KKCCI seeks Pralhad Joshi's intervention in ensuring regional development push

The Hindu

16-06-2025

The Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI) submitted a detailed memorandum to Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi during his visit to Kalaburagi recently pressing for his intervention in getting several long-standing regional demands fulfilled.
The memorandum, submitted by KKCCI president Sharanabasappa Pappa and secretary Shivaraj V. Inginshetty, highlighted key concerns and sought the Union government's action on industrial, agricultural and infrastructure development in Kalaburagi and the larger Kalyana Karnataka region which continues to lag in major development indicators.
One of the primary appeals is the formal establishment of a Railway Division in Kalaburagi, sanctioned in 2014 but yet to be operationalised. Despite the government acquiring 41 acres of land, the absence of a functioning division has left the region's rail grievances scattered across five zones, causing administrative inefficiencies. Notably, Kalaburagi and Wadi stations generate significant freight revenue for the Solapur Division, the memorandum noted.
The KKCCI also called for Kalaburagi to be notified as an aspirational district citing its poor human development indicators and income levels compared to neighbouring districts already under the NITI Aayog scheme.
Further, the chamber raised serious concerns over the unrestricted import of tur dal which it said has destabilised prices and adversely affected farmers and local processing units.
The memorandum also advocated for a 5% interest subvention on term loans availed of by agro-processing units, including dal and rice mills in Kalaburagi, Yadgir and Raichur that are under pressure due to high interest rates and mounting NPAs. It noted that these units are vital to rural employment and agricultural value addition and will benefit significantly from such support.
The chamber also urged the revival of the stalled Mega Textile Park project sanctioned in 2011 with a budget of ₹46.39 crore. Although the first instalment has been released, the project stalled due to procedural issues. With over 10,000 skilled textile workers in the region and extensive cotton cultivation nearby, its revival can significantly boost employment and regional economic activity, the memorandum noted.
Another major request has been the re-sanctioning of the MSME Technology Centre originally approved for Shahabad in Kalaburagi during 2013-14. Due to unresolved land litigation, the project was relocated to another State. KKCCI stressed the need to restore this initiative, especially considering the high unemployment levels in the region which also includes two existing aspirational districts, Yadgir and Raichur.
Additionally, the chamber has recommended that the Mumbai-Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor be routed through Kalaburagi. It has proposed the development of an industrial corridor covering 1,000 acres in the area which will help attract investment, spur industrial growth and reduce unemployment in one of the most backward regions of the State.
KKCCI office-bearers expressed the confidence that Mr. Joshi, given his senior position and proximity to the Prime Minister will champion the cause and ensure long-overdue attention is paid to Kalyana Karnataka region.