An Evaluation of Regional Imbalances and Backwarness on Kalyana Karnataka Development

Abstract The present article examines the issues and concerns of regional development in Kalyana-Karnataka based on qualitative analysis. The study focus on regional imbalance assumes significance in the light of the global decentralization trend. Regional inequalities contribute to social and economic inequalities across the globe. In India regional disparities have been the matter of serious concern since independence through Five Year Plans. Dr.D.M. Nanjundappa committee had recommended establishing an appropriate institutional set-up to accelerate the process of development in different sectors of Kalyana-Karnataka. A three-decade struggle to seek special status for six Karnataka districts ended when Lok Sabha passed the Constitution (118th Amendment) Bill, 2012. The Special Development Plan (SDP) has also been implemented in this region to enhance the social and economic status of the people who had faced lot of hardships due to lack of state intervention. The Action Plan of 2014-15 provides for the allocation of Rs.600 crore for the integrated development of the region. The developmental strategies in Karnataka require social development and environmental conservation since there is a positive linkage between them. The policy makers and other stakeholders of the region are required to allocate adequate funds, design area-specific programme and implement target-group oriented development schemes in the region in order to achieve the goal of inclusive development in the new millennium.