Siddaramaiah’s Rs 70,000 Cr Boost for Kalyana Karnataka
CM unveils massive irrigation, job, and development plans.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, speaking on Kalyana Karnataka Liberation Day, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to transforming the region with a slew of ambitious initiatives, including a Rs 70,000 crore irrigation push and a dedicated Kalyana Karnataka Secretariat. Addressing a gathering in Kalaburagi, he honored the region’s freedom fighters who fought against the Nizam’s oppressive rule, ensuring its integration into India post-1947.
“While India celebrated independence in 1947, Kalyana Karnataka endured the Razakars’ atrocities,” Siddaramaiah said, paying tribute to heroes like Sharanagouda Inamdar, Raja Venkatappa Nayak, and others whose sacrifices, alongside the resolve of Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, secured the region’s liberation. “Their contributions remain unforgettable,” he added.
Highlighting developmental strides, the CM noted that since Article 371-J’s introduction in 2013, 1,19,923 posts have been identified for recruitment, with 84,620 filled. “With internal reservation issues resolved, we’ll fill the remaining vacancies in phases,” he assured. For 2025–26, the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB) has been allocated Rs 5,000 crore, with over Rs 14,000 crore already utilized for 41,103 projects, of which 32,985 are complete.
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Siddaramaiah emphasized the impact of his government’s flagship guarantee schemes, which have injected nearly Rs 1 lakh crore into the state’s economy. The Shakti scheme has enabled 77.6 crore women to avail free bus travel, costing Rs 2,100 crore. Gruha Lakshmi has disbursed Rs 9,650 crore to 24.78 lakh women household heads, while Anna Bhagya has allocated Rs 3,200 crore in the region. Yuva Nidhi has supported 5.75 lakh unemployed graduates and diploma holders with Rs 172 crore.
On irrigation, the CM announced transformative plans, including land acquisition for Phase III of the Krishna Upper Canal Project with farmer consent and raising the Almatti Dam’s height. “These projects will irrigate over 15 lakh acres across Raichur, Yadgir, Kalaburagi, and Koppal, with an investment of over Rs 70,000 crore over the next three years,” he declared. This initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity and economic stability in the drought-prone region.
In a significant move, Siddaramaiah revealed plans for a Kalyana Karnataka Secretariat in Kalaburagi, with a formal notification expected next week. “This secretariat will streamline governance and ensure focused development for the region,” he said. The announcement has sparked optimism among residents, who see it as a step toward addressing long-standing regional disparities.
“The development of Karnataka hinges on Kalyana Karnataka’s progress,” Siddaramaiah concluded, urging citizens to unite for a “new India and a new Karnataka.” The region, historically underserved, stands to benefit from these initiatives, which promise to enhance infrastructure, employment, and quality of life, cementing the government’s commitment to inclusive growth.
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