Dharwad: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that five acres of land would be allotted to the Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha for extending its activities.

Participating in the 128th Foundation Day celebrations of KVS Sangha and 50 years of service of Patil Puttappa as president of the Sangha here, Siddaramaiah asked the deputy commissioner to identify the land and send the proposal to the government for approval.

He also assured of considering providing grant-in-aid to employees of the Sangha for the last several years.

On the demand made by Patil Puttappa for constructing a memorial for Belavadi Mallamma who fought against the Maratha ruler Shivaji, Siddaramaiah said that it would be constructed at a suitable place.

CM said the KVS had nurtured several people and led many struggles to protect the land and this institution should deserve national recognition, adding that he was fortunate to participate in the foundation day celebrations of the institution which had played a crucial role in the unification of the state.

Earlier, Basavaraj Horatti lauded the contributions of Patil Puttappa who had been leading the Sangha for the last 50 years uninterruptedly.

Siddaramaiah felicitated sculptor Maruti who has carved a bust of Patil Puttappa.