Kalaburagi (Karnataka): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Tuesday that the state government plans to invest Rs 1,685 crore to develop Kalaburagi into a smart city. This significant investment aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and attract more investment to the region. As part of the Mahatma Gandhi Nagar Vikas Yojana 2.0, Rs 200 crore each will be allocated for basic infrastructure development in Kalaburagi and Ballari municipal corporations.

The announcement was made during the 'Kalyana Karnataka Amrut Mahotsav' and the 10th anniversary celebration of Kalyana Karnataka's special status under Article 371(J) of the Constitution. The Chief Minister addressed the gathering after hoisting the national flag at the Police Parade Ground.

Siddaramaiah highlighted that while India gained independence in 1947, the districts of Bidar, Kalaburagi, and Raichur, previously under the rule of the Nizam of Hyderabad, joined the country only a year later. He credited the sacrifices of freedom fighters, the vision of Jawaharlal Nehru, and the strength of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for the integration of Kalyana Karnataka into India.

A new initiative, "Kalyana Patha," will focus on improving road connectivity and rural development in the Kalyana Karnataka region. This scheme will see the construction of 1,150 km of roads in rural Assembly constituencies at an estimated cost of Rs 1,000 crore.

The Chief Minister also expressed the government’s readiness to support the establishment of an AIIMS institute in Raichur and urged the Central government to expedite its commencement.

For the fiscal year 2024-25, the state aims to generate 4.85 crore person-days of work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) across seven districts in the region. So far, 3.43 crore person-days have been achieved, providing employment to 13.69 lakh people.

To boost tourism, Rs 100 crore will be allocated to develop the Anjanadri Hill and surrounding areas in Koppal district. Additionally, in Ballari, the government plans to organize unregulated jeans industries and establish a Jeans Apparel Park and Common Facility Centre to enhance their global standards.

The 2024-25 budget has earmarked Rs 5,000 crore for the Kalyana Karnataka Development Board to support various development projects in the region. A committee led by Professor Govind Rao has been formed to study economic and social changes in the area and recommend measures to address inequalities.

Ganapati's Alleged Arrest Sparks Nationwide Outrage and Political Controversy

Mandya Violence Update: 94 Suspects Wanted, Police Inspector Suspended

Karnataka Violence During Ganapati Procession: BJP Questions Arrests and Police Action