KKCCI delegation meets Union Ministers in New Delhi; seeks restoration of flight services in Kalaburagi

The delegation of the Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce & Industry met Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi on Thursday.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

A high-level delegation of the Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KKCCI) met senior Union Ministers in New Delhi on Thursday during the Winter Session of Parliament and sought urgent intervention on key developmental issues affecting the Kalaburagi region, including the restoration of flight services and progress on the proposed PM MITRA Textile Park.

The delegation, led by KKCCI president Sharanabasappa M. Pappa and secretary Shivraj V. Inginshetty, met Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and pressed for the immediate resumption of Kalaburagi flight services, which remain suspended despite the airport being operational. The delegation highlighted that the absence of air connectivity has been adversely impacting trade, industrial growth, healthcare access, investment inflow and overall regional development.

Responding to the concerns, Mr. Naidu assured the delegation that he was aware of the situation and that steps would be taken to restore flight services at the earliest. He also noted that Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge had personally spoken to him on the issue and that leaders from the Kalaburagi region had been consistently raising the matter.

Earlier, the KKCCI delegation met Union Minister for Textiles Giriraj Singh to discuss the status of the PM MITRA Textile Park proposed for Kalaburagi. The Minister stated that the Central government would take the next course of action once the pending formalities from the State government were completed, adding that the current delay was on the part of the State.

The delegation later met Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Prahlad Joshi and raised concerns over the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for toor dal, stressing the need for timely and effective procurement to protect farmers’ interests. The issue of the PM MITRA Textile Park was also discussed during the meeting.

Mr. Joshi assured the delegation that the status of the Kalaburagi PM MITRA Textile Park would be reviewed shortly and that he would take up the matter with the Union Textile Minister and ensure close follow-up on a priority basis.

The delegation also sought support for setting up Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the Kalaburagi region. Mr. Joshi said the government would extend support if private investors came forward, underlining the importance of district-level industrialisation for sustained economic growth.

Delegation members Santosh Suresh Nandyal, Lingaraj Bhavikatti and Ravishankar Jhamdarkhani were also present during the meetings. The KKCCI reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Union and State governments to improve connectivity, boost industrial development, safeguard farmer welfare and ensure inclusive economic growth in the Kalyana Karnataka region.