Bengaluru, Feb 06: Asserting that Buddhist communities can no longer be placed on the margins of state welfare planning, Jikmet Wangdus Jyothi, a member of the Karnataka State Minorities Commission, on Thursday pressed the Karnataka government to make clear and time-bound financial commitments for Buddhist institutions and community development.
Speaking during the State pre-budget meeting in Bengaluru, Wangdus placed a detailed proposal before the authorities, seeking a Rs 10 crore allocation in the coming state budget exclusively for the welfare and development of Buddhist communities.
He stated that the proposed funds would be directed towards the preservation and maintenance of Buddhist viharas, strengthening of community infrastructure and support for cultural and religious activities.
The high-level meeting was attended by the Minority Minister, the Minister for Planning and Statistics, the Chief Minister’s Political Secretary, senior secretaries, government officers and delegations representing Buddhist communities from different parts of Karnataka.
Taking a firm position on long-term support, Wangdus also demanded the creation of a Buddhist Development Authority to coordinate welfare programmes, oversee the use of public funds and ensure sustained institutional backing for Buddhist communities across the state.
He further submitted representations received from individual monasteries, highlighting their specific requirements related to buildings, accommodation and essential facilities.
Responding to the proposals, the concerned Minister assured support from the Government of Karnataka and reiterated the administration’s commitment to the protection of Buddhist heritage and religious institutions.
Wangdus thanked the Chief Minister and the Minority Department for continued engagement with the community and noted that nearly Rs 12 crore had been sanctioned in the previous financial year for Buddhist welfare and infrastructure works.
Known for sustained outreach with monastic institutions, Jyothi has been actively working with Buddhist groups, particularly supporting Ladakhi monks and nuns studying and residing in Karnataka. His interventions have focused on access to welfare schemes, institutional coordination and addressing social and cultural needs linked to education and religious life.
