Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry office at Kalaburagi. | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI
As the Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI) completes 60 years on January 17, it stands as one of the most influential business organizations in North Karnataka, having played a lasting role in shaping the region’s trade, industry and economic development.
Established on 17 January 1966 as the Hyderabad Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, KKCCI was established to protect the interests of traders and businessmen while contributing to the wider socio-economic growth of the region. Over six decades, it has evolved into a powerful collective voice for business that responds to changing economic conditions and policy frameworks.
The Chamber was founded by a group of prominent business leaders, including HM Kheny, AV Chintamani Rao, Kishor Das Narayandas, Srinivas Rao Raghoji, Rameshchandra S. Lahoti, Baburao R. Jajee, Chandulal R. Shah, Govindrao S. Ghantoji, whose vision was laid by Jaikumar R. Kuni and AG Rajaach for regional advocacy and industrial growth. Over the years, the organization has been led by several presidents who have strengthened its institutional reach and influence.
From operating out of rented premises in the early years, KKCCI achieved a key milestone in 1978 to 1980 by constructing its own building at the Super Market in Kalaburagi. Subsequent expansion with halls and auditoriums transformed it into a center for business meetings, training programs and public dialogue. Today, the chamber has a membership of over 4,000, making it one of the largest chambers of commerce in Karnataka.
“Besides commercial representation, KKCCI has been consistently handling trade grievances related to taxation, electricity supply, infrastructure, transport, market regulations, finance and policy implementation with district, state and central authorities, serving as a vital interface between industry and government,” said KKCCI President Sharanabasappa M. Pappa.
The chamber has also played a visible role in regional advocacy, including supporting the movement for special status under Article 371(J) of the Constitution and supporting major initiatives such as the Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi Airport and the permanent unit of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences.
“Going forward, KKCCI will continue to focus on strengthening small and medium enterprises, agro-based industries and key regional crops like red gram, cotton and paddy. It is also advocating for the improvement of railway infrastructure, including the long-awaited railway division at Kalaburagi,” said KKCCI Secretary Shivaraj V. Inginshetty. He added that plans are underway to set up an exhibition and training center at the Nandur-Kesaratagi Industrial Zone to promote skill development, trade and entrepreneurship, reaffirming the chamber’s commitment to balanced and inclusive development of the region.
Published – 16 Jan 2026 21:11 IST