Regional Imbalance Redressal Committee to submit report in October

DHARWAD

The Regional Imbalance Redressal Committee, which has been set up to review the effects of the implementation of the recommendations of a similar committee headed by Dr DM Nanjundappa, will submit its report to the state government in October this year, said committee's Chairperson Dr M Govind Rao. Speaking to media persons after holding a meeting with various stakeholders, he said the new committee will also recommend development of new infrastructure in backward and most backward taluks. The state government started implementing the recommendations of Nanjundappa Committee in 2007-2008. His report was based on 35 indices and had classified taluks as most backward and backward.  “Based on his recommendation, the state government has spent Rs 31,600 crore on these taluks. We need to see to what extent these initiatives have been successful.  However, in the current context, there is a need to review the said report in accordance with the times and come up with new guidelines or recommendations based on the current human development indices,” Dr Rao said. The Committee, which has visited Kalyana Karnataka and Kittur Karnataka divisions, will visit all the districts in the state, he added.

Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu said the Hubballi airport should be upgraded and logistic and commercial airport facilities should be provided. 

District Minister Santosh Lad, MLAs Mahesh Tenginakai, NH Konaraddi, members of the committee Prof Suryanarayana, Prof ST Bagalkoti, ZP CEO Bhuvanesh Patil, SP Gopal Byakod and others were present.

Member-Secretary of the committee, Finance and Planning Secretary R Vishal said that the committee is focusing on income, education and health indicators. The stakeholders have demanded more food processing units be set up, the government medical facility be expanded, tourism sector be improved, and higher education made more affordable to the poor and marginalized.