Kalaburagi District Awaits Union Budget with High Expectations for Development Projects
The districts of Kalaburagi and Kalyana Karnataka in Karnataka are filled with anticipation as Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget on February 1. Local residents, expressing a sense of urgency, are hopeful that this year's budget will finally address their long-standing demands, which have been pending for years. The community is placing significant expectations on the central government's financial plan, mirroring their annual tradition of seeking substantial allocations for regional development.
Decades-Old Dream: Railway Division for Kalaburagi
For decades, the people of Kalaburagi district have cherished the dream of establishing a dedicated railway division. This aspiration gained momentum when veteran leader Mallikarjun Kharge, during his tenure as Railway Minister, announced the railway division in the Pink Book as part of the vote-on-account budget in 2014. Following this announcement, significant progress was made in March 2014, with 42.5 acres of land acquired and transferred to the Railways, and an officer on special duty appointed to oversee the project.
However, the subsequent BJP government kept the initiative pending for its own reasons, leaving the project in limbo. Now, as the new budget approaches, there is renewed hope among district residents that the Union government will take decisive action to establish the railway division, fulfilling a critical infrastructure need that could boost connectivity and economic growth in the region.
Financial Demands: Special Grants and Crop Price Hikes
Another key expectation revolves around financial support. The state government annually allocates Rs 5,000 crore to the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB), which was established under Article 371(J) of the Constitution. In a similar vein, there is a growing demand for the central government to match this contribution by providing an annual special grant of Rs 5,000 crore. This call has intensified, with advocates arguing that Karnataka should receive the same level of special grants as other states to support its welfare initiatives.
KKRDB Chairperson Ajay Singh has already communicated this demand to the Centre through formal correspondence, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also highlighted the issue, drawing the central government's attention to the need for equitable financial assistance.
In the agricultural sector, growers in Kalaburagi are pushing for a price hike for tur crop. Although the central government currently provides a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 8,000 for tur, farmers argue that since the tur grown in Kalaburagi district has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, the price should be increased to Rs 10,000. This adjustment would recognize the crop's unique quality and provide better financial security for local farmers.
Infrastructure and Healthcare: Airport and AIIMS Hopes
Infrastructure development is another major area of focus. Residents are hopeful that Kalaburagi Airport will be included in the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, which aims to enhance regional connectivity through affordable flights. Inclusion in this scheme could lead to the resumption of flights, improving travel options and boosting tourism and business in the district.
On the healthcare front, there is a strong insistence from the community for the establishment of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kalaburagi. This demand is supported by the fact that a massive ESIC Hospital complex has already been constructed at a cost of Rs 2,000 crore, and a medical college exists in the area. Proponents argue that since the foundational infrastructure is in place, the financial burden on the Centre for constructing AIIMS would be minimized, making it a feasible and impactful investment for improving healthcare services in the region.
As budget day approaches, the people of Kalaburagi and Kalyana Karnataka remain optimistic, looking to the Union government to address these multifaceted demands and pave the way for comprehensive regional development.
