29-04-2025
Channagari lagging in devpt: Panel chief
Davanagere: The district's development contrasts with Channagiri's backwardness, while Jagalur and Honnali taluks also lag with indices of 0.8 and 0.9, respectively, shared Prof M Govinda Rao, chairman of the
Karnataka Regional Imbalance Redressal Commission
(KRIRC).
Addressing the meeting of the Karnataka Regional Imbalance Redressal Commission of Davanagere on Tuesday at the District Panchayat SS Mallikarjuna Hall, he asserted that DM Nanjundappa's study of 175 state taluks identified 39 as most backward, 40 as very backward, and 35 as backward regions. North Karnataka contained 26 of the most backward taluks, while south Karnataka had 13. The govt allocated Rs 821 crores to Davanagere district (2007-08 to 2023-24), releasing Rs 698 crores for development, with Rs 640 crores utilised. "The state now comprises 240 taluks, and the Karnataka Regional Imbalance Redressal Commission was established to assess development progress, investigate reasons for continued backwardness despite funding, and ensure balanced regional growth," Rao informed.
He further said that, established in March 2024, the commission became fully operational in September 2024. Only Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Bangalore Urban districts achieved expected development levels. "The commission will evaluate 32 indicators, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture, visiting districts to gather public input before making recommendations," Prof Govinda Rao added.
MLA Basavantappa stressed agricultural and industrial development, noting recent industry closures and declining agricultural output. He advocated for adequate electricity, water supply, lake restoration, and crop support prices.
Channagiri MLA Basavaraj Shivaganga identified education as a primary concern, citing teacher shortages. He suggested tourism development in Channagiri and Jagalur taluks, alongside research centres and airport establishment to boost employment.
DC in-charge, Suresh Itnal, emphasised anganwadi worker training needs, and highlighted requirements for lab materials and teachers in govt schools. He noted the necessity for 24/7 hospital services and additional ASHA workers in Jagalur.
