Rural Development and Panchiyat Raj, It-BT Minister Priyank Kharge released the logo of Kalaburagi Next Foundation in Kalaburagi town on Monday. | Photo credit: Arun Kulkarni
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, IT-BT Minister and Kalaburagi District In-Charge Priyank Kharge on Monday launched the Kalaburagi Next Foundation, a government-backed public charitable foundation that aims to promote inclusive and sustainable development of the district through public participation and corporate collaboration.
Unveiling the foundation’s logo at a program in Kalaburagi town, Mr. Kharge said it was a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country created by the government to mobilize CSR funds and public donations and channelize them towards priority development needs. The foundation will serve as a platform for individuals, institutions and private companies that will directly contribute to the development of the district.
He said the foundation will focus on key sectors including education and health, 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 heavy public investment, certain challenges require innovative and targeted interventions beyond government programs and the foundation would help effectively bridge these gaps.
The foundation will be run by 12 ex-officio trustees, including elected representatives and senior officials, with the deputy commissioner acting as vice-chair to ensure transparency, accountability and proper use of funds. Donations made to the Foundation will be eligible for income tax exemption.
Several corporate companies have already committed to support. ZEISS will perform eye screening for almost 11 million students and provide free glasses if needed. Unstop will offer job-focused skills training for 2,500 young people, while Health Held High will train 15,000 young people in digital skills. Neo-Sky will provide drone pilot training to 500 youth and Sitara Akka Foundation will work to improve SSLC results in 250 schools. Tata Electronics will support water conservation initiatives, Fidelity will supply 800 computers to government offices and KEONICS will provide over 1,000 AI compact computers to educational institutions.
Mr. Kharge also announced that five sports complexes would be constructed in the district within one year at an estimated cost of ₹ 20 crore in collaboration with Dream Sports to encourage youth participation in sports.
Published – 26 Jan 2026 23:50 IST
