Kalaburagi master plan focuses on investments, jobs and infrastructure: Priyank Kharge

Home Minister Priyank Kharge addressing a gathering after unfurling the national flag during the 71st Karnataka Rajyotsava Day celebrations in Kalaburagi on November 1, 2026. | Photo Credit: Arun Kulkarni

The State government has prepared a new master plan for the comprehensive development of Kalaburagi, with a focus on attracting foreign investments, generating employment, and strengthening urban infrastructure, Home Minister and Kalaburagi district in-charge Priyank Kharge said.

Addressing the gathering during Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations in Kalaburagi city on Sunday (November 1, 2026), Mr. Kharge said the objective was to transform Kalaburagi into a smart, sustainable and comprehensively developed city.

The master plan, which had been announced last year, was aimed at accelerating the city’s development along the lines of the Smart City model. The results of the proposed development initiatives would become visible over the next two years, he said.

Employment generation and skill development among young people would remain the government’s foremost priorities. Quality education, skill training, and better employment opportunities were essential for the region’s progress, he reiterated.

Mr. Kharge said the Prabuddha Academy had already been established to help young people prepare for competitive examinations. In another initiative, the Kalaburagi Next Foundation had been set up to facilitate development activities through innovative approaches and private-sector participation. The foundation would serve as a model for effective implementation of development projects through public-private partnerships, he said.

The recent inauguration of Appa Lake by Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar was an example of efforts to undertake development works through government and private-sector collaboration. Several initiatives for the city’s development were being planned through the Kalaburagi Next Foundation, he added.

Economic mission to boost Kalyana Karnataka

Mr. Kharge said the State government had announced the Kalyana Karnataka Economic Mission on September 17, with the objective of accelerating economic growth in the region.

While Bengaluru contributed nearly 40% of the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Kalaburagi district’s contribution stood at just 1.9%. Increasing the district’s share in the State’s economy was one of the major objectives, he said.

Greater employment generation would lead to an increase in per capita income and the district’s GDP, he added.

The government was exploring new economic opportunities through initiatives in electronics, textiles, and the Kalyana Karnataka Bio-Economy Mission. Efforts were also underway to harness technology for agricultural development and improve market access for local products such as Kalaburagi tur dal and Kamalapur bananas, Mr. Kharge said.

He stressed that the development of Kalaburagi could not be the responsibility of elected representatives alone; government officials, teachers, journalists and common people should work together to ensure the city’s progress.

The active involvement of young people and the development of their skills and capabilities were essential to achieving the region’s development goals, he said.

MlCs Thippannappa Kamaknoor and Shashil Namoshi, Gescom chairman Praveen Harwal, Regional Commissioner Zaheera Naseem, Deputy Commissioner Ikram Sharief, City Police Commissioner S. D. Sharanappa, Superintendent of Police Adduru Srinivasulu, City Corporation Commissioner Shravan Kumar, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Rahul Sankanoor were present.

Published - November 01, 2026 04:13 pm IST