In the recently presented State budget for the fiscal year 2023-24, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah showcased the Congress government’s dedication to the progress and development of the Kalyana Karnataka region, including Ballari, by addressing important expectations.
A budget of ₹770 crore has been allocated specifically for filling 899 tanks, including Ballari. This significant investment highlights the government’s commitment to addressing water scarcity and promoting agricultural growth in Ballari and other districts within the Kalyana Karnataka region.
Additionally, a substantial sum of ₹75 crore has been allotted for the comprehensive development of various tourist destinations, including popular attractions such as Hampi, Mailara, and Gangapura. The forts of Malkhed, Bidar, Raichur, and Kalaburagi within the region will also receive attention and funding. This initiative aims to enhance tourism infrastructure, preserve cultural heritage, and boost economic growth in Ballari and its neighboring areas.
As anticipated, a significant announcement in the State budget was the allocation of ₹5,000 crore for development projects under the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB). The Chief Minister highlighted the historical significance of the region, mentioning how the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance had granted it special status by amending the Constitution of India through the addition of Article 371(J). Criticizing the previous BJP government in Karnataka, he attributed the failure to utilize the allocated funds to their administration.
In his budget speech, the Chief Minister expressed his concerns regarding the previous BJP government’s administration, stating that despite the announcement of substantial grants, there was a noticeable failure in devising a comprehensive action plan and effectively implementing it. Consequently, grants exceeding ₹2,000 crore remained unutilized by the board. To rectify these shortcomings and ensure proper allocation of funds, the government is committed to undertaking development projects worth ₹5,000 crore in the Kalyana Karnataka region during the fiscal year 2023-24.
In the recently unveiled State budget for the fiscal year 2023-24, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah demonstrated the Congress government’s dedication to fulfilling the key aspirations of the Kalyana Karnataka region. One noteworthy announcement is the establishment of a new 200-bed mother and child hospital at Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Kalaburagi, with a budget of ₹70 crore. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare facilities in the region, particularly in Kalaburagi district.
To further bolster medical infrastructure, the Chief Minister allocated ₹30 crore for the operationalization of Trauma Care Centres (TCC) in Mysuru and Kalaburagi. Additionally, ₹20 crore has been designated for upgrading the Peripheral Cancer Centres of Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Kalaburgi and Mysuru, ensuring improved cancer care services.
Another significant initiative unveiled in the budget is the development of a new 78 km road, costing ₹1,696 crore, connecting Kalmala junction near Raichur to Ballari-Lingasuguru Road Circle near Sindhanur. This road project aims to enhance connectivity and promote regional development.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, along with his colleagues in the treasury benches, celebrated the budget presentation in the Assembly in Bengaluru on July 7, 2023, reaffirming their commitment to the progress and welfare of the state.
In an expected move, the Chief Minister made a significant announcement regarding the allocation of ₹5,000 crore for development initiatives under the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB). He emphasized the special status granted to the region by the United Progressive Alliance, led by Congress, through the inclusion of Article 371(J) in the Constitution of India. The Chief Minister held the previous BJP government in Karnataka responsible for the unutilized funds that exceeded ₹2,000 crore, attributing it to a lack of proper action planning and implementation.
During his budget speech, the Chief Minister revealed plans for a new 200-bed mother and child hospital at Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Kalaburagi, with an estimated cost of ₹70 crore. This announcement holds significant importance, particularly for Kalaburagi district, as it aims to enhance healthcare services in the region.
Moreover, the Chief Minister allocated ₹30 crore for the establishment of Trauma Care Centres (TCC) in Mysuru and Kalaburagi, while ₹20 crore was designated for the enhancement of Peripheral Cancer Centres at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Kalaburgi and Mysuru.
Another noteworthy initiative disclosed in the budget speech was the proposed construction of a new 78 km road, with a budget of ₹1,696 crore, connecting Kalmala junction near Raichur to Ballari-Lingasuguru Road Circle near Sindhanur. This road development project aims to improve connectivity and facilitate regional progress.
These announcements highlight the government’s commitment to the development and welfare of the Kalyana Karnataka region, emphasizing the effective utilization of funds for the betterment of the people.
The region also received several other notable announcements, including:
Allocation of ₹155 crore to operationalize super-specialty hospitals and burn care centers in the districts of Mysuru, Kalaburagi, and Belagavi.
₹100 crore dedicated to the construction and maintenance of 400 community toilet complexes in the Kalyana Karnataka region.
Establishment of new industrial estates in Chittapur (Kalaburagi district), Shahapur (Yadgir district), Hubballi, Kodkani (Uttara Kannada district), Kanagala (Belagavi district), Badanaguppe (Chamarajanagar district), and Indi (Vijayapura district).
The declaration of a Black Buck conservation reserve in Bidar district.
The establishment of Janapada Loka in Koppal district.
These initiatives further showcase the government’s commitment to the holistic development and progress of the Kalyana Karnataka region.
