation report to the then Chief Minister along with his cabinet colleagues

RELENTLESS GOALS

AICC President Sonia Gandhi inaugurating a unique AICC exhibition in Bangalore

ministers were made to apologise to the people of the state for their wrong doings during that period. His articulated presentations in the House on scandals, corrupt practices and manipulations by the people in the government and the legislature, were well received by the people of the state and was one of the major factors for the Congress to come to power during the next polls. While being Minister for Water Resources, Patil abolished the piece work contract system which was considered to be the mother of corruption. This pioneering effort started from Karnataka was later adopted in the entire country. Bringing the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act 1999 was a landmark achievement of the statesman. It changed the entire system of procurement in the state. His onslaught on corruption with all sensitivity and humility at his command has been a commendable milestone.

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

He also established a vigilance department headed by the Inspector General of Police under the Water Resources Department to check the menace of corruption in the department. This was again a pioneering effort in the direction of curbing corruption. The period when he was Minister for Water Resources witnessed transparency in administration, and constructive work was carried out in the completion of languishing irrigation projects. The Krishna basin irrigation projects were started and 47 out of 85 projects were dedicated to the state. Of them, projects like Hirehalla, Maski Nala, Halli Mysore Lift Irrigation were completed. His visionary approach in handling inter-state water disputes was lauded even by opposition parties. In his short tenure of four months as Agriculture Minister, Patil played a vital role in the formulation of the state’s organic farming policy to achieve food

With former Chief Justice of India M. N. Venkatachaliah, Ho. Ve. Srinivasaiah, Chairman, Gandhi Foundation, and Sanjeev Kumar, IAS, then Principal Secretary, RDPR (extreme right)

self-reliance, rural development and nature conservation. He was also instrumental in the framing of district-level agriculture policies. During the tenure of the Congress-led coalition government headed by N. Dharam Singh, the attitudinal change at the government level towards the issues of human rights was achieved. Patil’s stint as Minister of Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights saw several milestones. The establishment of Karnataka State Law University, a separate university for legal education, State Human Rights Commission, Human Rights Courts, Karnataka Institute for Law and Parliamentary Reforms, (popularly known as KILPAR), 101 new courts, framing of rules for human rights district courts are achievements to his credit. The government took decisive strides towards implementation of basic human rights, such as food security, drinking water and other issues concerning the day-to-day human needs. After assuming the office as Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Patil designed an action plan with a 15-point programme (In 2016, it was extended to 21-point programme). Among oth-

ers, the main focus was on making Karnataka State Open Defecation-free (ODF) by 2018. He devised a programme called “Shouchalayakkagi Samara” which means ‘Crusade for toilet construction’. During 2013-14, it was determined to make rural Karnataka Open Defecation Free by October 2, 2018, a year ahead of the Government of India’s ODF target. He was responsible for piloting the comprehensive amendment Bill to the Karnataka Panchayat Raj (KPR) Act. He also started a movement for Shuddhaneeru (pure drinking water) plants and more than 13,000 units were commissioned in rural areas..

Winner all the way Under his leadership, the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj of Karnataka bagged awards consecutively for four years in the areas of e-governance, devolution of powers and rural development in the nation. The hallmark of his entire political career is the commitments made by him as the Leader of Opposition becoming part of the government agenda when he became a minister.

ACHIEVEMENT

WINNER 2015

2016 36

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

Under the leadership of H. K. Patil, Karnataka’s Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department bagged awards consecutively for four years in areas of e-governance, Devolution of Powers and Rural Development in the nation.

2017

2018

WISDOM VOICE

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

Given the world that we are living in, there cannot be anybody who can be profoundly revolted by the society in which he or she lives. We may complain, we may argue, we may plead or protest, but we have to keep faith in governance, democracy and continue with our tasks. A difference can be made by some, and they can be men or women who do find happiness in small things, but within them they hold an urge to achieve difficult tasks that demand their best. They are the people who experience the afterglow of satisfaction...and that is when change will begin.

Patil was given the name of his grandfather, Hanamanthagouda and was called ‘Babu’ at home.

CHAPTER TWO

While the entire country was celebrating Independence Day on August 15, 1953, H.K Patil was born to mother Padmavathi and father K H Patil at Annigeri village, which was then the part of undivided Dharwad district.

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

THE NURTURING

For 67 years, hope has woken up every day as a dream for H.K. Patil, but from his childhood to the time he found a small foothold in the grandeur that is politics, it was his family and friends who nurtured all his aspirations that made him what he is today. And what they have unknowingly passed on as lasting bequests are two — roots and wings. A young Patil (extreme left) with grandmother Ningamma, his aunt, Kamalamma, uncle S.R. Patil (known as Vemana Priya Soma). Also seen are his father and brothers.

YOUNG,

EMERGING, READY

Brought up in Gadag, the district is the cradle of cooperative movement. His grandfather and father were great followers of Shree Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda. They were also devotees of Brahmachaitanya Maharaj of Gondavali.

He studied PUC in Science at Karnataka Science College, Dharwad and B.Sc from PC Jabins Collegé, Hubli and JSS College, Dharwad. Patil emerged as a leader by imbibing the qualities of his mother Padmavathi who was committed to her duties. She was never daunted by during diﬃculties and was always happy to make sacriﬁces for the welfare of her family. Patil inculcated these qualities from his mother.

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER |ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

While he was a medium fast bowler in cricket, he was also active in games such as volleyball kabaddi and table tennis.

He studied LLB (Special) at JSS Sakri Law College, Hubli.

Patil studied at Government Primary School- Hulkoti, Delhi Readymade School, Ramakrishna Ashrama High School, Vidya Dana High School in Gadag, and Lamington High School in Hubli.

During his college days, he was highly inﬂuenced by Bhagat Singh. Patil has also been inﬂuenced by Swami Vivekananda’s messages and believes in Gandhiji’s philosophy.

Patil entered wedlock with Hema, the daughter of Hanumanthagouda of Yadahalli village in Mudhol taluk, on February 8, 1982. On the same, at the same venue, his brother P.K. Patil also got married.

He developed leadership qualities since childhood. While his father was a minister in 1972, Patil was a secretary at JSS College where he fought against hike in fee. Patil even staged a road blockade to protest against government.

During his childhood, Patil was called ‘Babu’ at home. His fans call him ‘Namma Goudaru’ while among friends he is known as ‘Sanna Goudaru’. He is known as ‘HK’ for leaders across party lines and as Hanumanthagouda among his close circles.

HULKOTI GROUNDS

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

VILLAGE OF COOPERATIVE COURAGE

The name Hulkoti originated from the brave act of the two women who pounded a tiger with a smasher. This village had been known for brave acts of its people, and with emergence of Rangannagouda and Krishnagouda Hanamanthagouda Patil (K.H. Patil), it got elevated to state and national front with Pranab Mukherjee describing the valour and courage of K. H. Patil in his book ‘The Turbulent Years: 1980 - 1996’. Both were leaders with a knack to take up different views for the good of the society. When many others shrugged their shoulders, responsibility gravitated towards them, and the father-son duo shouldered them with much tact. R.K. Patil passed on the acumen to his son, and K.H. Patil went on to become a renowned politician and the doyen of cooperative movement.

Patil with former Speaker and then Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa inspecting the Mukthi Vana in Hulkoti along with his brothers, D. R. Patil (extreme right) and P. K. Patil (extreme left)

HULKOTI GROUNDS

Rangannagouda Patil, grandfather and grandmother of H.K. Patil

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

angannagouda Patil was a patriot. Born in 1889 in Hulkoti in a well-to-do family, Rangannagouda K. Patil received his primary education at Hulkoti and secondary education at Government School, Dharwar. He preferred an independent life to a lucrative Government service. He refused to undergo PSI (police sub-inspector) training at Nasik, but instead joined the freedom movement. In 1942 he joined the Quit India Movement and even went to jail during the national struggle in 1942. He held various positions of honour in the Congress party. A true Gandhian as he was, propagated and practised principles of truth and dedication and worked for spread of Khadi and village industries. He was Chairman of Hulkoti Coop. M.P. Society and Hulkoti Coop. Education Society; Director of Gadag Coop. Cotton Sale Society, where he served as Managing Director in its time of crisis. He was Director, Taluka Development Board, Gadag and was actively associated with Radii Social and Educational League, Dharwar, and organised Raddi Conferences. Being a man of principles and conviction, Ranganagouda was naturally uncompromising and worked hard in cooperative and political fields for well over three decades against a storm of opposition without being lead away. When he passed away in May 1960, his friends wept for a strong colleague and his opponents praised their honest rival. (As published in ‘Golden Jubilee Souvenir1914-1964’ of Raddi Coop. Credit Bank Ltd., Dharwar on 28 July 1965) Krishnagouda Patil was born on March 16, 1925 at Hulkoti in Gadag taluk (Now Gadag has become a district). Krishnagouda Patil nourished his special traits of leadership from his early age. He

inherited courage, laudable tact, dexterity, firm determination, enviable organising capacity and willpower from his parents. His father was a man of discipline. He was a powerful and dominating figure in his area. His mother Ningamma was a religious, benevolent, generous and hard working woman. Krishnagouda Patil inherited both the qualities of his mother and father such as discipline, religious spirit, generosity, and benevolence and also some amount of impetuous temperament. K. H. Patil was born in an agricultural family that made him evince a lot of interest in the development of agriculture. His had a genuine concern towards the plight of farmers with whom he empathised from the core of his heart. In spite of their hard work, farmers were not able to sustain their basic needs of food, clothing, health and education. Since the farmers of Hulkoti region were predominantly dependent on the mercy of rain, their condition always remained pathetic. Considering the situation, K.H. Patil established the Underground Water Utility Cooperative Society Ltd, Hulkoti to develop irrigation facilities in 1974. He promoted technology for a new way of farming among farmers. As managing director of the Vemana traders, Hubli in 1966, he had showcased and introduced different types tractors to farmers of the region. In order to reduce the dependence of people on agriculture, he established various agro-based industries. He assisted farmers economically through K.C.C.Bank Ltd, Dharwad, and Grama Sheva Sahakari Sangh Ltd, Hulkoti. He also initiated Oil Seeds Growers Cooperative Society Ltd, Hulkoti, in 1985. To make the farmers aware of soil conservation, he conducted land-bunding week. The Land Reform Act was discussed logically by different people at the KPCC (Karnataka Pradesh

HULKOTI GROUNDS

H. K. Patil’s parents with brother P.K.Patil and sister Sunanda Patil

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

Congress Committee) meeting which was held at Hulkoti in 1955. To give technological knowledge to farmers, he initiated Agricultural Science Foundation and Krishi Vignan Kendra, Hulkoti. Through this improved technology, he brought different varieties of improved seeds to enable farmers get better yield. He also got a soil-testing laboratory established at Gadag. To prevent diseases to crops, he set up the Crop Development Cooperative Society Ltd, Hulkoti to manufacture pesticides and insecticides. Natural farming was introduced through the public trust ‘Krushna Krushi’ for farmers. Krusivigyan Kendra provided information on intensive agriculture methods. To develop agri-related, professions like animal husbandry, he started the Milk Produce Cooperative Society Ltd, Hulkoti and Veterinary Hospital at Hulkoti. Earlier the crops of the Hulkoti region, such as cotton, groundnut, sunflower and other cereals were largely exported to foreign countries. But K.H. Patil took the initiative in setting up industries in the region to utilise the raw materials to the maximum extent. K.H. Patil’s leadership helped accelerate agriculture developmental works. His initiatives significantly improved the financial status of many agriculture development oriented cooperative organisations.

K. H. Patil inherited both the qualities of his mother and father such as discipline, religious spirit, generosity, and benevolence and also some amount of impetuous temperament.

WISDOM VOICE

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

Walking through the higher offices of power that can be, and meeting some of the most influential personalities, I have realised that it is not just dreams that you need to stretch, it is understanding which needs an extension. That is when realistic change takes place. The time has come when dreams have to be made with bricks of reality.

With the then President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil at Rashtrapati Bhavan

H.K.Patil’s growing years were perfectly stitched with inspiration which reflect in his personality traits — intelligence, oratory skills, and political ideology — rural development, cooperative spirit and intellectual influences. Patil’s growth has been influenced by his father’s strong ideas of revolutionising the lives of struggling villagers, and later by few other mentors. He always had the urge to say what was right, and his success lies in the fact that he made every wish of his to be complemented by his deeds.

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

With Narasimha Rao, the then Prime Minister of India

VISION PURSUIT

GROWING & SOARING

.K.Patil is known to his close aides by different names — Sanna Goudaru among friends in Gadag, Hanumanthagouda among his close circles, HK among leaders across party lines, and Namma Goudaru among his fans. All these names reflect his popularity as a person who is honest, transparent, committed, an effective orator, an able administrator, a friendly person, and an activist who has been fighting against exploitation, discrimination and injustice. Patil is a unique leader who stands apart from the crowd in the political landscape of Karnataka. He is an intellectual and an activist who stands in the forefront when it comes to issues pertaining to the land, water and the language of the state.

Education Patil did his initial schooling — from class I to class III in Hulkoti. He did his IV and Vth standard education in Gadag’s VDSTC school and Delhi Readymade school. He studied VI to VIIIth at Lamington High School, Hubli, and IX and Xth at Shree RAG-aided High school (now named as K. H. Patil Vidya Mandir, Hulkoti). He completed pre-university course (PUC) from Karnataka Science College, Dharwad. Patil did his B. Sc. first year from P. C. Jabin College, Hubli, and contested for election for the post of Karnataka Sangha Joint Secretary which he won. He later went to Dharwad and while completing his graduation at JSS College, he was elected General Secretary. After B.Sc., he joined JSS Sakri Law College, Hubli, for LLB (Special). Patil was very active in his school and college days. He was affable and a good student. He excelled in seminars, discussions and sports. While

K.H Patil felicitating a farmer who gave his land for establishment of 100 industries (a dream project of H. K. Patil)

he was a medium fast bowler in cricket, he was also an active player in games such as volleyball, table tennis and kabaddi. Patil was also active in cultural activities and was a popular general secretary at JSS College.

Mother’s Influence H K Patil emerged as a leader largely influenced by the qualities of his mother Padmavathamma, who was committed to her duties and simple living. She had never been daunted when there were difficulties. Padmavathamma was always happy to sacrifice for the welfare of her family. H K Patil inculcated these qualities from his mother. Patil had grown under the strong influence of his parents, and his political aspirations were inspired by his father.

With Deputy Speaker Sumathi Madiman

VISION PURSUIT

With Surendranath, IAS, Registrar of Karnataka University

With Charan Singh, then Deputy Prime Minister of India and B. R. Yavgal, ex-MLA

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

With Jogannavar, District Congress President, Dharwad

H.K Patil’s leadership qualities were evident from the beginning. He became the class monitor during school days and was leading group of the scout jamboree during high school days.

EARLY

STRIDES

hile at JSS College, when he realised that teachers were not getting their salary regularly due to certain financial issues of the management, he started a student agitation to streamline salaries of lecturers. When his father was a minister in 1972, Patil was a secretary at JSS College where he fought against hike in fee. Even though his father was a minister, Patil did not hesitate to stage a road blockade to protest the injustice against the government. A strike was called in connection with the Maharashtra-Karnataka border issue and students became part of the agitation. One of Patil’s friends was beaten up by police. Patil organised students, went to the Superintendent of Police office in Dharwad and the authorities acknowledged the lapses on part of the police and promised that such an untoward incident would not happen. The SP regretted the police action. In 1977-78, he became the youngest member to be elected to the Karnataka University Senate. While these days, Senate members are nominated, in those days they were elected. Patil won by a huge margin. He got elected twice. His friends used to meet at their hostel, Reddy General Hostel, Vidyanagar in Hubli. He would share some unique ideas on various issues. His organising capacity was amazing and he used it as a gift to work for the society. In 1984, he contested for MLC election as an independent candidate, when he was just 31 years old.

WISDOM VOICE

Seeking blessings of Sri Manmaharaj Niranjan Gurusiddha Rajayogindra Mahaswamiji of Moorusavira Math, Hubli after his first victory

Revenue Minister K.H. Patil with well-wishers and friends of H.K. Patil after his oath ceremony With Ratan Tata and Ramakrishna Hegde during the inauguration of Karnataka Skill Development Centre, Dharwad

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

The affectionate Sitaram Kesari, the then AICC president with Patil and his daughter, Lakshmi Patil Proceeding to an oath ceremony with friends in Vidhana Soudha

With Vyes Regis, Chairman of CICOPA (International Organisation of Cooperatives in Industry and Services) and Mallikarjuna Kharge, the then Minister for Cooperation, Medium and Large Industries

NUPTIAL BLISS

TOGETHER

Patil entered wedlock with Hema, the daughter of Hanumanthagouda of Yadahalli village in Mudhol taluk on February 8, 1982. After 38 years of togetherness, experiencing victories and defeats together, they have always been an ideal couple. Quite aware of her husband’s popularity, Hema maintains a low profile, but always supports his social activities, takes care of their children, and looks after home. The couple have three children — Two daughters, Rajeshwari & Lakshmi, and a son, Krishna. Lakshmi Patil has done her BE (Computer Science) and MS in Technology Management. She is currently working as Manager with JP Morgan in New York. Rajeshwari Patil hold a B.Sc and M.Sc in Interior Design and works in London. Krishna Patil holds a BE in Information Science and is a young entrepreneur.

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

PENNED THOUGHTS

IN THE

INTELLECTUAL LEAGUE

After completing University education, Patil became the accidental editor of ‘Vishala Karnataka’ daily and ‘Nanda Deepa’ weekly. His writings were stitched with activism besides creating awareness about the rights and wrongs among the people. Deepavali supplements of ‘Vishala Karnataka’ were adorned with deep thoughts and it did not take much time for Patil to become a successful editor. But the financials of the family did not allow continuation of the publication in the year 2000.

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

HE HAS ALSO AUTHORED SEVERAL BOOKS, PROMINENT BEING: CARVING A CARING SYSTEM (English) CAUVERY: Lopa-Mudre (Kannada) CHALUVA KANNADA NADUNANASAGADA KANASU (Kannada) KELI KRISHNEYA KOOGU (Kannada) HELIDDENU-MADIDDENU? (Kannada) GADUGINA PAWANA (Kannada) OOLUVAVANA OORUGOLU KITTHU ULLAVANIGE (Kannada). He has also written columns in various Kannada and English dailies on different topics.

Patil with Ananth Kumar (centre) and Chandrashekar Patil (fourth from right) during Mysore Sahitya Sammelana

With Sri Sri Sri Ravi Shankar guruji

With Oscar Fernandes, who is not only Patil’s ‘well-wisher but a great strength and inspiration’

During Talentnomics event

Graduation Ceremony of University of Illinois

PENNED THOUGHTS Patil during the launch of his book, ‘Carving a Caring System’. The book was released by then Chief Justice, M.N. Venkatachaliah, then Governor T. N. Chaturvedi and Mallikarjun Kharge

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

CARVING A CARING SYSTEM

A book that reflects Patil’s core philosophy of public life, Carving a Caring System, is a collection of speeches and writings, providing a glimpse into the works of the sensitive and troubled mind of a statesman

ach of the writings in this collection discloses a sensitive mind and heart. Having had the benefit of closely observing the working of the Government, H. K. Patil identifies what ails the present system in the deliverance of good governance. While recognising clearly what a common man needs, the author points out unambiguously that it is not charity or sacrifice that is required from policymakers, implementers and interpreters but a bit of commitment to the obligations that they have under our Constitution. The reader is also goaded subtly through this book to do a bit of introspection, which will help in making democracy more vibrant and meaningful. The ideas, thoughts and expressions of the author enunciated in this book encompass subjects ranging from equal access to justice to victim compensation; from equal access to education to employment generation; from human rights to disaster management among others. In his foreword for the book, M. N. Venkatachaliah, former Chief Justice of India writes, “This se-

lection of H. K. Patil’s writings is important for the reason that it underscores that in times of turbulence and turmoil that we see today, we can no longer handle issues of injustice by merely being clever”. And as H. K. Patil observes in the book, “The content of political freedom can be impaired by the absence of social justice. Unless there is adequate protection for social and economic rights, classical individual liberties like the right to equality, liberty of person and freedom of speech lose much of their significance and even face a serious threat to their own survival.” Venkatachaliah concurs that in a market-economy where each one is left to fend for himself, imaginative state interventions for the protection of the under-priviledged are important. Otherwise what happens in the name of development is mere ‘ruthless, rootless, voiceless, jobless and future-less’ growth. This is the core theme of H. K. Patil’s argument in the collection.

GAINING INSIGHTS

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Paying floral tribute to Swami Vivekananda at Ramakrishna Vivekananda Ashrama. Also seen is Swami Sri Veereshananda Saraswati

SEASON OF

LEARNING, LEADING H Patil addressing students at Karnataka University

Foundation ceremony of setting up 100 industries in Gadag Cooperative Industrial Estate, Gadag, which was a first-of-its-kind, mammoth initiative taken up by H.K. Patil. His father K.H.Patil inaugurated the ceremony.

. K. Patil did not just learn what was taught within the domain of the syllabus, but used other opportunities to gain insight, and he did so with ardour and diligence. Without utilising his powerful family background, he progressed on his own abilities and the strong desire to work for underprivileged people in the society. After persuasion by many well wishers and intellectual friends, he decided to contest for the senate membership of Karnataka University from Graduates’ constituency. He was elected thrice and brought in many positive changes in the university in his capacity as the Syndicate Member like the concept of Annual Academic calendar of events and rural weightage was made mandatory.. Patil also gave a new lease of life to Hulkoti Cooperative Education Society, which had been established in the pre-Independence days. He played a key role in starting classes from LKG to post graduation was available to students of Hulkoti.. He ensured availability of quality education in all educational institutions functioning under of the society.

WISDOM VOICE

Right from the beginning of my political journey, I have maintained a certain level of self-confidence. And I think it is a healthy quality when it is grounded in competence. In every scenario when I had to take decisions, I have relied on the positivity of my self-confidence. And so far, it has helped me make decisions for the happiness of people, without letting them lose any trust in me. Another aspect of self-confidence that I have learnt over time in my political journey has been that it lets you have the courage to be open to change and accept the new ideas.

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

BAPTISM BY FIRE

Celebrating his first victory

GAINING INSIGHTS

In 1984, a non-Congress government was in power in the state. K. H. Patil was the president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). Junior Patil was persuaded by friends to contest for the upper house of the legislature from the West Graduates’ constituency consisting Karwar and Shimoga districts.

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

Turning Point: With P.V. Narasimha Rao, then Prime Minister of India and Sacchidananda Swamiji

atil was ‘forced’ by his friends to contest elections from Graduates’ constituency. But Patil’s father did not want his son to contest elections. Thanks to the then KPCC secretary, K.H. Shreenivas, Patil’s brother, D.R. Patil, local leaders and well wishers who persuaded K.H. Patil to agree for the election in spite of his reservations. Later, Congress supported Patil who was an independent candidate. In a fierce battle of votes, Patil won from the stronghold of BJP and created history. His son’s victory was a jubilant moment for K H Patil and supporters. H. K. Patil contested and won again in 1990, 1996 and 2002 from the same constituency. H. K. Patil delivered his first speech in the legislative council during a condolence meeting after the assassination of the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. The speech proved that Patil was not just a leader but a great orator too. Senior leaders like Kagodu Thimmappa and Havanur encour-

aged him to speak on issues like drought and even the Chernobyl disaster. It did not take much time for young Patil to develop qualities such as oratory skills and parliamentary behaviour. Patil went on to build a strong army of youth. He founded the Graduate Service Cooperative Society Later, Patil established a Vemana Study Chair at Karnataka University. He was also responsible for improvement and growth of Vemana Vidyavardaka Sangha and Hulkoti Cooperative Education Society to impart quality education to all. K.H. Patil died in February 1992, and during the time, S. Bangarappa was the chief minister. But he lost out as chief minister, falling out of favour with the party high command. Veerappa Moily became the next chief minister. Young H. K. Patil was inducted into the cabinet on January 20, 1993, and was given the portfolio of Textiles Minister.

WISDOM VOICE

Jnanpith awardee Chandrashekhar Kambar during Dharwad Sahitya Sammelana With Jnanpith awardee Chandrashekhar Kambar and Manu Baligar, Chairman, Kannada Sahitya Parishat (extreme left) during Dharwad Sahitya Sammelana

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

Attending Mysore Sahitya Sammelana with Ananth Kumar, H. C. Mahadevappa and Geeta Mahadev Prasad

Our water, our land, and our language are our pride, and they give us a feeling of belonging. To preserve them, and to ensure that we get our due share with respect, it is our prime responsibility to demand, and fight for it using the right methods.

Patil speaking at the Mysore Sahitya Sammelana

With S. M. Krishna and U.R. Ananthamurthy while taking part in the six-day Cauvery padayatra to restore peace and instill confidence among farmers

Between 1984 and 1992, I was in the council and my father was at the frontline as a minister and KPCC president. During this time, I got enough experience and worked hard to be a successful parliamentarian.

CHAPTER THREE

Right from my college and hostel days, I was leading the entire team of students and fortunate that my friends gave me the leadership choice.

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

VOICE OF CAUSE

H.K. Patil’s words beget deeds, and he has always pursued a principle of talking if it means the talk is translated to reality, either as motivation, as a change agent, as assurance, or as instigation to corrective measures. And his words flow naturally, without a feigned feeling, without being hinged on other so as to fit somebody’s mould. In this section, H. K. Patil speaks about his life, ambitions, regional imbalances, urban-rural disparity and farmer issues.

Prof. D. M. Nanjundappa, Chairman of the High Powered Committee for Redressal of Regional Imbalance (HPCRRI) submitting scientific report on regional imbalances in Karnataka

INTERVIEW

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

With the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

nanda, and the lives of Gandhiji and Bhagat Singh as well as the cooperative movement, village development, Karnataka integration, freedom movement...those were the important people and significant events that inspired me.

On public life & journalism

On Political Inspiration I belong to a family which has a long history of public service, right from my great grandfather, who participated in the freedom movement and the state’s integration. During the freedom movement, our village had many people with a firm belief that development was a must for meaningful freedom. It could have been their own idea or they could have been impressed by Gandhiji’s idea of village development.. So, along with the teachings of Swami Viveka-

Public life was not what it is today. There existed a great element of risk during my grandfather’s time. It is different these days. It really makes me feel proud of my elders. By the time I was 21 years, my father was in the frontline of Karnataka politics. He was the general secretary of the Congress party led by Indira Gandhi. Devaraj Urs was the convener of Congress (I). In 1971-72, my father became a minister, and I was in IInd year of graduate studies, doing B.Sc. Before becoming a minister, my father was editor of a Kannada daily newspaper named Vishal Karnataka, Hubballi (North Karnataka edition). When he became minister, he disassociated himself from the position. I was in the final year of my degree course and was asked to get associated with the newspaper. I became the editor but it was just a designation for me. In 1972, on completion of my graduation, I tried to nurture my journalistic skills. I realised that it was an interesting field. I was fascinated to interview people like Charan Singh, Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, General Cariappa, Shamba Joshi, Da. Ra. Bendre — they were big personalities of that time. During my meeting, I used to have discussion on various topics of state and national interest with such influential people, and the interviews were published after much thought and deliberation.. Research topics like the life of Lambanis, misery of the unemployed, etc. were also subjects on which I was interested in and had written.

INTERVIEW

Independent Beginning I had the company of my friends of graduation days who were from rural areas, and were facing tough economic situation. Following a lot of discussion on our situation, we started the Graduates’ Cooperative Society. Initially, we undertook a lot of work on Public Distribution System (PDS), and later started focusing on the engineering industry. We even developed a tapping machine, but were not able to catch up with the time. Capital was scarce. When we approached the government with the product, we were not successful, but we got a lot of exposure on industrial and engineering industry. We then started manufacturing alum but at that time, the product was supplied to the government and selling it to them was very difficult even during 1978. In the departments concerned, the transactions were not transparent. We were not successful but we ran the industry for sometime under the society. But more than 100 graduates worked on it. Those days of struggle in Hubballi were good times because I used to be with my close friends. I did not use my father’s influence, as neither I wanted to nor I was permitted to do so.

Leadership Traits Right from my college and hostel days, I was leading the entire team of students. I was indeed fortunate that my friends gave me the leadership choice. When I was in Jabin college, I was the class secretary, and General Secretary in JSS College in Dharwad. In 1977-78, I contested the election to the Senate

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

of Karnatak University. Following the win, everybody wanted me to be a member of the Syndicate. It was a great forum and one could give a lot of suggestions and views to improve the field of education. I was one of the most successful senator and syndicate member of Karnataka at the time.

Early Influence I had the great opportunity to work with top class vice chancellors like Dr. R C Hiremath - a literary personality, Dr. S.S. Wodeyar - an administrator, Dr S.G. Desai - a doctor, Dr. Nanjundappa - an economist) -- they were perhaps among the stalwarts of the century in the field of education. I had the opportunity to interact, work and convey my line of thinking and thought processes to people like Dr. Saudatti, Prof Shadakshari Settar, Chandrashekhar Patil, Dr. Giraddi Govindraj, Prof. M.S. Sunkapur, Vishvendra Swami, Dr. M.N. Kalaburagi, Prof. Imrapur, Siddalinga Pattana Shetty, Chenuvir Kanavi, Dr. T.R. Gowdar, Prof. C.V. Ajappa, Dr. Jyoti, V.G. Kulkarni, Prof. Gali, Raya Dharwadkar, B.C. Patil, Hanchinamane, Deshpande (library science) and Prof. Koppar. We were able to work together and they made a lot of impression on my mind to work towards improvisation of education. All these interactions and the constant urge to do something positive for the society at a broader platform forced me to contest for the Graduate’s constituency election to the council in 1984. That was a constituency held by Jan Sangh Party from 1979, as BJP had not come into existence at that time. I got elected four times consecutively till 2008.

‘A DROUGHT

THAT CHANGED ME ... & THE COUNCIL’

Patil visiting a droughtaffected area where NREGS works were under progress. Eshwar Khandre, then Minister for Muncipal Administration is also seen

Cabinet sub-committee on drought listening to grievances of farmers. Also seen are Cabinet Ministers, Tanveer Sait and Priyanka Kharge

ometime in 1985-86, Northern part of the state was hit by a severe drought. I was in Hulkoti and being an MLC, people around me often questioned the political overlooking of the plight of farmers. They were speaking about loss of income, fodder, drinking water, labourers, etc. With the questions in mind, one morning, I was in a hurry to go to a Karnataka Development Programme meeting at Dharwad. I was to travel from Hulkoti which an hour’s journey by road. Suddenly my mother impulsively reminded me of the distress that the village was facing saying, “There is no fodder in the village. In eight days, the stock will be over. People have started selling cattle. What are you people doing?" Her anguish was evident. Later, as my brother was dropping me in a jeep to Dharwad, we saw two cattle lying dead. My brother sarcastically noted, “This is the fate of our farmers. Tell this in your meeting.” So there was anguish, sarcasm, and a desire that I should take up the issue to be addressed in the meeting. I went to the meeting with the same feeling. I made a statement in the meeting which was presided over by SR Bommai, then chief minister. For the First time I mentioned about distress sale of cattle. Nothing remarkable came out of the meeting though. The next day I started collecting information, talking to more people, and then called a press conference. But press conference was like an interrogation with the journalists asking me to substantiate my claims on distress sale of cattle. So, I had to literally take the reporters the next day to prove that distress selling of cattle was happening. We identified a cattle Shandy in Naregal and took 6-7 journalists. After some probing, they were convinced that distress sale was happening and they were emotionally charged. Then a frustrated old farmer came to me and said, “I sold my cattle for Rs 20, I drank for Rs 5, have Rs 15 left for food and fodder." He was in tears. I asked him as to why he sold his cattle. He said, "What should I do. There is no fodder, should I make them starve?" It was a painful experience. And every one there became emotional. After that, none of the journalists questioned me on the genuineness of the drought situation that I conveyed. They were with me. They became my voice. We started working in a cohesive manner. Perhaps that was the first time there was a voice for the farmer during the drought situation in the council. Looking at my efforts, L G Havanur made a mention in the CLP meeting that they should allow me to initiate the debate on drought. I was just in the second year of council-ship and these debate initiations are done by senior leaders or ex-ministers, the likes of T N Narasimhamurthy, Kagodu Thimappa, Bhimanna Khandre, KH Srinivas…they were stalwarts. But they all proposed that the debate be initiated by me. And we discussed, and made the government to understand the plight. They woke up but we followed up constantly so that they do not just give rosy assurances. Thus, we changed the mood of the council with our discussions. Never earlier were rural issues or farmer issues so seriously discussed in the council because till then the council was supposed to focus on teachers' issues, government employees' issues, organised sangatana issues, education or language issues, but never was a serious thought given about the farmer. That was a great satisfaction that I have had as a first term council member.

MLC (1984-1992) I was in the Upper House (Council) and my father was at the frontline as a minister and KPCC president. I got experience as an MLC and worked hard to be a successful legislator. There was hardly a day when I was not active in the Council.

INTERVIEW

Textile Minister (1993-94) In my first stint as minister, I introduced a clear-cut textile policy for the first time and laid out implementation programme with a Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) chart. At that time, policy making existed, but implementation was never taken seriously. We made a full-fledged textile policy for Karnataka, detailed down the implementation using the PERT chart, which breaks down the individual tasks of a project for analysis. On the basis of that, we went on the road of implementing it.

Leader of opposition (1994-99) I worked with S.M. Krishna as well as Dharam Singh, and that was a great time of my political life because I played a very significant role for many major happenings -- be it deciding on the KPCC president or assigning tickets for North Karnataka. I was at the frontline deciding many political affairs and was in a strategic role.

Water Resources Minister (1999-2003) A major task ahead of me was the utilisation of Krishna waters, which was supposed to be used 25 years back. A quantity of 734 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water was allotted to Karnataka in 1975. We were supposed to use 734 TMC, of

RURAL

H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

which 5 TMC, of which 5 TMC was given to Madras for drinking water purpose. The 729 TMC share to Karnataka was supposed to be used and all that was utilised till 2000 was ours and whatever remained was to be treated as surplus, although there were lot of disagreements from other states. Almost half of the quantity was not utilised and even the projects were not conceived forget realising. During my tenure, I not only changed the nomenclature of the department, but also expedited implementation of every project. Work on Almatti dam was completed, gate fixation was done, and water was stored during my tenure. All dam works which were pending were started and good progress was seen. So, the distribution of almost half of our allocation, finalisation of projects, communicating them to Central Water Commission (CWC), and taking projects further gave enough satisfaction along with taking up Kalasa Banduri and Mahadayi diversion project. We conceived the idea of Kalasa-Banduri project, and got approval from the central government, of course, disputes followed.

Agriculture Minister (2003-04) I was agriculture minister for only four months, but within the short term, we conceived an idea and were the first in the country to formulate the organic farming policy. We sat in an organic farming garden (Purushottam Garden, Teerthahalli and KVK, Hulkoti) with the entire members, VCs, IAS officials, politicians, 40-50 experts on organic farming, and discussed the plan for about 30-40 hours. The result was that we made one of the best possible organic farming policies in the country. I was also instrumental in district-wise agricultural policy and planning.

Law & Parliamentary Affairs Minister (2004-06) We changed the whole picture of law and parliamentary affairs department. In my tenure of 11 months, we were responsible for creating law university, human rights commission, 100 lower courts, Karnataka Institute for Law and Parliamentary Reform (KILPAR), court infrastructure like lawyer’s chamber, witness lounge, advocates’ academy, codifi-

cation, transparency in department by going digital, reducing pendency of cases, etc. About 35,000-40,000 files were cleared during my tenure. We also got approval for Circuit benches in Dharwad and Kalaburagi and laid the foundation stone.

Leader of Opposition (2006-2008) In 2006, I became the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council and was able to bring many problems to the notice of the council, including those of drought and education apart from political issues.

Shudh Neergagi Janaandholana (2008-2013) I dreamt of providing pure drinking water to every rural household and it was almost achieved in my tenure as the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister. The source of water in Gadag and surrounding areas was contaminated with chloride, fluoride, nitrate, arsenic, manganese, chromium and germs. To set a model, through K H Patil Foundation and Rural Medical Service Society, we installed pure drinking water units. But I believed in decentralisation and cooperation, involved people in this movement instead of realising this dream through the foundation. Without the official responsibilities, I dedicated myself to serve people of Dharwad, Haveri, Gadag and Belagavi by installing pure drinking water plants through K.H.Patil Prathishthan and Rural Medical Service Society. I pursued the movement of With Meera Kumari, the then Lok Sabha Speaker at K.H. Patil Naturopathy, Hulkoti

INTERVIEW

Shudh Neergagi Janaandholana (mass movement for pure drinking water). I even met the then National Advisory Council Chairman, Sonia Gandhi and convinced her about the project. As per her direction, the government of India included pure drinking water scheme in its union budget 2013-14. I was also the chairman of National Federation of Urban Cooperative Banks (NAFCUB) and Karnataka State Federation for Urban Cooperative Banks (KSFUB) during this period. It gave me immense satisfaction in working for the reforms in banking sector in coordination with RBI. I focussed on building and improvising institutions like Hulkoti Cooperative Education Society, etc.

RDPR Minister (2013-18) A continuous tenure of almost five years in a department of immense importance and opportunities to serve a huge majority of my fellow citizen of the state was a very satisfying period of my career and public life. The main focus was on providing infrastructure to rural Karnataka which we did through a 21-point programme. Never in the history was a concept of providing pure drinking water in rural areas thought about. Shudha Kudiya Neeru was launched with the slogan, ‘our people should have access to the same quality of water which our Prime Minister, minis-

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

ters, and corporates have access to’. I also focussed on decentralisation, empowerment, litigation-free, Open defecation free, garbage free villages and reverse migration to villages.

Disappointments Notwithstanding my immense satisfaction of being able to do what was dear to me in many departments, there were disappointments here and there, which of course is a part of public life In the Rural Development Department, we had introduced 15 programmes and then extended them to 21 programmes. The programmes included, drinking water, open defecation-free (ODF), cattle sheds, water tanks, water harvesting, etc. Seeing them materialise gave a lot of satisfaction. But disappointment followed. The Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act was enacted against much opposition from bureaucracy including Chief Secretary. But we were successful in taking political colleagues with us and saw that the bureaucratic hurdles were cleared and the act enacted. Another disappointment was implementation of simple aspects of working. For example, transparency by way of keeping the minister’s noting on the website. Now the whole concept has been discontinued...neither the web-page exists nor the file movement is available to public.

During the all party meeting on Mahadayi issue

ORGANISATION EDIFICE

With Rahul Gandhi and K.C. Venugopal, AICC General Secretary - Karnataka incharge

With K.C. Venugopal, AICC General Secretary - Karnataka incharge

With K.C. Venugopal, AICC General Secretary - Karnataka incharge, Manickam Tagore and Vishnu Nath, AICC Secretaries- Karnataka

EMPLOYMENT H K Patil gave importance to generation of employment for youths. Directly or indirectly, about 1 lakh youths were employed due to his efforts to irrigate acres of land besides framing of a Textile policy and establishment of the Karnataka Powerloom Development Corporation Limited. He also played a major role in generation of employment for youths in the cooperation sector. H K Patil took a historical decision to save the future of 16,000 people who were affected after the Supreme Court nulliﬁed the appointment of people who secured jobs through a weightage of marks to the rural candidates in public employment.

ENDEAVOURS

Reinstatement of 447 guest lecturers of government and 800 private aided colleges after the candidates lost jobs post a Supreme Court judgment. When the government cancelled the middle school teachers’ selection list in 2002 citing more than 2,000 candidates from Karnatak University had been selected, a decision was taken in the Cabinet to do justice to more than 800 graduates of the university, thanks to the efforts of H K Patil. Regularisation of jobs of 415 engineers who were working on a contract basis at Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigama. Employment to 2,416 graduates of various cooperative banks in North Karnataka. Resolved the delay in ﬁlling up of backlog posts and helped provide jobs to 5,000 graduates.

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

FRUITS OF TOIL FOR THE NATIVE SOIL Karnataka has enough reasons to feel immense gratitude to H. K. Patil. After all, he has worked hard to see that wherever a lacuna exists, it is filled to satisfaction. And his duty has been sufficiently rewarded by outstanding performance. KALASABANDURI Kalasa-Banduri project is significant in addressing drinking water problems of North Karnataka. The project aims at diverting Mahadayi water to Renuka Sagara. When Patil was water resources minister, he framed the project and gave a good start. The project was approved by the Union government on March 30, 2002.

REGIONAL IMBALANCE DR D M NANJUNDAPPA HIGH-POWER COMMITTEE FOR REDRESSAL OF REGIONAL IMBALANCES Whenever the issue of regional imbalances was being raised, many politicians would refute the claim. In 1996, the then chief minister J H Patel challenged that there was no regional imbalance in the state and he also sought evidence to prove it. Apart from his powerful speeches in the council, he penned the book ‘Cheluva Kannada Naadu-Nanasagada Kanasu.’ The book contained data that proved there were, in fact, regional imbalances in the state. Later, people of various parts of the state urged for a scientiﬁc study on regional imbalances. Patil played a major role in including the promise of the redressal of regional imbalances in the Congress manifesto during 1999 Assembly elections. When S M Krishna was the chief minister, H K Patil became water resources minister in the Cabinet and played a key role in the formation of the D M Nanjundappa High-Power Committee for Redressal of Regional Imbalances. Thanks to the efforts of Patil, the Cabinet accepted the report and took measures to implement the same. CORPORATIONS SHIFTED TO NORTH KARNATAKA TOWARDS ADDRESSING REGIONAL IMBALANCE The decision to shift Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation Limited from Bengaluru to Hubballi was taken in 1994. Karnataka Neeravari Nigama Limited was shifted to Dharwad from Bengaluru in 2001.

PROJECTS THAT H K PATIL COMPLETED HIREHALLA IRRIGATION PROJECT: The construction of a dam for Hirehalla-Veerapura rivulets near Kinnala village to irrigate 20,000 acres of land. INDI BRANCH CANAL: The construction of a main canal of a length of 172 km under the Upper Krishna Project to irrigate 3.24 lakh acres of land. RAMPURA LIFT IRRIGATION PROJECT: The project irrigates 50,000 acres of land in Lingasugur taluk of Raichur district. NARAYANAPURA RIGHT BANK CANAL: The 103 km long project was completed in a record time and is irrigating 2 lakh acres of land. MASKI CANAL: A dam was constructed at Maraladinni village in Lingasugur taluk of Raichur district LOWER MULLAMARI PROJECT: The implementation of lower and upper projects of Mullamari river to irrigate 20,000 acres of land. CHULAKI CANAL IRRIGATION PROJECT: It is a medium irrigation project implemented in Basavakalyan taluk of Bidar district. HARINALA IRRIGATION PROJECT: The medium irrigation project taken up in Belagavi district that irrigates 86,000 acres of land. HIPPARAGI IRRIGATION PROJECT: The construction of a dam to Krishna river near Hipparagi village of Jamakhandi taluk. Two irrigation projects were realised due to this. CHIKKODI CANAL PROJECT: The Chikkodi irrigation project in Belagavi district irrigated 19,078 hectares of land. GHATAPRABHA RIGHT BANK CANAL PROJECT: The project helped irrigate 2.40 lakh acres of land. UPPER TUNGA CANAL PROJECT: The 177-km long canal traverses through Shivamogga, Honnali, Hirekerur, Ranebennur, Haveri and Hanagal. DOODHGANGA IRRIGATION PROJECT: The project across the river Doodhganga is a joint venture between Maharashtra and Karnataka, irrigating 37,000 acres.

DEBTRELIEF TO FARMERS When he was agriculture minister, Patil succeeded in reducing the burden of interest on farmers.

Minister of Textiles & Food Processing

POWER PORTFOLIO

1994-99:

Leader of Opposition

1999-2003: Minister of Water Resources

2003-04:

Minister of Agriculture

2004-06:

Minister of Law & Parliamentary Affairs

2006-08:

Leader of Opposition

2013-18:

Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj

CHAPTER FOUR

1993-94:

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

WALKING THE POWER CORRIDOR

From 1993 till 2018, H. K. Patil held five portfolios — Textiles & Food Processing, Water Resources, Agriculture, Law & Parliamentary affairs, and Rural Development & Panchayati Raj. He also held the position of the Leader of Opposition, twice. In power, Patil ensured to ask the right questions, because he was convinced that by raising questions, half of solution to the problem becomes visible.. His style of working in every ministry changed the landscape of not just the sector or the department, but even the attitudes of people. And for the same reason, he left a mark wherever he walked. The Corridors of Power being just only one.

WISDOM VOICE

Trio Bond: In Karnataka politics, the friendship of Dharam Singh, Mallikarjun Kharge and H. K. Patil was known as Set Dose

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

In my life, I have made many friends who are with me from the beginning. In the political sphere too, I have made many delightful and honourable friends. In the arena of leadership where thoughts have a conflicting personality — each having their own — maintaining friendships has been tough, but I am at a stage of contentment as they are still with me.

Congratulating Siddaramaiah on becoming the Chief Minister

1993-1994

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER COOPERATOR

1993-1994

MINISTER FOR TEXTILES & FOOD PROCESSING “The textile mills in the state are facing crisis. Of the 43 mills, hardly six are earning good returns, with even the NTC units faring badly. The reasons are shortage of adequate power, bad quality of cotton and the labour factor. It is in this context that the new textile policy to be made effective, will encompass all aspects to give the required fillip to the sick textile scenario.”

- H. K. Patil during the Textile Policy announcement on April 20, 1993

TEXTILES

The Department of Handlooms and Textiles was set up during 1991-92 in the state, which has been known for silk and traditional weaving as well as for being a pioneer in modern textiles. It was thus a great opportunity for Patil to lend a helping hand to weavers. He formulated a textile policy and also shifted the Karnataka Handloom Corporation to Hubli. He also infused life into the Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society and established the Karnataka State Powerloom Development Corporation Limited. Patil also set up the Karnataka Handloom Technology Institute in Gadag.

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

With then Union Textile Minister G. Venkatswamy

STITCHING Inauguration of yarn bank

THE FIRST POLICY

THE TEXTILE POLICY HAD THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES Assistance and incentives to be extended to all textile units in Karnataka.

Industry will be made self sustaining and efforts will be made to improve the skill of weavers by appropriate training.

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Financial assistance to weavers will be given over the next 5 years.

Assistance to be given for modernisation of looms.

Establishment of suitable marketing of cloth produced by handlooms and power looms.

n the first Textile Policy of Government of Karnataka - 1993, it was admitted: “Though the state produces 9 lakh bales of cotton, it has only 44 mills and in comparison to 27 million spindles in the country, the state has only 1 million spindles. In neighbouring Tamil Nadu, though the production of cotton is less than our production, it has 438 mills and 4.4 million spindles. While Tamil Nadu is promoting textile units based on cotton got from far off places such as Punjab, Karnataka, unfortunately, is not utilising even the cotton grown in the state”. Thus, the most needed Textile Policy was formulated aiming to “bring in structural changes in the industry and to enable each sub-segment to grow”.

Housing facilities will be extended to weavers.

A powerloom development corporation to be set up.

Establishment of 25 functional industrial estate of 1,000 powerlooms each shall be taken up.

Necessary financial assistance to textile sector through institutional mechanism.

Government to set up processing centres for textile sector for improving the quality of exportable cloth.

Necessary steps to be taken to increase production and exports of readymade garments.

OPPOSITION LEADER

All party meeting of floor leaders called by the then Chief Minister H. D. Deve Gowda

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER COOPERATOR

1994-1999

LEADER OF OPPOSITION

H.K. Patil was chosen as Leader of the Congress legislature party in the Legislative Council on December 25, 1994. Following the poll debacle in the general elections, the Congress was pushed to Opposition benches and the then Janata Dal returned to power. H. D. Deve Gowda became the Chief Minister. For the first time in the history of the Congress Legislature Party, elections were held to the post of CLP leaders of both the houses of the Legislature. Mallikarjun Kharge was elected leader of the CLP in the Lower House and H. K. Patil was elected as leader of the CLP in the Upper House. In the Lower House, BJP was the Principal Opposition party while in the Upper House, Congress was the Principal Opposition party. H.K. Patil performed the role of Leader of Opposition with dignity and distinction.

OPPOSITION LEADER

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER COOPERATOR

LEADER OF OPPOSITION H.K. Patil was chosen as Leader of the Congress legislature party in the Legislative Council on December 25, 1994. Following the poll debacle in the general elections, the Congress was pushed to Opposition benches and the then Janata Dal returned to power. H. D. Deve Gowda became the Chief Minister. For the first time in the history of the Congress Legislature Party, elections were held to the post of CLP leaders of both the houses of the Legislature. Mallikarjun Kharge was elected leader of the CLP in the Lower House and H. K. Patil was elected as leader of the CLP in the Upper House. In the Lower House, BJP was the Principal Opposition party while in the Upper House, Congress was the Principal Opposition party. H.K. Patil performed the role of Leader of Opposition with dignity and distinction.

OPPOSITION LEADER

STRAIGHT

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

DEBATE

Patil surveying flood affected areas in Mumbai-Karnataka on a goods train

Being the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, H. K. Patil raised number of issues of public importance. CONCERNS RAISED Release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu Rehabilitation and resettlement of Upper Krishna Project

Sira police firing on farmers; heavy damages caused due to drought and excessive rains

Finalisation of Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project Farmers’ suicide following crop failure and debt situation

MoU signed between NICE company and the government of Karnataka

Upward revision of power tariff and KSRTC fares

Issues connected to Common Entrance Test for admission to professional colleges

The volume of these debates runs into 15,000 pages and is available in the records of the Legislative Council debates published from time to time by the Karnataka Legislative Council.

OPPOSITION LEADER

The issue raised by him on the floor of the Legislative Council regarding imbalance prevalent in the state attained its finality in the following years. His allegations regarding existence of regional imbalance in the state were pooh-poohed by the then Chief Minister J. H. Patel. The stance of the Chief Minister was proved incorrect after the publication of the book titled ‘Chaluva Kannada Nadu Nanasagada Kanasu’ authored by H. K. Patil following an advise made in writing to him by former Chief Minister S. Nijalingappa, to prove his charges of regional imbalance with statistical and documentary evidence. Another publication during this period was ‘Keli Krishneya Koogu’, authored by him.

QUESTIONING

TIMES RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

HIS book, Chaluva Kannada Nadu Nanasagada Kanasu, which was a torch-bearing effort in the history of the state following unification, spoke of areas following the reorganisation. He had outlined the areas of partiality among southern and northern parts of the state.

Extract from the Book A comprehensive and scientific study has to be conducted about all types of leanings between the southern and northern parts of the state. For this, a high-powered committee has to be constituted to study the leanings among south and north or division-wise in all spheres of administration. Projects to be designed for balanced development. The measures suggested by the committee are to be implemented in a time bound manner and a high-power committee has to be constituted to oversee the implementation process. This was the earnest desire of the book Chaluva Kannada Nadu Nanasagada Kanasu, which became the root cause of the constitution of Prof. D. M. Nanjundappa Committee who headed the ‘High-powered committee for redressal of regional imbalances’.

With S. Nijalingappa, former Chief Minister

With Prof. Nanjundappa

UNDERLINING IMBALANCE

H. K. Patil was vocal in the house on burning issues which stared at the state, especially the Cauvery dispute. He was also forthright when pointing out lapses of the government when making statements sans verification.

major issue that broke out during this time was the acceptance of the Cauvery Accord, which meant the implementation of interim award of the Cauvery disputes tribunal, which was unscientific and non-implementable by nature. H. K. Patil opposed the interim award and urged the state government to withdraw the consent given to the accord. Unfortunately, the then state government headed by J. H. Patel did not heed to pressure from him. The accord came into force and the Cauvery River Authority was constituted along with a Monitoring Committee, with chief secretaries of the party states as members to oversee the implementation of the Cauvery interim award. During his tenure as Leader of Opposition, not less than 10 ministers in the state cabinet were made to retract their statements and apologise for their lapses. An example was of the mining scam. His initiative related

to the oral instruction from the office of the minister in charge of mining to release seized granite blocks in illegal granite mining scam made the government realise the lapse. S. D. Jayaram, the then minister in charge of mining retracted his statement and tendered an apology on the floor of the house. At the end of his tenure, when S. M. Krishna was appointed president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, Patil was chosen as member of the manifesto committee for the ensuing general elections to the state assembly. His effort in including the regional imbalance issue in the party manifesto met with success and the party vowed that it will appoint a high power committee to conduct a scientific study, if voted to power. He also made it a point to see that the manifesto carried a commitment to complete all irrigation projects under Krishna basin to utilise the state’s share of water allocated by the Justice R. S. Bachawat Tribunal.

1999-2003

Performing Ganga Puja at Almatti Dam

100

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER COOPERATOR

1999-2003

MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES From renaming the irrigation department to bringing out the first water policy to reaching the clouds for rains, H. K. Patil’s tenure as the Water Resources minister did not just yield results on paper, but was like an ‘axe’ for the ‘frozen rivers’ within the state that not many knew existed.

WATER RESOURCES

Discussing Almatti Dam’s plan

102

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

IN THE WATER WORLD Y

ear 1999 was a watershed moment for Karnataka. Congress came to power and H.K. Patil became the Minister of Major and Medium Irrigation on October 17. Soon, to give the intentions a much broader reach from the beginning, the department was renamed the Water Resources Department. Being conscious of his responsibility that extended to the remotest parts of the state, Patil realised the enormity of the task in hand — irrigating 15 lakh hectares of land. Putting purpose and meaning to the colossal mission, using every day of the four years of his tenure with sagacious planning, the years between 1999 and 2003 saw 7.55 lakh hectares being irrigated. It was also the time when for the first time a Water Policy was formulated and when several landmark initiatives took shape:

Constituted B.C. Angadi committee for preparation of master plan for allocation of available water under Bachawat award and also surplus water.

Karnataka Neeravari Nigama took shape and expanded irrigation projects in the state.

Cauvery Neeravari Nigama was established to complete irrigation projects in Cauvery basin.

Nammoora Bandara Yojane, a scheme that aimed at constructing bandara (a minor irrigation system) on every small and big river and rivulets

During the severe drought in 1999 to 2002, Project Varuna (cloud seeding) was undertaken in 2003, which brought solace to the farmers.

WATER RESOURCES

GIVING KARNATAKA

THE JOY OF WATER DECEMBER 12

Abolition of piece-work contracts in Water Resources Department

DECEMBER 21 A Committee appointed to study the impacts of Bagur-Navile tunnel

1999

FEBRUARY 22

Participatory irrigation management implemented. Transfer of water management to farmers undertaken.

MARCH 24

APRIL 4

Eco-committee constituted to create green strip across irrigation canals.

Vigilance Cell established in the Water Resources Department.

2000

APRIL 20 Supreme Court delivers judgment on erection of crest gates of Almatti dam.

MAY 25: Decision taken to dispose of unused vehicles and machinery in the Water Resources department.

MAY 30: Contract of languishing Hipparagi barrage rescinded.

JUNE 7

Irrigation act amended to facilitate participatory irrigation management. GOVERNMENT ORDER ISSUED TO ENSURE FLOW IN VARUNA CANAL.

AUGUST 22: Administrative approval accorded to Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project. OCTOBER 18: Command

area authority of Kalaburagi division becomes operational.

OCTOBER 24: Statue enforced to

achieve transparency in administration

NOVEMBER 3: Jalasampanmoola Magazine started in the department.

NOVEMBER 27: Hallimysore Lift Irrigation dedicated to state.

104

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

Inauguration of Cauvery Neeravari Nigama on June 4, 2003. It was established to complete irrigation projects in Cauvery basin.

NOVEMBER 30 Work started on Korthi-Kohlar Bridge to reconnect the Bijapur-Hubballi highway which had lost connectivity following submergence in the backwaters of Almatti Dam.

JANUARY 15: Government

orders issued to give effect to recommendations of master plan committee under the chairmanship of B. C. Angadi.

JULY 15: Water released to Narayanapur Right Bank Canal under Upper Krishna project.

AUGUST 18:

Agreement entered with state of Maharashtra regarding DoodhGanga project.

SEPTEMBER 15:

All party delegation taken to New Delhi on inter-state river water dispute.

JANUARY 16: Barrage

work started near Joladhedigi, across Bhima river.

ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL ACCORDED TO VARAHI PICKUP DAM

FEBRUARY 22 : Administra-

tive oﬃce of Karnataka Neeravari Nigam shifted to Dharwad.

MARCH 23: Paramashivayya

Committee submits report on Nethravathi diversion.

Major irrigation project advisory committee approves Hirisave, Kaduhinbailu, Ganjalgoodu, Ganganalu, Hebbalele, Goluru and Hebburu, Honnavalli, Channabasaveshwar, and Kenchanhalli lift irrigation projects.

OCTOBER 10: Technical clearance to Doodhganga irrigation project.

APRIL 25: Nomenclature of the Irrigation Department changed to Department of Water Resources.

2001

OCTOBER 1:

OCTOBER 11: Ranebennur tunnel work begins under Upper Tunga project.

2002

NOVEMBER 16: Special package implemented to New Bagalkot city which was partially submerged due to backwaters of Almatti dam. DECEMBER 14: Barrage work started near Kallur-B, across Bhima river.

JANUARY 21:

First state water policy unveiled

FEBRUARY 28: Dasanal

tunnel under Ghatprabha Right Bank Canal work completed.

APRIL 30: The Central Water Commission allowed diversion of 7.56 tmcft of water from Mahadayi. MAY 7: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change cleared hurdles for Markandeya Irrigation Project. MAY 31: Yabratti canal was

constructed thanks to the involvement of farmers.

JUNE 30: Rs 1.01 crore was

attached from contractor Tam Tam Pedda Gurava Reddy.

JULY 25: Discussions were held with Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha members over the interstate water dispute.

JULY 25: Submitted a memorandum to the Union government with regard to additional allocation of Krishna water (Scheme-B)

AUGUST 4: Formed the Ghataprabha Water Users’ Cooperative Societies’ Federation.

AUGUST 16: Inaugurated an oﬃce for rehabilitation of evacuees of Hipparagi project.

SEPTEMBER 17: Water stored up

to 519.6 metres in Almatti dam for the ﬁrst time.

OCTOBER 12:

Launched the construction of a barrage across Krishna river near Googal village.

WATER RESOURCES

With Chairman of Narmada Valley Development Authority by the banks of Narmada river

NOVEMBER 17: Offered

Ganga Puja at Almatti dam.

106

OCTOBER 14: Launched the construction of barrage across Bhima river near Yadgir.

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

OCTOBER 19:

Conducted an exhibition on Cauvery water dispute in New Delhi.

NOVEMBER 25: Released water

to Indi canal - 84 km to 133 km.

DECEMBER 15: Administrative approval was given to Hullahalli canal renovation works.

DECEMBER 17: Discussion with Andhra Pradesh water resources minister over issues with regard to Jurala and Rajolibanda projects.

JANUARY 22:

FEBRUARY 7: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change gives clearance to the Upper Tunga Project.

Approval was given for modernisation of canal network of Malaprabha project.

MAY 5: Conferred the Balekundri Award on engineers of the department for their excellence in works.

JUNE 3: Declaration of assets and liabilities by the staff of the department.

JUNE 4:

Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Limited begins functioning.

JUNE 5: Direct recruitment of 320 engineers in the Water Resources Department. JUNE 6: Sale and acquisition of land in command areas. JUNE 17: Launched the works of Banoji Panth Lift Irrigation Project. JUNE 24: An all-party delegation was taken to the President and submitted a memorandum to apprise the ﬁrst citizen about the Paragodu Drinking Water Project.

2003

JUNE 25: Foundation stone was laid to the Nugu Irrigation Project.

Patil and his wife performing Ganga Puja at Vani Vilas Dam along with K.H. Ranganath

JUNE 28: A committee was formed to submit a report about irrigation projects in Kolar districts. JULY 3: Passed an order to implement irrigation projects in Uttara Kannada district. AUGUST 1: Administrative approval was given for cloud seeding. AUGUST 8: Approval was given to construct a series of barrage across Manjra river and its implementation was entrusted with Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigama Limited. AUGUST 21: The Bennehalli Lift Irrigation Project was approved.

AUGUST 28: Passing of an order to irrigate areas prone to drought.

AUGUST 29: The construction work of a barrage across Bheema river was launched near Ghatarga. SEPTEMBER 20: The establishment

DECEMBER 11:

Announcement of 2.5 lakh acres of land as notified irrigation land in phase 1 for the first time in the state. A gazette notification was passed in this regard.

of the Talacauvery Bhagamandala Development Authority.

OCTOBER 6: Work to

modernise Bhadra Project was launched.

OCTOBER 6: An

order was passed to implement the recommendations of the S R Committee.

SEPTEMBER 30: Registration of 2,126 water users’ cooperative societies was done.

SEPTEMBER 22: An order was passed to implement an e-tendering system.

SEPTEMBER 25: A radar centre was es-

tablished in Gadag to identify ‘seedable’ clouds.

WATER RESOURCES

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RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

N O D N A T S LID Inauguration of operation gate of Almatti Dam

This tenure was well described as a golden era of the water resources department. Some of the decisions taken during that time are:

Impetus was given to complete pending projects.

Experts submitted reports after studying future impact and benefits of irrigation projects.

2 3

LIQ

S D N U O R IU D G

Farmers and the public were involved in water conservation.

Projects were also taken up to protect and conserve the environment amid taking up irrigation projects.

Assets and liabilities of the department’s staff were published and reviews of completed projects were taken up.

Redefining utilisation of water resources and use of technology besides taking up cloud seeding.

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Irrigation facilities extended to drought prone regions.

Patil, who had already proven his expertise in irrigation, through his book Keli Krishneya Koogu, had begun work on a war footing. He had declared ‘the strength of the state is rich water resources’ and framed a water policy for the state. Of the 105 lakh hectares of agriculture land, he had committed to converting about 61 lakh hectares into irrigation land.

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Patil took up the sacred trumpet and announced the call for transparency and transformation. It was a call to all related to water resources in the state. He abolished piece-work contracts and introduced e-tendering besides forming a vigilance wing. He involved farmers in water management, and brought in amendments to the Karnataka Irrigation and Certain Other Law (Amendment) Act, 2000.

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

Agreement between the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka on water sharing for Doodh Ganga project

ransformation was not just a call, but a revered practice, and Patil ensured that every initiative was under his department was treated as sacrosanct.

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Patil played a major role in the formation of 2,500 Water Users’ Cooperative Societies besides forming three cooperative federations of water users. To irrigate Bayaluseeme region, Patil formed a committee led by G S Paramashivaiah and conducted a survey based on its recommendations. Formed Benne Halla committee, Dedicated the Hirehalli Irrigation Project and Halli Mysuru Lift Irrigation Project to the state. He sanctioned the garden project at Almatti dam on the lines of Brindavan garden and made it a tourist attraction, and also developed the Koodala Sangama, another tourist spot.

Expedited Markandeya, Maski Naala, Udutore Halla, Lower Mullamari, Karanja, Harinala, Bennetora, Indi Naala, Yagachi, Chulaki Naala, Piriyapatna and Somwarpet lift irrigation projects.

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Increased the height of Almatti dam to 519.6 metres as per the direction of the Supreme Court. Patil expedited the works of Almatti left and right bank canals, Mulwad Lift Irrigation Project, Rampura Lift Irrigation Project and Narayanapura right bank canal. Formed a committee to utilise Scheme-B Krishna water that was made available to Karnataka as per the ﬁnal award of Bachawat Commission.

Prepared a master plan to utilise Krishna water and submitted the master plan demanding 178 tmcft of water before the Krishna Water Tribunal led by Justice Brijesh Kumar.

Projects such as Hipparagi Irrigation Project, Chikodi Branch Canal, Ghataprabha Right Bank Canal, Gandoori Naala, Upper Tunga Project, Tumakuru Branch Canal, Nagamangala Branch Canal, D Devaraj Urs Canal, Hullahalli Anicut, Amarja Project and Doodhganga Project were launched.

Constructed barrages in Manjra river, a tributary of the river Godavari, at Jeeragihala, Manikeshwari, Halahalli and Chandapura, A plan to construct 100 barrages was made, thanks to Nammoora Bandara Yojane. Patil entrusted the work of diverting 7.57 tmcft of Kalasa Banduri canal water to Malaprabha to the Karnataka Neeravari Nigama.

Bheema, one of the important rivers of the state, gave Karnataka a share of 15 tmcft. In order to utilise the available water, 11 barrages were constructed in record time.

2003-2004

Water Users’ Society entering into an understanding with the state of Karnataka

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MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE “Farmers are at the centre of development of any country and we have to ensure that they are satisfied. During my tenure as agriculture minister, I focussed on a policy on organic farming, and Karnataka became the first state in India to introduce a policy on such form of farming. This was adopted in the midst of an agrarian crisis in the state that was leading to farmer suicides.”

- H.K. Patil, when he was Agriculture Minister

CHEER TO THE AGRICULTURE

FARMER

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ATIL was Minister for Agriculture from December 12, 2003 to May 28, 2004. Even though a short tenure, he contributed significantly to the sector. Farmers were affected by soil losing fertility due to the excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Due to the less yield of crops, farmers used to suffer a huge loss and commit suicide. To prevent this and to stop produce from getting poisonous due to the use of chemicals, Patil took measures to prepare an Organic Agriculture Policy. He also wanted agriculture universities to get more close to farmers and pass on the benefits of research to them. He took several measures in this regard. Patil gave a call for making agriculture profitable, and advised farmers to give importance to agriculture-related activities too besides asking them to involve in activities which give them a parallel income. He called upon farmers to take up rain-based agriculture activities and stood as a backbone for those who were involved in organic farming.

District Agriculture Policy and Action Plan When Patil was interacting with farmers at Shigli village in Shirahatti taluk of Gadag district on December 19, 2003, a suggestion was given for a District Agriculture Policy and Action Plan. The government issued an order in this regard on December 24, 2003. On December 25, 2003, a meet-

ing of zilla panchayat chief executive officers of North Karnataka districts such as Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari, Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Gadag, Belagavi, Dharwad, Haveri and Uttara Kannada was held at the University of Agriculture Sciences in Dharwad. The meeting was attended by over 60 people including joint directors of agriculture, watershed department officials and scientists. Addressing the meeting, Patil stressed the need for the District Agriculture Policy and Action Plan. After a thorough discussion, it was decided to come out with a policy and action plan in the next 10-15 days. A workshop in this regard was also organised at the University of Agriculture Sciences in Bengaluru on December 30 and 31 in 2003. The problems of each district were discussed. The meeting, attended by over 200 experts, decided to prepare the District Agriculture Policy and Action Plan for next five years (2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09) by including all agriculture-related subjects. In coordination with other departments concerned, he formed committees for each district to prepare the policy and action plan. The committees identified problems and came out with solutions. The District Agriculture Policy and Action Plan of each district was submitted to the agriculture minister on January 17, 2004. The government acknowledged the cooperation and coordination of Prof. S. A. Patil, vice chancellor, Agriculture University, Dharwad in this entire endeavour.

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MINISTER OF LAW & PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS “In a society where the rule of law reigns supreme, if judgments delivered are not honoured within a reasonable time, no institution worth its name can justify its existence. The need of the hour is carving a caring system of governance, which will govern with an aim to secure, preserve, protect, and defend human rights of all sections of people, where the common man is perceived as sovereign and the government machinery and its officials as his ‘servants’. Unless this happens, it will be our lot to lead our lives at the mercy of the government as subjects, with indignity, instead of as citizens, with dignity.”

- H. K. Patil in his book, Carving a Caring System

CODE CORRECTION

LAW

With N. Dharam Singh, the then Chief Minister and V. R. Sudarshan, Chairman of Karnataka Legislative Council during the releasing the codal volumes of Karnataka Acts and Legislations

During his tenure, Patil looked deep into minute aspects of affairs prevalent in the state and then took initiatives to provide relief

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WITNESS LOUNGES Considering that witnesses should be treated with dignity and honour, and given the lack of minimum facilities for them in the court premises, Patil played a crucial role in providing basic facilities by establishing Witness Lounges in courts to uphold their dignity.

ADVOCATES ACADEMY AND CHAMBERS On the lines of judicial academies, he championed the cause of Advocates Academy and Chambers in all districts of Karnataka. It became a policy of the government and one Advocates Academy to hone the lawyering skills of young advocates was established in Bengaluru and advocates chambers in many districts.

CODIFICATION OF LAWS He initiated codification of Karnataka’s laws into 18 volumes in both Kannada and English. He even brought them out in a CD format and provided to all Bar Associations, libraries, and law colleges.

SETTLEMENT OF GOVERNMENT LITIGATIONS Patil constituted a committee to look into cases wherein the government could withdraw a case by giving necessary relief to people who approached the court against it. The committee was also constituted to check and streamline appeals for higher courts; merit of the case to be appealed or not.

WELFARE FIRST

With Justice A.S Anand and Justice V.S. Malimath during a National workshop on Human Rights Awareness and Training held on October 8, 2005

Patil was the force behind several measures initiated to enact Social Welfare Legislations for the benefit of rural Karnataka

Employment Guarantee Bill 2005

Karnataka Food Security Programme Ordinance 2005

The bill was prepared for the first time in the state after which it became a national policy. It aimed to provide guaranteed employment in rural areas of Karnataka, at least to one adult per household who volunteers for casual manual labour on minimum wages and to provide for incidental matters.

It was an Ordinance to provide food security to people to enhance capabilities of the poor to acquire enough food for each one of them. Karnataka was the first to come out with such an act, brought in the form of an Ordinance. It lapsed after the change in government, but it was enacted as National Security Act 2008.

Karnataka Compulsory Primary Education Bill 2005 It was a bill to provide compulsory and free primary education as an extension of the basic human rights to all children in Karnataka for wholesome development of personality and to replace the existing discretion-based scheme for compulsory education. This also became a national policy.

Karnataka Children’s Rights Bill 2005 It was a bill to secure children’s health, nutrition, education, employment, and protection against abuse and to create a child-friendly environment. Subsequently, this bill was enacted by the Union government.

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It is feared that the continued regional imbalances coupled with emotional disturbance are bound to affect the oneness of the state. Hence, there is a need for bringing a balance in access to Higher Judicial Services by establishing a Bench of the High Court of Karnataka at Hubli-Dharwad in North Karnataka, and by providing Circuit Bench facility in other major cities like Gulbarga - in 'Carving a Caring System'

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

Foundation stone laying of Dharwad Circuit Bench on August 14, 2005

Dharwad Circuit Bench

Foundation stone laying of Gulbarga Circuit Bench on September 18, 2005

With Justice A.S. Anand, Justice Shivraj Patil, Justice V.S. Malimath and Justice N.K.Patil during the foundation stone laying of for Centre of Studies in Viijnaneshwara Mitakshara in Gulbarga University

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AND HUMAN RIGHTS COURTS Even after ten years of enactment of Human Rights Act, rules were not framed and the Human Rights Commission was not established in the state. After Patil took over as Law Minister, he not only established State Human Right Commission but also established Human Rights Courts in the State by designating all District Courts as Human Rights Courts.

KARNATAKA STATE LAW UNIVERSITY Patil played a vital role in the establishment of Karnataka State Law University (KSLU) in Navanagar, Hubballi. It was established in January 2009 and offers various undergraduate and postgraduate law courses in different subjects of specialisation. Nearly 97 law colleges of Karnataka are affiliated to it.

HIGH COURT BENCHES IN NORTH KARNATAKA To realise the long standing need of the people of North Karnataka, Patil played a pivotal role in establishment of Circuit Benches in Dharwad and Kalaburagi.

KILPAR: Karnataka Institute for Law and

Parliamentary Reform (KILPAR) was an initiative of Patil. It was established in 2005 with the objective of bringing about reforms in law and parliamentary practices by undertaking periodical review of state laws and to suggest corrections upon reference by the government.

TALUK COURTS: After many new taluks were created, Patil realised the need for

more taluk or muncif courts, especially considering the pendency of cases in courts. To expedite delivery of justice, these courts were established which reduced pendency of cases.

LOKADALTS: Patil took keen initiation in establishment of six permanent Lokadalats is different parts of Karnataka to facilitate speedy and amicable disposal of cases in the state.

SPEEDY IMPLEMENTATION OF JUDGMENTS For the first time in the history of Karnataka, considering huge pendency of unimplemented judgements, a high level committee was constituted under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to the Government for speedy implementation of the judgments, decrees, awards of the courts made against the government to enable the beneficiaries under such court orders to get quick relief and also to avoid initiation of contempt proceeds against the government for non implementation of court orders.

FIRST LEGISLATURE SESSION

An unprecedented decision of constitution of a committee to explore the possibilities of conducting legislature session at Belagavi was made with the keen interest of Patil and the first legislature session, outside the state headquarters, was held at Belagavi. Now it has become routine to hold legislature sessions every year at Suvarna Soudha, Belagavi to discuss and deliberate the issues of the people of North Karnataka.

ACT FOR MINIMUM DAYS OF LEGISLATURE SESSIONS

Patil was instrumental in enactment of The Karnataka State Transaction of Business in Legislature Houses Act, 2005, to make it mandatory to hold legislature sessions for a minimum of 60 days in a year with an objective of making the legislature to discuss the issues and law making process effectively.

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PUBLISHED IN DECCAN HERALD ON APRIL 4, 2004

2004 ELECTIONS

PROBABILITY FACTOR By 2004, people in Karnataka were convinced of not just H.K Patil leadership but also of his personality as a people-friendly visionary. His past stint as textiles minister, water resources minister and agriculture minister had left a positive impact on the masses, and in the 2004 general elections, he was among the favourites for the chief minister’s post. As many as 23 per cent of the people in the Bombay-Karnataka region and 12% people from the state felt that he would make for the best CM.

OPPOSITION LEADER

As Oppostion leader, Patil and Prof. Chandrashekar, the then Chairman of KLC welcoming the newly appointed Chief Minister, Yediyurappa

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SEAT SHUFFLE

Post the 2004 elections, the Congress-JD(S) alliance successfully delivered governance for the first 20 months. H. K. Patil was the minister for law. In later developments, JD(S) formed an alliance with the BJP. H. D. Kumaraswamy took oath as the CM on February 3, 2006. Dharam Singh became the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly. H. K. Patil became the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council.

OPPOSITION LEADER

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PRODDING

ISSUES

Patil had a pro-people agenda. And whenever they were aﬄicted by issues which were against their basic rights, he spoke out; expressing himself in a tone of severity to cadence of mellowness. Be it water issues, farmer welfare, land grabbing efforts, corrupt practices...he would articulately convey them. His pursuits were not just vocal on issues; he ensured to put a stop to any practices that were a hurdle in the progress of the state, urging the entire machinery to find practical solutions.

Inauguration of Bar Council Academy by Rameshwar Thakur, the then Governor of Karnataka

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ATIL also brought to the notice of the government the drought that was prevailing in North Karnataka. He urged the government to ensure that agriculture becomes profitable. He also objected to the government favouring real estate firms. The chief minister, at a clearance committee meeting held on March 24, 2006, sanctioned a huge extent of land to real estate companies, attracting the ire of Patil. He also launched a people's movement against the decision. The government had sanctioned 5,472 acres of land to a company that was registered just 18 days back and it was close to party in power. Patil published a book, Ooluvavana Oorugolu Kittu Ullavanige, and proved with documents about corruption allegedly practiced by the government. The last paragraph of the book reads: "The documents do speak here. Evidence provides information with regard to corruption. It exposes the carelessness of the government towards people. It also warns people about the dangerous administrative system that the government has been trying to implement." On the floor of the house, Patil had exposed the arbitrary governance, the development attitude that lacked logic, dictatorship, rampant corruption, the loot of resources of the state, absence of interest towards good governance and groupism. Patil had also demanded for waiver of farm loans up to Rs 25,000 and waiver of interest on loans above Rs 50,000. Subsequently, the government bowed down to the pressure of Opposition parties and agreed to meet the demands. H K Patil effectively presented views of the Congress with regard to the election to the post of the chairman of Legislative Council. He opposed N Tippanna assuming charge of the chair-

man and launched an agitation for eight days. He demanded election to the post of chairman. The then Governor T N Chaturvedi also upheld the stand of the Congress. Later, the election was held to the post of the chairman and this was a victory of Patil. The Kumaraswamy government had planned to establish a special economic zone on the lines of Nandigram in West Bengal at Nandagudi village in Hoskote taluk of Bengaluru Rural district. Patil launched a crusade against the move as the land identified was fertile and was about 45 km away from Bengaluru city. It was planned to acquire 4,745 acres of land in 36 villages and the responsibility in this regard was entrusted with the Skill Infrastructure Limited which was privately owned. Patil had doubted about the guidelines followed to hand over such a huge area of land to the company for this purpose and ensured that the land remains with farmers. Patil also raised the issues of mining and as a result, the government had formed a commission led by Justice U L Bhat to conduct a judicial inquiry. Later, the mining issue was referred to the Lokayukta. When law and order was not maintained, Patil had written to the Governor. The letter made a huge impact. The Governor expressed his displeasure over the law and order situation and sent a letter to the government, which led to a thorough discussion on the first day of the legislature session in Belagavi. The 20-month rule of Kumaraswamy government ended in October 2007. When the JD(S) refused to hand over power to the BJP as per the agreement of the alliance, B S Yediyurappa became chief minister and his government could last only for seven days. Later, President’s rule was imposed in the state till the 2008 Assembly elections.

2008-13

With Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, then Labour Minister, and Prithviraj Chavan, then Chief Minister of Maharashtra during a workshop at KVK Hulkoti

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2008-2013

POWERFUL

PURPOSES Patil lost the 2008 Karnataka Legislative Assembly election. Immediately, he took up his passionate mission of water availability in remotest parts of the state. He began his mass movement for pure drinking water facilities to people, especially those who were suffering from water with arsenic, fluoride and other chemicals in Dharwad, Belagavi, Gadag and Haveri districts. Rural Medical Service Society (RMSS) and Sri K.H. Patil Foundation took forward this endeavour to provide pure drinking water at 10 paise per litre. Major reforms were brought in urban cooperative banking sector as a NAFCUB chairman in coordination with RBI.

‘SHUDDHA NEERU’ RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

(Left) Water after purification, (Right) Water sample from ibrahimpur drinking water tank

WATER ENDEAVOUR

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Starting the public movement for pure drinking water by touching impure pond water

With Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Brihanmath of Sirigere and Ramon Magsaysay Award winner Rajendra Singh

The then Governor of Rajasthan, Margaret Alva inaugurating pure drinking water unit

HE vision of Patil’s movement was to give meaning to “Right to Water” by ensuring that even the poorest sections of the society have access to pure drinking water. The idea was to facilitate setting up of 7 to 9 stage water purification and dispensing units that can be commissioned in large numbers in a short time. He also wanted to carve a participatory management system by involving local panchayats, cooperatives & communities in setting up and managing water purification and dispensing units. The initiative, Shudh Neergagi Janaandholana (mass movement for pure drinking water), was a localised scheme and the model consisted of a transparent unit, popularly called ‘Shuddha Neeru Unit’, wherein the entire purification system comprising of sand filter, activated carbon filter, micron filters, reverse osmosis, anti bacterial filter, pure water storage tank, ultra violet sterilizer and water vending machine is visible. For purifying surface water i.e. tank / talab / ponds water, two more processes were added — bag filter & ozoniser. Pure drinking water is collected by people through vending machine after inserting a coin. 400 such units were installed. Through K H Patil Foundation and Rural Medical Service Society pure drinking water units were installed in Dharwad, Haveri, Gadag and Belagavi. Patil also met Sonia Gandhi who was then Chairman of National Advisory Council. She was convinced of the initiative and the government of India included pure drinking water scheme in its union budget 2013-14. Patil also visited Rajasthan along with Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Brihanmath of Sirigere and met Ramon Magsaysay Award winner Rajendra Singh, a water conservationist and environmentalist from Alwar.

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With Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Sheila Dikshit, the then Chief Minister of Delhi and Vijaykumar, then Chairman, NAFCUB With Pratibha Devisingh Patil and Dr. S.S. Sisodia, director of NAFCUB

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

With Sharad Pawar, president, NCP and former Union Minister

COOPERATOR BY HEART

lways keeping the learning from the cradle of cooperative movement, Gadag, in his heart, Patil rose from being the Managing Director of Raddi Cooperative Credit Bank Limited to the Chairman of the National Federation of Urban Cooperative Banks. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Amit Shah, Dr. S.S. Sisodia and Athma Ram Patel were the directors. Patil began his cooperative journey after he revived the Raddi Co-Op Credit Bank Ltd. in Dharwad and gave impetus for the development which is now on stronghold. Patil became president of the Karnataka State Cooperative Urban Banks Federation Ltd.,

and also, President of National Federation of Urban Cooperative Banks and Credit Societies Ltd., where he exhibited his banking acumen and undertook commendable initiatives. He was member of Constitution Amendment Committee on cooperatives constituted by government of India, headed by Shivajirao Pail, MP, Rajya Sabha, which paved the way for constitutional (97th) amendment towards forming a cooperative society as a fundamental right. Patil had become the member of various committees of the Reserve Bank of India. He contributed to the growth of cooperative sector in the country and set models for development.

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MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT & PANCHAYATI RAJ The RDPR ministry was close to his heart for two reasons: one, it was earlier handled by his father, and the other, he wanted every village across the state to be like his village - Hulkoti, a model village). H. K. Patil, who always dreamt of dispute free, garbage free and open defecation free villages, where people have access to pure drinking water and their real needs from womb to tomb. He involved people’s representatives, officials and common man in achieving these goals. Since Patil was aware of the plight of farmers, women, youth, dalits and adivasis, he redefined the concept of rural development with 21-points programme, transparency and democratic downcast by major amendment to KPR act. This was well received by masses and acknowledged by Prime ministers awards for consecutively four years.

RDPR

Namma grama namma yojane was conceived to meaningfully administer, develop their villages to have playgrounds, library, graveyard, pure drinking water, toilet in each household, open auditorium, grazing land, shelters for sheep and cattle, skill development centre, road to each farm land, de-silted lakes, etc.

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Paying floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi with the then chief minister Siddaramaiah and Ho. Ve. Srinivasaiah, the president of Karnataka Gandhi Foundation

GRAM SWARAJ: A TRIBUTE TO GANDHIJI

atil put in efforts to realise ‘Gram Swaraj’, which was the vision of Mahatma Gandhi. Patil also made sure that ‘Gram Sabhas’ or Habitation sabhas meetings were held transparently, and they take decisions on works, finalise the list of beneficiaries and also help in bringing farmers, women, youth, dalits, adivasis and all the oppressed to the mainstream. His aim was to make Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department help rural folk build their own future by solving modern problems. Namma grama namma yojane was conceived to meaningfully administer, develop their villages to have playgrounds, library, graveyard, pure drinking water, toilet in each household, open auditorium, grazing land, shelters for sheep and cattle, skill development centre, road to each farm land, de-silted lakes, etc. Suvarna Grama scheme was designed and implemented to provide all-round development of the village which not only focussed on physical infrastructure but also on human development indicators. These generated employment through NREGS, Rajiv Gandhi Yuva chaitanya scheme, and community contracting, paving way to reverse migration. He also ensured that the revenue of Panchayats increased, by direct transfer, mobilisation of own sources, broadening tax net including airports, industrial establishments, wind mills, solar plants optical fibres, etc. He regularised 35,000 employees of Gram Panchyat to strengthen the administrative machinery. The 100 basic services spread across the departments/taluka/district offices were delivered at the common service centres, Bapuji seva kendras at panchayat offices. Earnest efforts were made endow panchayats with legislative (rule making) and judicial powers to translate Rajiv Gandhi’s vision behind the 73rd constitutional amendment culminating in Gram Swarajya. He also emerged victorious in making the department stand out and as a result, the entire nation recognised his contributions.

RDPR

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurating convention of RDPR experts.. Award winner Rajendra Singh is also seen.

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atil comprehended the village governance well, and he followed the path of Rajiv Gandhi — any change should begin at the grassroots level through statute and the rest will fall in place. It was a mammoth amendment to the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act to bring a silent but mighty revolution on ground. It was designed to translate the spirit of the 73rd Constitutional amendment in its entirety with electoral reforms that revolutionised elections to panchayats i.e., Compulsory voting, NOTA, total prohibition during code of conduct, etc. The amendment was a weapon to strengthen panchayats socially, politically and financially, with an intention to empower local administrations and convert them into village governments. Since the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993, was in force over two decades, there was a need to bring in reforms to amend the legislation. Patil took interest and formed a committee led by K. R. Ramesh Kumar, former speaker. The committee consulted people’s representatives, officials and people. Suggestions were collected from stakeholders and a report was submitted to the Government in December 2014. The Cabinet sub-committee led by Patil discussed and deliberated with all the relevant people within and outside the government, and finally,

draft was discussed continuously for three hours in the cabinet meeting before the nod was given Revolutionary amendments to many sections were included against wish and will of many bureaucracy, including chief secretary to government. The bill was named Gram Swaraj Panchayat Raj Bill, 2015. The committee submitted its recommendations. The bill was passed in both houses of the legislature on November 26 and 27 in 2015 and come into force on February 25, 2016. The Act facilitated the security of the tenure of president and vice-president of panchayats to five years. This annihilated the fear of losing power for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, backward classes and women, and ensured a stable administration in the panchayats. The Act also facilitated 50% reservation for women for the posts of president and vice-president of panchayats. The reservation of gram panchayat members was extended to the second tenure i.e. 10 years. This helped people’s representatives from special categories to protect the interest of their classes, besides delivering a sustainable administration. Voting was made compulsory in panchayat elections, and None of the above (NOTA) option given to voters. “Despite objections from some leaders, I was determined to give minister-of-state

Despite objections from some leaders, I was determined to give minister-of-state rank to presidents of zilla panchayats. This rank was given keeping reformation in administration in mind. A district-level committee was formed to plan projects and implement them through bottom to top approach.

Gram panchayats were also entrusted with responsibilities such as protection against untouchability, women and children rights, protection communal harmony, social, cultural and environment development programmes. In order to solve problems of the people, an authority was set up at zilla panchayat level to address grievances. The authority was to be headed by either a retired district judge or a retired special deputy commissioner. The authorities have been functioning at Bengaluru Urban, Chikkamagaluru and Belagavi zilla panchayats. Patil also ensured that in the 6,000-plus gram panchayats, the national flag is hoisted every day.

RDPR

rank to presidents of zilla panchayats. This rank was given keeping reformation in administration in mind. A district-level committee was formed to plan projects and implement them through bottom to top approach,” Patil said. In order to help gram panchayats generate their own income, they were empowered to impose tax on industries, factories, IT parks, hardware parks, power plants, solar plants, airports, entertainment tax, parking fee, cattle registration fee, etc. If a gram panchayat member had movable and immovable assets worth Rs 2 lakh, it was mandatory for the member to declare such assets. In all, the Act ensured more accountability in financial matters.

Sonia Gandhi’s letter to Patil on successfully accomplishing the robust piece of legislation

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Patil delivering a lecture after signing an agreement with Kerala government on ‘Kudumbashri’ scheme in Thiruvanathapuram. Kerala government’s M. K. Muneer, then Minister for Social Welfare & Grama Panchayath and K. C. Joseph, the then Minister for Rural Development were also present.

With then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and then Principal Secretary of the Department of RDPR T.M. Vijayabhaskar at the launch of 15-points rural development programmes and release of 15 handbooks on various schemes, in Mysore on October 27, 2013

CLOUD 21 H K Patil always thought of improving lives of rural people, socially and economically. He always batted for pure drinking water, better roads, jobs at village level, better education, and a cordial relationship between the environment and humans. He decided to implement the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in its true spirit. “MGNREGA is a testimony to what a committed government can do for development. The CM’s 21-Point agenda has covered programmes for rural people from their birth to death,” he said.

Sports ground In order to encourage sports activities, priority was given for construction of grounds. From 2013-14 to 2017-18, 7,574 grounds were built at a cost of Rs 188.04 crore.

Our village, our water In order to ensure that the rain that lashes in a particular village benefits the same village in future, 118954 works were taken up at a cost of Rs 1,141 crore from 2013-14 to 2017-18.

Threshing yard Most farmers depend on roads to thresh crops they have grown. In order to stop this practice, threshing yards were constructed. A total of 7,508 threshing yards were built in 2013-14 at a cost of Rs 105.86 crores.

Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendra Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendras were set up in villages to ensure that all facilities are given to people under one roof. About 437 kendras were established at a cost of Rs 125.62 crore from 2013-14 to 2017-18.

Development of farmland Agriculture land of farmers belonging to scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and farmers with small land holdings were developed. A total of 3,43,150 works were taken up from 2013-14 to 2017-18 at a cost of Rs 8,479 crore.

Sheds for cattle, sheep From 2013-14 to 2017-18, about 2,48,052 sheds for cattle and sheep were built by spending D701.66 crore.

Development of graveyards Rural people would cremate or bury the deceased near rivers, rivulets and government land. Patil had seen such incidents in Gadag and surrounding areas. Patil, who said that the dead deserve a respectful farewell, gave priority for the construction of graveyards and crematoria. Such lands were called ‘Mukti Dhama.’ People of all religions were allowed to perform last rites of the deceased. Basic amenities such as drinking water, toilet, road connectivity and shelter were given on such lands. The programme received an overwhelming response.

‘Namma Hola, Namma Daari’ (Our farmland, our road) Namma Hola, Namma Daari scheme, which aimed at providing better road connectivity in villages, was taken up in the state.

Cyber computer centres This programme aims at providing computer facilities in villages. Through this, it aims at helping rural people in agriculture, trade, commerce and entertainment.

RDPR - 2013-2018

Kaalu Sanka Kaalu Sanka, was the only way for villagers to get connected to the outer world in Malnad and coastal areas. Farmers, labourers and students would walk on the bridge risking their lives. Hence, new Kaalu Sankas were built with quality materials to ensure the safety of people. About 478 Kaalu Sankas were built from 2013-14 to 2017-18 at a cost of Rs 850 crore.

Rural godown Feeling the need for better price for crops and also to ensure that farmers do not sell crops at low price, it was decided to construct godowns so that farmers store their produce there. Hence, under MGNREGA, rural godowns were constructed.

Toilet at each household Patil gave high priority to construct toilets at villages, so that Karnataka becomes open defecation-free. Toilets were built under MGNREGA. Toilet pits were dug under the scheme.

Cultural centres In order to encourage artistes and protect art, culture and literature, it was decided to establish cultural centres.

Pure drinking water units Pure drinking water units were established in rural areas to provide potable water to the people. It also aims at improving the health of the rural people.

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Skill development Under ‘Sanjeevini,’ scheme, poor families in rural areas were given skill development training. The training was in computers, stitching, readymade garments and others.

Women farmers Patil worked towards empowerment of rural women dependent on farming. Women self-help groups were formed and the group members were trained in agriculture related activities, so that they are empowered.

Rajiv Gandhi Chaitanya Yojane The scheme aims at training unemployed youth in various skills and make them eligible to land jobs in government and private companies. About 40 to 50 youths were chosen from each gram panchayat limits. About 2 lakh unemployed youths from 6,022 gram panchayats were trained under the scheme.

Lake of our village The programme envisages preservation of lakes, tanks and other sources. It aims at recharging groundwater and other sources. A total of 17,554 works were taken up from 2013 to 2018 at a cost of Rs 450.63 crore.

Anganwadi centres About 395 anganwadi centres were built in 2013-14. Each centre was built at a cost of Rs 8 lakh including Rs 5 lakh from MGNREGA, Rs 1.8 lakh from Women and Child Development department and Rs 1.2 lakh from TCDS. About Rs 68 crore was spent on this project.

Rural parks To ensure that each village looks beautiful and clean, rural parks were conceptualised. Works were taken up to build the parks in 2014-15.

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Vice President of India inaugurating Tippe Samskarana through Gadag Kanakinakoppa Model of Waste to Manure scheme which was designed by RDPR department in coordination with Dharwad Agriculture University, Dharwad

CRUSADE FOR ODF

H. K. Patil wished to see rural areas clean and healthy, with all households having access to toilets, and waste generated is disposed scientifically. Patil adopted ‘Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan’ as a main programme of the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department.

atil set an ambitious target to make rural Karnataka open defecation-free (ODF) by 2nd October 2018, a year ahead of GoI target. He gave a call for Shauchaalayakkaagi Samara or ‘A Crusade for Toilets.’ He ensured that the programme was implemented with collective efforts of all stakeholders such as people’s representatives, officials and the community besides beneficiaries. As a result, there was a revolution of toilets in Karnataka from 2013-14 to 2017-18, a fact which is supported by the data of the department.

Toilet in each household According to a baseline survey conducted in 2012-13, there were a total of 72.71 lakh families in rural areas. Of them, only 23.42 lakh households had toilets while 49.28 lakh households lacked them. Patil wanted to ensure that each household has access to individual toilets. The crusade had begun in 2013, a spark was seen in Koppal district by constructing 1 lakh toilets, which spread like wildfire to other districts, thanks to healthy competition amongst young

CEOs and newly elected Adhyakshas. At a time when people were hesitant to utter the word ‘toilet,’ Patil led the crusade and as a result, Karnataka achieved the target of constructing toilets with 93% coverage in rural areas by March 2018 when he completed his tenure, but the state reached the target of ODF as per schedule on October 2nd, 2018. Karnataka was declared open defecation-free on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. About 50 lakh toilets were built in Karnataka in five years. As Karnataka led the movement, the prime minister constituted Chief Ministers’ Sub group on Swachh Bharat Mission under chairmanship of Sri Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister Karnataka. Since he declined the offer, responsibility was given to Andhra Pradesh chief minister. Patil attended its first meeting in Chandigarh and second meeting was held in Bangalore to study the best practices of Karnataka. M. Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President visited Nargund taluk to declare the first ODF district, Gadag, which was a great recognition for the journey of crusade for open defecation-free Karnataka.

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PROTECTING DIGNITY

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Padma Vibhushan Bindeshwar Pathak, Chairman of Sulabh International presenting a toilet model to Patil

“C

onstruction of toilets alone cannot make the rural areas clean. The issue of cow dung also needs to be addressed. It can be converted into useful products. Toilet-cum-bathrooms should be constructed and public toilets should be constructed in the State with space for washing machine and washing. The importance of underground drainage system in towns of more than one lakh population should be addressed. I do not support the construction of 2 crore toilets under MGNREGA, since it will create a confusion at the field level to maintain 60:40 ratio of wage and material. Rather, the need is for a single window system to sanction the toilets so that the toilets are constructed duly following the same guidelines. Policy level changes are also required and in the National Water Policy, water requirement for sanitation must be accorded priority just after drinking water,” Patil said during the second meeting of the Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan held on May 19, 2015 at Haryana Niwas, Chandigarh. Patil initiated the Grameena Gourava project, which aimed at construction of toilet-cum-bathroom in 2014-15 to protect the privacy and dignity of wom-

en in rural areas. About 1.5 lakh toilet-cum-bathrooms were sanctioned but could not be completed due to paucity of funds in Swachh Bharat Mission. “Women still take bath after all men of the family go out. Some women have baths by using their saris as curtains under bullock carts in the backyards of their house. We had planned to construct toilet-cum-bathrooms to protect the privacy of women,” Patil said. On a pilot basis, the initiative was completed in many districts. Community toilet-cum-bathroom complexes were conceived and proposed in the pre-budget meeting chaired by then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. During the meeting, when Patil was explaining the concept to CM, a senior lady officer sarcastically enquired if he proposed to even built dressing rooms. To which Patil replied that he proposed dressing rooms as well as hair driers as it is often an integral part of urban women’s households. The lady officer was left aghast but was later convinced of the concept. Siddaramaiah too concurred with Patil and included the scheme in his budget speech. The concept was completed on a pilot basis in Gadag and Koppal districts as well as various other districts.

'PURE DRINKING WATER SHALL BE A

HUMAN RIGHT'

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‘Our people should have access to the same quality of water which our Prime Minister, ministers, and corporates have access to’. — H. K. Patil

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The first Pure drinking water plant established in Hulkoti village, Gadag district

Patil with A.S. Kiran Kumar, the then Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation and other senior officials discussing about using satellite data to detect underground water sources in drought-affected areas. R. H. Sawukar, member of Technical Committee and Ram Sheshan, retired Central Water Commissioner are also seen to the left.

atil believes that the society is divided into two classes based on the quality of water that is available to them: one having access to pure drinking water, and the other having access only to contaminated water. In view of this principle, after becoming the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, he did everything that he could to bridge the divide. There was the need for pure drinking water in rural Karnataka in particular. Patil convinced the then chief minister Siddaramaiah in this regard. Patil also ensured that a scheme for installation of pure drinking water was also passed in the state cabinet. Starting from the first year, 1000 units were established in the state and by the end of the tenure, more 13,000 units. “I have seen the rich and powerful have access to pure drinking water. I was aware of the ill-effects of contaminated drinking water on the health of people. I was sad as I could not do anything to see that common people also get access to pure water like others. Later, I discussed the matter with my friends and officials to see that rural people also have access to pure drinking water. I accepted the challenge to provide pure drinking water to the

people. Later, 13,500 to 14,000 units were installed to benefit 1.5 crore people. Thanks to the efforts of officials, the mission was successful and the programme became a model to the country," he said.

Ambitious Strides Patil brought in attitudinal shift in rural drinking water sector by revisiting the per capital per day (lpcd) water requirements of rural people on par with urban populace. He established a separate commissionerate of rural drinking water supply and sanitation. Further, he designed a long-term plan of Rs 45,000 crore and 62 tmc of water to the entire rural areas of the state. He provided impetus to DBOT schemes such as Chamrajnagar-Gundlupet project, Pandavpura project, Gadag district from Renukasagar and Singataluru, Koppal, Arsikere and the gigantic Jagalur-Molakalmuru-Pavagad project. He also set up a transparent payment policy coupled with Gandhi Sakshi for the department paving way to speedy commissioning of projects. He even explored water from alternate sources like cloud seeding, Patalagange (water from deep layers of earth), and Gaaligange (water from air), etc. to quench the thirst of people.

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Patil with Siddaramaiah and Jayaram Ramesh, then Union RDPR Minister during a review meeting of rural development and other departmental schemes at Vidhana Soudha

GRAM VIKAS

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PACKAGE

H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

EAL Swaraj comes with redevelopment of villages. Understanding the need to make villages self dependent and taking a scientific approach, Patil displayed steadfast loyalty to achieve the goal. Gram Vikas Yojane was designed with Rs 75 lakh earmarked to each village. Provision was also made to increase the allotment of funds if the number of villages and population increase in future. As many as 939 villages were selected in 2015-16 and Rs 725.5 crore was released. The government has also framed certain guidelines to utilise the funds. As per the guidelines, gram panchayats prepared action plans and initiated measures to implement the same. Several schemes such as the CM’s 21-Point Programme under MGNREGA were combined for the development of rural areas. Under Gram Vikas Yojane, it is mandatory to earmark 50% of funds for roads and drainage in villages. About 12% of funds should be earmarked for library/memorials of littérateurs and artistes/ construction of auditoriums. The 12% funds should be earmarked for sports activities, gym, floodlight ground and rural sports. About 3% of funds should be kept for solar lights and LED bulbs. About 10% of funds for scientific disposal of waste. Around 2% for live telecasting of gram panchayat proceedings, 6% for redevelopment of temples, masjids, churches and construction of buildings. This scheme has fulfilled the demand for construction of religious buildings. About 5% should be kept as a flexi fund. Thanks to these guidelines, the scheme was implemented successfully.

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RELIEF UNDER

ONE ROOF

In order to provide all services to farmers under one roof instead of forcing them to run from pillar to post, H. K. Patil played a key role in the opening of Bapuji Seva Kendras in rural areas. About 43 services under Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, 40 services under Revenue Department, and 17 services of various departments were provided at these centres with the help of ‘Panchatantra’ software. There are about 30,000 villages and 6,022 gram panchayats in the state. People had to go for taluk headquarters for pahani, caste and income certificates and for other services. It had resulted in waste of money and time. In order to provide 100 services under one roof, Bapuji Seva Kendras were started in the state. Patil showing open defecation-free districts during a function of awarding Gandhi Gram Puraskar and Nirmal Gram Puraskar at Palace Grounds. Also seen are Siddaramaiah and Mani Shankar Aiyar

RDPR With then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the inauguration of Gandhi Sakshi Kayaka software

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Letter from Sonia Gandhi congratulating Patil on winning the E-Puraskar award

PURSUIT OF TRANSPARENCY

H. K. Patil believed that it is never good to compromise with dishonesty; honesty being much more than a moral principle, he considered it a huge economic factor too. He went to the deep extent of transparency and even his file notings were posted on the department website, a first-of-its-kind in the country.

atil displayed exceptional administrative manoeuvre and transparency by hosting his minutes and decisions noted on files to go live on the website. Those who had to wait 30 days for information under the RTI Act got it on the website itself, thanks to the uploading of file notings by Patil. Patil made it compulsory for members of gram panchayats, taluk panchayats and zilla panchayats to declare their assets and liabilities every year, a step to ensure accountability. All documents at gram panchayats were to be digitized, including khata of properties in the Panchayat jurisdiction using e-Swathu software. Taking it a step ahead, it was integrated with Kaveri software of the registration office to prevent fraudulent transactions. Biometric attendance was made compulsory at all gram panchayats, taluk panchayats and zilla panchayats. The Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Zilla panchayats, taluk panchayats and gram panchayats control over erection of buildings) Rules 2015 was framed. E-FMS payment system, Gandhi Sakshi Kayaka software and Panchatantra software ensured more transparency in administration. Officials realised the importance of meetings and started attending compulsorily. Panchayat portal (http://panchamitra.kar. nic.in), containing general information of gram panchayat, details of people’s

representatives and officials, properties, mutation, meeting proceedings, works and list of beneficiaries, was launched when Patil was the RDPR minister. Patil made sure that Gram Panchayat proceedings were videographed and made available to public, which was a next level of transparency. Besides MGNREGA works, about 1.5 lakh works were being taken up annually. But, the data on physical progress and financials were unavailable. To solve this issue, Gandhi Sakshi Kayaka software was introduced. Gandhi Sakshi Kayaka software, a worksoft from the stage of planning and work progress with geo-tagged pictures and payment, helped in preventing duplication, misapplication/misuse of funds. It also helped in evaluation at higher level. Thanks to transparency, efficiency and responsibility in panchayat administration, with the help of information, communication and technology, national awards were conferred on the state in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Besides MGNREGA works, about 1.5 lakh works were being taken up annually. But, the data on physical progress and financials were unavailable. To solve this issue, Gandhi Sakshi Kayaka software was introduced.

DELIMITATION OF GRAM PANCHAYATS

RDPR

As population increases, it is obligatory to increase the number of panchayat raj institutions too. However, as the delimitation of panchayat raj institutions was not conducted since the 73rd amendment to the Constitution in 1993, there was the need of doing so. There was a need for decentralisation of administration and finance. Hence, H. K. Patil formed a Gram Panchayat Delimitation Committee led by former MLA S G. Nanjayyanamath. 462 new gram panchayats were formed as per the recommendations of the committee. About 41 gram panchayats were upgraded too. Timely elections were conducted with completion of delimitation and new amendment in force for complusory voting, NOTA, etc.

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RURAL CONNECT

he economic, physical and social development of rural areas depends upon its connectivity. Better road networks of rural areas also determine the social and economic progress of a state. Hence, Namma Grama Namma Raste Scheme was introduced to lay roads in villages. Priority was given to lay all-weather roads connecting habitations with populations between 500 and 1,000. Habitations with a population below 500 were covered subsequently. Under phase-I of the Namma Grama Namma

Raste scheme, 466 kms of roads were laid at a cost of Rs 52.3 crore in 2014-15. Under phase-II, in August 2017, 5,505.57 kms of roads were laid. Under phase-III, 3,450.97 kms of roads were constructed at a cost of Rs 1,982.29 crore. Under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) (2013-17), 2171.86 kms of roads were built. The Karnataka Rural Roads Development Agency, in association with the Ministry of Rural Development and National Rural Roads Development Agency, built 1,8601.17 kms of road under PMGSY. Under the Namma Grama Namma Raste scheme, the state built 12,453.97 kms of roads. Patil formed a committee under the chairmanship of Eshwar Khandre, former minister, to study rural connectivity. He also constituted a DPR evaluation committee headed by a retired chief engineer and two retired superintendent engineers.

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The State had already launched the “Shouchalayakkagi Samara” (Crusade for Toilet) in 2013-14 to make Karnataka Open Defecation free by October 2, 2018, a year ahead of Government of India’s deadline of October 2, 2019. - Siddaramaiah during the third meeting of the Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan held on June 24, 2015 at Bengaluru

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Third Meeting of Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Swachch Bharat Mission constituted by Prime Minister of India

INSTITUTIONS

Inauguration of Karnataka State RDPR University in Gadag

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RURAL ROOTS, GLOBAL HEIGHTS

Karnataka State Rural Development And Panchayati Raj University, Gadag was envisioned by H. K. Patil and it started academic activities from 2017-18. Before that he had established many others too.

atil believes that rural local self governance institutions are the pillars of the polity and need to be strengthened if real needs of people are to be addressed in the right perspective. As he is known for his institution building capability, the proposal of establishment of the university was mooted in the Chief Minister’s budget speech 2013-14. An expert committee under the chairmanship of S. V. Ranganath, former chief secretary of the state government, was constituted to study the issues involved in the implementation. Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University Act, 2016 was enacted for establishment of a unitary university for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj in the state for teaching, training, research on sustainable development and panchayat raj institutions to bridge the gap between ‘Lab’ and ‘Land’. This was proposed to be a centre of excellence for conducting study and research to assist government in policy formulation, adoption, and evaluation.

This University consists of following five schools: S chool of Agri-business Management and Management of Rural Development. S chool of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj.

S chool of Environmental Science, Public Health and Sanitation Management. S chool of Social Science and Rural Reconstruction. S chool of Skill and Entrepreneurship Development. Another institution which Patil rejuvenated was Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Energy and Development (MGIRED), Bengaluru. The institution creates awareness about renewable energy and its usage. It was started in the year 2000 with assistance of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department. Under the guidance of Patil, the institute conducted 1,289 training programmes and exhibitions and reached out to 93,000 people. It organised seminars and came out with community development schemes. Even today, it is organising training on management of solar street lights and solar home lightings. It is also conducting training for engineering students on wind, peeko, pico hydro and solar electricity technology. Autonomous society was created to give independence to Abdul Nazir Saheb Institute of Rural Development, Mysore. Two branches have been established in Dharwad and Kalaburagi.

FOR GADAG

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S.M. Krishna inaugurating a housing project, ‘S.M. Krishna Colony’ in Gadag Historic Moment: Official declaration of the newly carved out Gadag district

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

Veerappa Moily inaugurating Gadag Government College

A HEART THAT BEATS FOR

KARMA BHOOMI

W Translocation of trees from N.H. Project area to Bheeshma Tank. The initiative won the Skoch Award in the year 2018

Discussing with Karnataka State RDPR University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Thimmegowda and Registrar, Prof. Suresh Nadagowda

hile H. K. Patil always dreamt of Cheluva Kannada Nadu and he worked hard to get it on track of being an ideal place for living and prospering, he reserved a special place for his karma bhoomi, Gadag. Patil did whatever he could to build the ladder of progress for Gadag, steadily rising from the lowly earth to the vaulted skies. But he knows, there is still a long way to go. Having the advantage of being the cradle of cooperative movement, Patil had already set up the 100 industries through establishment of Gadag coop Industrial Estate. When he was Leader of Opposition, Patil impressed upon the Government to carve a separate district for Gadag out of the undivided Dharwad. This, he believed, was necessary to provide administrative focus and impetus to development. He succeeded after a historic decision was taken to form Gadag district. When he was Water Resources Minister, the Singataluru Lift Irrigation Scheme was envisioned the expansion from 7.2 tmc to 18.5 tmc of water, is boon to water starved drought-prone Gadag District and adjacent parts. He also mobilised people and institutions towards implementing the Shuddha Neeru (Water Purification) Units. During his tenure as RDPR Minister, many Shuddha neeru units were standalone miniature models, he launched a mega project which provid-

FOR GADAG

People of Gadag felicitating Siddaramaiah and Patil during the inaguration of Gadag Institute of Medical Science

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ed water-starved Gadag-Betageri twin cities 24/7, 135 lpcd water supply by second phase drinking water project. This project was commissioned in spite of all possible obstacles in the implementation right from the beginning, but his obstinate determination prevailed and water was supplied to the twin cities from Singatalur barrage built across the Tungabhadra River. The waters of the Tungabhadra River entered through canals Gadag city on the 70th Independence Day cutting across all challenges and filling up the Bheeshma Kere (tank). The Bheeshma tank was developed and improved; ring road & other roads upgraded the city. The flower and fruit market are upgraded to help farmers. Gadag is the only district to be entirely covered with river water supply (from Singataluru and Renukasagar dam) under the mammoth DBOT project at a cost of Rs 1,054 crore conceived and commissioned in record time. An ambitious project of construction of more

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H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

than 3500 Ashraya houses in the Gangimadi area of Gadag was also initiated by Patil. He was the man behind establishment and development of Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Veterinary College, Residential schools, Karnataka University PG Centre and the centre of excellence, a first-of-its-kind Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag. Health of women and children was prioritised with a 50-bedded hospital expanded to 100 beds enabling 24/7 service. Many cultural bhavans came to existence, like Kannada Sahitya Bhavan, Rangamandira, Art Gallery, Ambedkar Bhavan, Karnataka Bhavan, Valmiki Bhavan, Madar Chennayya Bhavan, Convention centre and Tiranga Park in GCIE. In addition to these, large number of Bhavans and public utilities in rural part of Gadag were built. Sports facilities reached new heights in Gadag with construction of a football ground, Stadium with tensile roofing, hockey stadium, an indoor stadium with all facilities, Kustimane, swimming pools and a cricket net practice facility. Many parks were developed; and free WiFi was enabled in the entire city to enthuse the young minds. A mini planetarium is under construction, which is expected to be completed soon. Tigers, leopards and other animals entered Binkadakatti Zoo thrilling visitors. Gadag led the entire country in successfully translocation of 500 trees within the National High upgradation project area being shifted to Bheeshma tank and RDPR University. Patil did everything he could to restore wildlife sanctuary status to Kappatgudda.

D. R. Patil felicitating Rahul Gandhi Siddaramaiah, Justice N. K. Patil, Justice Dinesh Kumar and then law minister T. B. Jayachandran during the inauguration of District Court Complex Foundation laying ceremony of beautification and development of Bheeshma Tank

1 6

2 7

1) Samuday Bhavan 2) Kannada Sahitya Bhavan 3) Tiranga park 4) Deputy Commissioner’s office, Gadag

5 4

5) Gourava ghataka 6) District Court Gadag 7) Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences 8) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Bhavan

14 16 15

9) Indoor Stadium

13) K H Patil Degree College, Hulkoti

10) Shri Maharshi Valmiki Bhavan

14) Statue of Shri Basavanna in Bhishma lake

11) Pure drinking water plant

15) Hospital Gadag

12) Indoor Stadium

16) Planetarium

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1) Swimming pool 2) Zoo 3) Bhishma lake 4) RDPR University

5) Bhishma lake 6) Muktivana Betageri 7) Football stadium Gadag 8)Basketball stadium Gadag

15 17 16 9) Yoga Hall Hulkoti 10) Garden 11) Cricket net 12) DBOT- Gadag water supply

13) Karnatak Bhavan Gadag 14) Babu Jagjivan Ram Bhavan Gadag 15 )K H Patil Vidhyamandir Hulkoti 16) Vegetable Market 17) Boating in Bhishma lake

The good father has a little bit of mother in his heart. - Solar Forst, in Alphabet of Love (1967) Of all the rocks upon which we build our lives, we are reminded today that family is most important. And we are called to recognise and honour how critical every father is to that foundation. - Barack Obama (2008)

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CHAPTER FIVE

BOND OF FAMILY

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

Family is one of nature’s wonders. And H. K. Patil’s family is no different. With a loving wife, and three children, his family has had the demanding task of living with his growing reputation. And together they made their every single experience to bear blossoms.

BOND OF FAMILY

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Clockwise: Patil with second daughter Lakshmi Patil; With his grandson; With son Krishna Patil and wife; During his elder daughter, Rajeshwari Patil’s wedding; With his children when they were young; With mother and aunt during the house warming ceremony; wife and childrem; With wife at Madame Tussauds wax museum, London

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

HEMA PATIL, WIFE O

UR marriage was planned in the most traditional way and in fact I had not even seen him until it was all finalised. I was in an event where I was told that he would be coming to the function as well and only then I saw him for the first time. I was oblivious to what he did and what he aspired to do, in other words, nothing close to anything which is used as a yardstick in the present generation to select a partner. He was a senate member when we got married and soon, he went on to become MLC. Until then, I had no acquaintance to politics and followed it just as a matter of news. When he became the Leader of Opposition, we moved to Bangalore and it was difficult for me personally to get used to his busy life. But I was assured that his work has more meaning to it. Reminiscing those initial days, there was a time when he was travelling due to work and Bangalore being new to me, I was terrified and after informing him over phone, he reached Bangalore the very next morning. We as a family are proud of his work and we lived through instances of people acknowledging it. After seeing him reach the stature and being by his side and observing it, there is not much I expect other than caring for his good health which is his last priority due to busy life.

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UR relationship with him is unique but a common thread of immense respect and pride runs through all. Being his daughters also demanded grace and humility. Since as far back as we can remember, we were always expected to not divulge his line of work at school or among friends. We even had to refer to him by his full name lest his recognisable initials gave his identity away. Even amidst his countless hours of public service, he used to try his best to make time for all of us. We fondly remember those nights when he would return home after an exhausting day of work, and having missed seeing us the entire day, would wake us up, play and put us back to sleep. For us, one of the most valuable lessons he has imparted is the value of maintaining relationships; to be there through their lowest lows and highest highs. We believe it is this altruistic nature of his that serves as a reservoir of empathy, and which feeds his passion for societal upliftment. His focus on fundamental issues is what keeps him grounded in the shifting world of politics and is also what makes him a force to be reckoned with.

With wife and Lakshmi Patil

BOND OF FAMILY

RAJESHWARI & LAKSHMI PATIL (DAUGHTERS)

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

Granddaughter Nadi in a playful mood with D.R. Patil’s cap. Mother Rajeshwari Patil dotingly looks on

Krishna Patil with his cousin, Rangannagouda Patil

KRISHNA PATIL (SON)

At a very young age, I picked up a love for sports, and cricket gave me the adrenaline rush. I was part of various teams for school, college, clubs, zonals and divisions. He always asked me how much I scored if he happened to see me coming back from the match and whenever I told him a good score he always quipped ‘Did you play with kids?’” — KRISHNA PATIL

AM the youngest in my family and was born in 1993, a year before he became the Leader of Opposition. From my childhood days, I always wondered as to why there used to be so many people at our house. I never understood that he was a familiar face in the society and it only descended on to me after I was old enough. I remember, when I was in class 7, I was part of a skit which was to be on our school’s annual day celebration and coincidentally my father was also invited as chief guest. And I could not take part in it because I was nervous. I remember my mother asking him to put in a word for me on my U-16 selection trials and he out-rightly denied doing anything close to it and I think such instances have taught us to always remain grounded. He has always been a person who has strived hard to work towards societal progress. As his children, we learnt to understand his capacity and credibility only after seeing the change he has brought to the society, although we always knew his dedication towards societal upliftment. While we do expect him to spend more time with the family, we have also understood what it takes to be travelling and working round the clock. And it is because of his work that we have understood our society better.

past is recaptured in frozen frames, breath is put back into life. H. K. Patil’s journey has been one of selfrenewal—the memory of earlier successes & failures, childhood dreams and youthful rebellions, accumulated joys, friendly faces...all glimmering with stories of a life well lived so far.

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CHAPTER SIX

The past is a glorious continent. And it is but the truth that when

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E R U T P A ER C

YOUTHFUL SPIRIT

Governing Domain: Patil with Governors of various state. Siddaramaiah (extreme left) is also seen

With A. M. Hindasgeri and friends

With the then Central Agriculture minister Balram Jakhar and then Chief Minister, Veerappa Moily. Huchmaastigowda (second from left), then Minister is also seen

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With Mahabaleshwarwala, an educationist, and D.R. Patil

Patil taking oath in the presence of Rambhau Bhimrao Potdar, Chairman, Karnataka Legislative Council

With S.M.Krishna and Sri Satyatma Teertha Swamiji of Uttaradi Mutt

With the icon of democracy and social justice, Nelson Mandela. H. D. Deve Gowda, the then Prime Minister and Khurshid Alam Khan, then Governor of Karnataka also seen.

With then Union Defence Minister A.K Anthony

With Veerappa Moily, then Chief Minister, Jaffer Sharief, then Union Railway Minister and Mallikarjun Kharge, then Minister for Cooperation, Medium and Large Industries

Patil as NAFCUB Chairman with Directors, Dr. S.S. Sisodia and Atmaram Patel

OATHS OF DUTY

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Patil taking oath as minister in Veerappa Moily’s cabinet

To have the power to change people’s lives is indeed a chance not many are privileged to wield. It is a chance which might seem simple to handle, but it is one mammoth responsibility. To keep the trust of lakhs of people, keep the promises, and keep them with you. For me, it has always been the case of being in power for the people. I have tried my best to handle the complexities which are for public good, but to reach there, one should be virtuous. I do not desist myself from making bold decisions for the good of the people in a transparent manner.

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Taking oath as minister in S.M. Krishna’s cabinet

Oath taking in Dharam Singh’s cabinet

Patil taking oath in Siddaramaiah’s cabinet

With Ram Nath Kovind, the 14th President during his visit to Bengaluru

HIGH INFLUENCE

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With Shankar Dayal Sharma, the 9th President of the country

With A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India

With Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the 12th President of India

With Pranab Mukherjee, the 13th President of the country and Siddaramaiah, then chief minister of Karnataka

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Felicitating R. Gundu Rao, the 9th Chief Minister

With S. Bangarappa, the 12th Chief Minister of Karnataka

With Ramakrishna Hegde, the 10th Chief Minister of Karnataka

With M. Veerappa Moily, the 13th Chief Minister of Karnataka

With J. H. Patel, the 15th Chief Minister of Karnataka

Welcoming S. R. Bommai, the 11th Chief Minister of Karnataka

Patil with H.D. Deve Gowda, the 11th Prime Minister of India and the 14th Chief Minister of Karnataka

With outgoing Governor T. N. Chaturvedi and then new Governor Rameshwar Thakur, then Chief Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy, N. Dharam Singh and Prof. Chandrashekar

With then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and then Opposition leader in Assembly Jagadish Shettar; then Union Minister DV Sadananda Gowda; MB Patil, then Union Minister; Ananthkumar, MP; M Veerappa Moily, former Chief Minister; Yediyurappa; and then Law Minister T. B. Jayachandra, during floor leaders meeting regarding a discussion on Mahadayi issue on August 23, 2015

HIGH INFLUENCE

All party delegation from Karnataka meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his intervention in Mahadayi issue on December 30, 2016

With L.K. Advani, then Union Home Minister, Mallikarjun Kharge and K. B. Koliwad

With S.M. Krishna, then Chief Minister and D.H. Shankar Murthy, then KLC chairman

With then Union Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha

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With then Union RDPR Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh & Padma Vibhushan Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International

AICC Dias: From left -- Ashok Gehlot, Margret Alva, Patil, Mohsina Kidwai and others With Nitin Gadkari, then Union RDPR minister

With then Union Minister and Chief Minister of Puducherry, Velu Narayanasamy

With Tariq Anwar, then AICC General Secretary at Patil’s residence

With then Union HRD Minister Arjun Singh

Cabinet sub-committee headed by Patil felicitating the then Karnataka State Incharge AICC General Secretary, Digvijay Singh

With Digvijay Singh, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh

HIGH INFLUENCE

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With Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh

With Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister of Rajasthan inaugurating Suddha Neeru Unit

With Sheila Dikshit, then Chief Minister of Delhi

With Oomen Chandy, then Chief Minister of Kerala

With Farooq Abdullah, then Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

With Anil Shastri, then AICC General Secretary

With P. Chidambaram and Muniappa, former Union Ministers and other AICC leaders

With Rehman Khan, then Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha

With Mohan Dharia, then Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission

With Jyothindra Mehta, NAFCUB Chairman

Patil as NAFCUB Chairman with B. S. Vishwanathan, Chairman, NCUI (right) and A. M. Hindudgeri, Director, NAFCUB (left)

With Dr. S.S. Sisodia, then Chairman, NAFCUB and veteran cooperator

HIGH INFLUENCE

192

Felicitating Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi

With Padma Vibhushan Gangubai Hangal

With Padma Vibhushan D. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of the Dharmasthala Temple

With Justice V.S. Malimath, Chairman of the Karnataka Border Protection Commission and former Chief Justice of Karnataka and Kerala High Courts

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Sadananda Gowda, then chief minister and Patil meeting a delegation of Gadag district leaders

With Bharat Ratna Mother Teresa

With Anna Hazare

With Patil Puttappa, freedom fighter; Prof. Thimmegowda, VC, RDPR University; H. S. Doreswamy, freedom fighter; Ho. Ve. Srinivasaiah, Chairman, Karnataka Gandhi Foundation, and Umashree, then Minister for Kannada and Culture

With Sri Chandrashekar Swamiji of Shandilya Ashram, Hubballi

With Sri Kumara Dingaleshwar Swamiji of Balehosur mutt

With Azeez Sait, former Transport Minister of Karnataka and Veerappa Moily, then Minister for Law, in the Legislative Council

SPIRITUAL JOYS

Former Chief Justice Venkatachalaiah inaugurating a laboratory complex at Sri Rajarajeshwari Vidya Niketan, Hulkoti. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Sri Jayendra Puri Swamiji, D.B. Odugoudar, and Sachin Patil, youth leader are also seen

With Sri Nirbhayananda Swamji of Ramakrishna Vivekananda Ashram, Gadag

With Sri Rambhapuri Veerasomeshwara Swamiji, Ujjaini Swamiji and Kashipeetha Swamiji

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With Sri Niranjanananda Puri Swamiji of Kaginele Kanaka Guru Peetha

Patil taking the blessings of Sri Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt, Tumkur

With Sri Valmiki Prasannananda Swamiji of Rajanahalli Mutt

With Sri Boodishwara Swamiji, Hosahalli

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With Sri Mahalingapur Swamiji

With Sri Prabhulingasrigalu of Gudhneshwara Mutt, Neelgund

Sri Rambhapuri Veerasomeshwara Swamiji blessing Patil

With swamijis of Gadag during Kailash Ashram’s 28th anniversary.

Inaugurating an exhibition by Sri Neelkanteshwara Swamiji of Betageri

With Sri Tontada Siddalinga Swamiji of Tontadarya Mutt

With Tanveer Peera Hashami of Hashim Pir Dargah at Vijayapura and Sri Mallikarjun Swamiji, Mulgund

With Sri Mallikarjun Swamiji, With Sri Siddarama Swamiji of Tontadarya Mutt Mulgund

With Sri Vemanananda Swamiji of Vemana Peetha

With Siddaramaiah, Dr. Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru of Chitradurga Mutt, Sri Basava Jaya Mrityujaya Swamiji of Panchamasali mutt and Nijagunananda Swamiji, Mundargi

With Sri Jaggi Vasudev, promoting Cauvery Calling initiative

SPIRITUAL JOYS

Patil and wife with Mata Amritanandamayi

With Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji, Suttur Mutt

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With Sri Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swami, Justice Shivaraj Patil, R.V. Deshpande and others

With Sri Madhusudan Sai Swami

With Sri Siddeshwar Swamiji

With Sri Vishwesha Tirtharu of Sri Pejavara Adokshaja Mutt

Patil addressing a gathering in the holy presence of Gurudev Rakesh Bhai of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur in Mumbai

With Jayantakka of Bramhakumaris Eshwari Vidyalaya, Gadag

With Sri Pakeereshwar Swamiji of Shirhatti along with swamijis

With Sri Chikkenekoppa Sharanaru

With Sri Harti Ajja. Also seen are Patil’s wife and mother

Patil and family with Shakunthalamma of Pragnyanodaya Ashram, Kakkeri

All set for a memorable innings during a match held on Legislator’s Day

SPORTY SPIRIT

With T.N. Chaturvedi, then Governor on Legislator’s Day

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Ping-pong champ

RURAL H. K. PATIL: COOPERATOR|ADMINISTRATOR|REFORMER

Practising his square cuts

With H.D.Deve Gowda, then Chief Minister, Nanjegowda, K.R. Ramesh Kumar and Nadagowda during a cricket match on Legislator’s Day

At the Kabaddi field

During a Sports awards event

Pool Pro

In Goa, trying a water scooter ride

Shuttle time

Patil on the eve of Independence Day

VIVID MOODS

Offering Namaz with Muslim brothers on the eve of Eid As RDPR Minister, Patil boards the plane to be used for cloud seeding. Also seen M. R. Seetharam, then Minister for Planning, S&T and Krishnabyregowda, then Agriculture Minister

With Lambanis of Gadag

In Kentucky with Sundeep Dronawat, CEO, Dronawath Industries and T.L.Hosur

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Patil offering milk to a destitute at Auto Raja Ashrama in Bengaluru

Taking a bullock cart ride with Venu Srinivasan, Chairman, TVS Group during Village Buddha event

Cheerful Three: With then KPCC President G. Parameshwara and Siddaramaiah

At the Sardar Vallabhbhai bhai Patel statue on the banks of Narmada

With TL Hosur and Raghavendra Giraddi, family friends in Chicago In a cheerful mood with children from a school in Gadag With childhood friend Dr. S.R. Naganoor, Honourary Secretary, Rural Medical Services Society

Published by Express Publications (Madurai) Private Limited, Bengaluru

Senior General Manager P Suresh Kumar Editorial Resident Editor: Santwana Bhattacharya Associate Editor: Utthara Kumari Assistant Editor (Supplements): Vyas Sivanand Assistant News Editor: Anil R Design Editor: Nitin Tuse Designers: Arun Kumar B (Principal Designer) Suman Mitra (Sr. Designer) Photographers: Vinod Kumar T, Pandarinath B, Shriram B.N Special Thanks to Dr. Shivaputra Babu Rao, KSAS CAO, Karnataka Residential Education Institutions Society Dept Of Social Welfare, Govt Of Karnataka

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