We’ll submit regional imbalance report based on development indicators, says Govinda Rao

The Karnataka State Committee for Redressal of Regional Imbalance will evaluate district-level development based on multiple sectoral indicators and submit a comprehensive report to the government, committee chairperson M. Govinda Rao has said

Presiding over a district-level review meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Hosapete on Wednesday, Prof. Rao stated that the committee will examine in which sectors the district lagged behind and what changes will be necessary to address development imbalances.

He referred to the landmark 2002 report by D.M. Nanjundappa which classified the then 176 taluks of Karnataka into four categories — developed, backward, more backward and most backward — and recommended allocation of funds accordingly.

“Following this classification, the State government spent ₹31,000 crore on the development of identified backward taluks. The current assessment will be indicator-based. It will help us understand to what extent development has taken place as a result of implementing the Nanjundappa report. If any region continues to remain backward, we will study the reasons — be it in income, education, healthcare or other sectors,” Prof. Rao said.

The State government, he added, constituted a committee of economic experts in September 2024 to take the initiative forward and the committee will identify development indicators across various domains such as agriculture, industry, financial and technical infrastructure, economic growth and social services.

Prof. Rao emphasised the importance of industrial development in the district to generate employment for local youth and to reduce migration. He noted that several programmes are being considered for the holistic development of the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Kudligi MLA N.T. Srinivas said that his constituency has a large population of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

He called for the appointment of adequately trained teachers based on student numbers in government schools. He also stressed the need for enhancing skill development training for local youth and to promote tourism in the region, given its rich religious and natural heritage.

Harapanahalli MLA Latha Mallikarjun underscored the need to improve basic infrastructure in urban areas and said that efforts must be made to stop outward migration.

She pointed out the existence of 38 tribal tandas (settlements) in her constituency that require focused development. She also flagged the shortage of doctors in government hospitals and urged for prioritisation of employment generation, support to farmers and improvements in the health and education sectors.

Hosapete MLA H.R. Gaviyappa noted that tourism will play a pivotal role in boosting the district’s economy. He called for improved infrastructure in tourist hotspots, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, and advocated for the establishment of new industries, including sugar factories.

“Better support prices for farmers crops, expanded irrigation facilities and the setting up of super-speciality hospitals, medical colleges and small-scale industries at the district headquarters will facilitate the development. The development of educational infrastructure, promotion of student engagement in sports, agro-based industries and revival of the silk industry also play a key role,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner M.S. Divakar, along with committee members S.T. Bagalkote and Sangeetha Katti, were present in the meeting.

Published - June 19, 2025 07:21 pm IST