Kalaburagi (Karnataka): Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday announced that the state government has approved the creation of a separate secretariat for the development of Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad Karnataka region). The decision, aimed at accelerating regional growth, coincided with the celebrations of Kalyana Karnataka Utsav, which commemorates the region’s liberation from Nizam rule in 1948.
New secretariat to boost development
“The government has taken an important decision to create a separate secretariat. Officials will be appointed soon, and this will give new momentum to the development of Kalyana Karnataka,” Siddaramaiah told reporters in Kalaburagi.
Law and parliamentary affairs minister HK Patil said the modalities of the decision would be finalised in the official order to be issued shortly. He emphasised that there had long been a demand for a dedicated administrative mechanism for the region.
Rural development and panchayat raj minister Priyank Kharge, who represents the area, welcomed the move, stating it would help ensure development initiatives are “implemented more effectively” while also creating jobs through the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board and district administrations.
Historical significance of the announcement
The announcement was made on the sidelines of Kalyana Karnataka Utsav on September 17, which marks the region’s integration into the Indian Union in 1948. Reflecting on its history, Siddaramaiah noted that while the rest of India celebrated independence on 15 August 1947, the region continued to face atrocities under the Razakars until it was liberated a year later.
“It was due to the unwavering resolve of the unparalleled freedom fighters from this land of sacrifice, coupled with the firm determination of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, that this region was integrated into the Indian Union,” he said in his address.
Addressing persistent regional disparity
The Chief Minister acknowledged the historical neglect of the Kalyana Karnataka region, which includes districts such as Kalaburagi, Bidar, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal and Ballari. “As independent India progressed on the path of development, the districts of Kalyana Karnataka remained underdeveloped and in darkness,” he remarked.
He recalled that the Hyderabad-Karnataka Development Board, formed in 1990, was an early attempt to bridge the gap. However, Siddaramaiah argued that a stronger, institutional mechanism was now essential to address persistent inequalities in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment.
Conclusion
The creation of a dedicated secretariat is being seen as a landmark step in addressing long-standing grievances of the Kalyana Karnataka region. With the promise of fresh resources, additional employment opportunities, and greater administrative focus, the move is expected to give fresh impetus to regional development that has remained elusive for decades.