YADGIR, 14 June

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday urged Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar to transform the Kalyana Karnataka region -- which is considered backward in terms of development -- like Mysuru and Bengaluru.

Speaking at a public event in Yadgir to lay the foundation stone for projects under the Rs 440 crore ‘Arogya Avishkara’ health scheme, Kharge emphasised the need to accelerate development in the region, considered one of Karnataka’s most backward. He urged the government to focus on filling vacancies, particularly of teachers, and said the law permits recruitment in the region without financial constraints.

He pointed out that while Rs 5,000 crore had been allocated for the region this year, the funds must be utilised efficiently. “Funds are being provided, but they must be spent properly and on time. Otherwise, development will not reach the people,” he said, appealing to local legislators and officials to ensure timely implementation.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted that Rs 13,000 crore has been allocated over the past three years to the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB), of which Rs 5,300 crore has already been spent. “The benefits of these projects have reached the people. In addition, we are providing department-wise funds for various schemes in the region.  Steps are also being taken to fill vacant government posts in this region,” he said.

He announced a Rs 847 crore plan to expand healthcare, including upgrading 42 hospitals and constructing new ones. The newly launched ‘Arogya Avishkara’ scheme, with an outlay of Rs 440.63 crore, aims to improve health infrastructure and services across the region.

Siddaramaiah said the Congress government is fulfilling its election promises and the objectives of the Nanjundappa Report. “Funds are being allocated for health, education, employment, and basic infrastructure. We’ve already implemented the ‘Akshara Avishkara’ programme in education and now, ‘Arogya Avishkara’ for health,” he noted.

He criticised the BJP for its alleged neglect of the region and for opposing Article 371(J), which grants special status to Kalyana Karnataka. He credited former prime minister Manmohan Singh, along with leaders Kharge and the late Dharam Singh, for ensuring its implementation.

“Our government is committed to comprehensive development. We follow the ideals of Basavanna — we act as we speak,” Siddaramaiah said, adding that Karnataka ranks second in the country for GST collection, a testament to the state’s financial strength.

Our government is carrying out developmental works in the field of education, health, roads, rural development, employment, etc. We have laid the foundation stone for various works in healthcare worth Rs 416 crore

DK Shivakumar, Deputy CM