Karnataka Regional Imbalance Redressal Committee chairman and economist M. Govinda Rao chairing the committee meeting in Chamarajanagar on Monday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

MYSURU

Karnataka Regional Imbalance Redressal Committee chairman and economist M. Govinda Rao said in Chamarajanagar on Monday that a review will be conducted based on new indices to assess the changes in development across districts following the implementation of the D.M. Nanjundappa Report. This will help identify what further developmental steps are needed, and a report will be submitted accordingly, he added.

Presiding over the district-level interactive meeting of the committee held at the zilla panchayat hall in the town, Prof. Rao addressed the gathering, which included the committee’s member-secretary R. Vishal (Principal Secretary of the Department of Financial Reforms and Planning), other committee members, directors, MLAs, senior officials, and representatives of various organisations.

The committee, headed by Dr. Nanjundappa, had submitted its recommendations in 2002, identifying backward taluks. Based on these recommendations, the government spent ₹43,000 crore on their development. The current committee is now reviewing the extent of progress in these taluks and identifying areas that remain underdeveloped, he said.

Prof. Rao emphasised that increasing imbalances lead to regional backwardness. The review will analyse development using indicators such as per capita income, education, health, and other sectors. The committee will study and examine all relevant aspects and submit a comprehensive report to the government, he said.

Dr. Vishal said the committee should base its recommendations on new indicators. Visits are being conducted across districts to hold discussions and gather suggestions. Local-level discussions are helping to identify specific development needs, he noted.

MLA for Kollegal A.R. Krishnamurthy said the district has extensive forest areas and a high population of Scheduled Castes and tribes. He emphasised the need to appoint qualified teachers proportionately, focus on skill development, provide local employment opportunities, and promote tourism since the district has tourist spots, religious centers, and forest attractions. He also mentioned the benefits of implementing Phase 2 of the Kabini project.

MLA for Hanur, M.R. Manjunath, pointed out that the Hanur constituency needs prioritisation of irrigation. The absence of industrial areas forces locals to seek employment elsewhere. The lack of road connectivity in villages bordering forests is causing major issues for students. Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Nag said value addition is needed for the crops produced in the district. A comprehensive plan for tourism development has been prepared, and focus is being given to the development of basic infrastructure.

Traders, farmer leaders, NGO representatives, and education and other sector organisation heads also spoke on the occasion, highlighting local issues and offering suggestions.

Some of the key suggestions included minimum support price for crops, employment generation, irrigation development, super speciality hospitals, support for small industries, infrastructure in educational institutions, crop protection from wild animals, a textile hub, GST exemption, easy access to bank loans, encouragement for students in sports, agriculture-based industries, better remuneration for guest teachers, and revival of the silk industry.