114 taluks in K'taka classified as backward: Panel

Mangaluru: The district-level meeting of the Karnataka Regional Imbalance Redressal Committee was held at the Nethravati auditorium of the zilla panchayat on Monday, under the chairmanship of economist Prof M Govinda Rao.

In his address, Prof Rao said that 59 taluks in north Karnataka and 55 in south Karnataka were classified as backward. While funds were allocated and utilised for development, several taluks still lagged behind, particularly in education and healthcare. He said the committee is actively drafting key recommendations to the govt to bridge these regional disparities.

Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian raised concerns about the lack of govt educational institutions in his taluk, which he said adversely affects students from poor backgrounds. He recommended setting up such institutions at the zonal level, and proposed the establishment of education department zonal offices in Mulki, Kadaba, and Ullal taluks.

Deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP pointed out that although Dakshina Kannada has immense potential for tourism development, delays in approvals due to Coastal Regulation Zone norms pose a challenge. Nevertheless, he assured that focus is being placed on enhancing tourism infrastructure. He also said that upgrading Wenlock Hospital to a regional facility would significantly improve public healthcare services.

Zilla panchayat CEO Anandh noted that Kadaba, Sullia, and Belthangady taluks, located along the Western Ghats, continue to lag behind in development compared to other regions. He said that these areas deserve priority in the committee's development strategy.

Vishal R, secretary of the committee and the department of finance reforms and planning, said there is increasing demand for hostels catering to students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, backward classes, and minority communities in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, where educational institutions are densely concentrated.

DHO Dr Thimmaiah proposed that upgrading hospitals at the taluk level would enhance healthcare access and reduce costs for residents. Representatives from industrial bodies stressed the importance of small-scale industries in the region's economic development. They recommended that land be allotted to promote their growth, which would also enhance the district's overall economy.