Karnataka Regional Imbalances Redressal Committee

Karnataka Regional Imbalances Redressal Committee

News –

• The Karnataka Regional Imbalances Redressal Committee, chaired by eminent economist M. Govinda Rao, submitted its final report to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on January 31, 2026.
• The 2026 report highlights a troubling trend: despite Karnataka’s robust overall economic growth, regional disparities have worsened since the landmark Nanjundappa Committee report of 2002.

Key Findings & Classification

• The committee evaluated all 236 taluks in the state and found that backwardness is heavily concentrated in North Karnataka.

1. Most Backward: 93 taluks (primarily in the Kalaburagi and Belagavi divisions).
2. More Backward: 36 taluks.
3. Backward: 43 taluks.
4. Developed: 64 taluks.

• Regional Concentration: Roughly 60% of all backward taluks are located in North Karnataka.

Major Recommendations

• The committee proposed a major structural overhaul of how Karnataka addresses regional development:
• Abolition of Boards: The panel recommended abolishing the Malnad Area Development Board and the Bayaluseeme Development Board, citing their failure to make a meaningful impact on infrastructure over three decades.
• KKRDB Overhaul: It called for a complete revamp of the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB) due to operational failures and ad-hoc planning.
• Funding: The committee recommended a specialized allocation of ₹29,009 crore for the KKRDB from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
• Education Reform: Noting severe teacher shortages in the Kalaburagi division, it suggested rationalizing and consolidating schools with low enrollment (fewer than 25 students).