Kalaburagi Next Foundation launched to drive district’s holistic development

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, IT-BT Minister and Kalaburagi district in charge Priyank Kharge on Monday launched the Kalaburagi Next Foundation, a government-supported public charitable trust aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable development of the district through public participation and corporate collaboration.

Unveiling the logo of the foundation at a programme in Kalaburagi city, Mr. Kharge said that it was the first initiative of its kind in the country, created by the government to mobilise CSR funds and public donations and channel them towards priority development needs. The foundation will serve as a platform for individuals, institutions, and private companies to directly contribute to the district’s progress.

He said that the foundation will focus on key sectors including education and healthcare, youth and sports, skill development and self-employment, women empowerment, poverty and unemployment eradication, environmental protection, rural development and climate action.

Mr. Kharge said that despite large public investments, certain challenges require innovative and targeted interventions beyond government schemes, and the foundation would help bridge these gaps effectively.

The foundation will be managed by 12 ex-officio trustees, including elected representatives and senior officials, with the Deputy Commissioner serving as vice-chairperson to ensure transparency, accountability and proper utilisation of funds. Donations made to the foundation will be eligible for income tax exemption.

Several corporate companies have already committed to providing support. ZEISS will conduct eye screening for nearly 11 lakh students and provide free spectacles where required. Unstop will offer employment-oriented skill training to 2,500 youth, while Health Held High will train 15,000 youth in digital skills. Neo-Sky will provide drone pilot training to 500 youth, and Sitara Akka Foundation will work towards improving SSLC results in 250 schools. Tata Electronics will support water conservation initiatives, Fidelity will supply 800 computers to government offices, and KEONICS will be providing over 1,000 AI-enabled compact computers to educational institutions.

Mr. Kharge also announced that five sports complexes would be constructed in the district within a year at an estimated cost of ₹20 crore in partnership with Dream Sports, to encourage youth participation in sports.