Theatre personality Prasanna resigns as head of special committee for rural industries

Prasanna, a renowned theatre personality and founder of the Charka Multipurpose Industrial Cooperative Society, has stepped down from his position as the head of the Mahatma Gandhi Vastroudhyog Kosh under Karnataka's Textile and Handloom Department. According to a report by The Hindu, he has resigned from this special committee, which was established to promote rural industries inspired by Gandhiji's ideals. In a letter written to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on November 12, Prasanna stated that the continuous obstacles in the field of rural development and the migration of people from rural areas to cities have been deeply distressing to him.

Clarifying the reasons for his resignation, he cited several specific instances. In Heggodu of Sagar taluk, a platform constructed for the dedication of a pond revived by the Charka organization was demolished by officials. Additionally, an unnecessary allegation of encroaching on pond land was leveled against the organization, despite the pond being inaugurated by local MLA Belur Gopalakrishna with a Ganga Puja. Furthermore, in Badnavalu of Mysuru district, a Khadi centre of the Gandhi Ashram was demolished about two months ago, in violation of a Gram Sabha decision. He also mentioned that the Karnataka government has shut down the Handloom Development Corporation.

In a conversation with The Hindu, Prasanna emphasized that the Constitution envisions rural administration to be conducted at the village level. Gram Sabhas were created to function on par with the Legislative Assembly, but this principle is not being properly implemented. He expressed resentment that Gram Panchayat employees and officials are treated like servants by Tehsildars, Deputy Commissioners, and ministers. The views of local people are also not given due importance.

Speaking about the future of the committee, he stated that the then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced this Kosh in the 2023-24 budget with a grant of ₹1 crore. It was intended to operate as a Section 8 company, with a 51% share held by participating organizations and a 49% share by the state government. However, there has been no progress in this direction since then. Prasanna has warned that if the Chief Minister does not provide a positive response to the issues raised in his letter, he will go on a hunger strike.

Prasanna is a well-known theatre director and social worker who has long been active in promoting the rural economy and the Khadi industry. He founded the Charka Multipurpose Industrial Cooperative Society, which is known for providing livelihoods to rural artisans. He is also recognized for his experimental works in Indian theatre.