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Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, and IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge has said that a comprehensive blueprint has been prepared for the overall transformation of Kalaburagi district, with special emphasis on industrial development, innovation, human resource growth, agriculture, and tourism under the Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP). Addressing a press conference at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Saturday, the Minister said that the LEAP programme is designed to make Kalaburagi district a significant contributor to Karnataka’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “Bengaluru contributes around 40% to the State’s GDP, while Dakshina Kannada contributes merely 4.5%. The GDP of Kalaburagi district stands at 1.9%, and our goal is to increase the district’s share to 2.5% within a year,” Mr. Kharge said. Under the LEAP initiative, the government has proposed an investment of ₹ 1,000 crore over the next five years. The initiative aims to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment in emerging technology clusters by improving access to finance, infrastructure, and a supportive ecosystem. “The LEAP initiative will help generate nearly five lakh jobs and will position Karnataka as a leading hub for diversified technological development beyond Bengaluru,” Mr. Kharge added. ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ initiative Highlighting the “Beyond Bengaluru” vision, Mr. Kharge said that efforts are being made to promote start-ups and technological innovation in Kalaburagi district. “For youth empowerment, we are not only focusing on education and employment but also planning to establish a large-scale Sports City. Local resources will be utilised to transform Kalaburagi into a model Smart City,” he added. Mr Kharge said that a sum of ₹313.17 crore has been earmarked for the conservation and restoration of historical monuments and heritage sites across Kalaburagi district through the Department of Archaeology Museums and Heritage. The government also plans to develop the Nagavi heritage zone in Chittapur taluk - an ancient educational center - with a total investment of ₹68 crore. The Malkhed Fort in Sedam taluk, which once served as the capital of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, will be developed at a cost of ₹6 crore. Similarly, the Sri Suryanarayana Temple at Kalgi will undergo restoration works worth ₹4.17 crore. In Kanaganahalli of Chittapur taluk, an ancient Buddhist site, an information centre worth ₹2 crore will be set up to provide guidance and facilities for tourists. MLA Allamprabhu Patil, MLCs Thippannappa Kamaknoor and Jagdev Guttedar, and Deputy Commissioner B. Fauzia Tarannum were present. Earlier in the day, Mr. Kharge participated in the 70th Karnataka Rajyotsava day celebrations and paid floral tributes to the portrait of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari at Nagareshwara School in the city.
