Kalaburagi Economy Hit: Per Capita Income Drops, District Ranks Last in Karnataka

Kalaburagi’s per capita income fell for the first time, ranking last in Karnataka. Crop failures, lack of industries, job migration, and stalled projects have worsened the district’s economic crisis.

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Per capita income negative for the first time

The 2025-26 economic survey by the state's Planning Department reveals a shocking fact: Kalaburagi's per capita income has dropped for the first time. The district, already struggling with poor SSLC/PUC results and high poverty, now has the 'last rank' tag for income too.

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State average per capita income recorded at Rs. 3,86,156

Kalaburagi's per capita income fell from Rs. 1,45,377 in the 2023-24 survey to Rs. 1,44,449 in the 2026-27 survey—a drop of Rs. 928. Meanwhile, the state's average income is Rs. 3,86,156. Kalaburagi is the only district to see a fall, ringing alarm bells for its leaders.

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Drought of industries: A blow to income

People say the lack of big industries is killing economic activity in the district. Good education and health are needed for income to grow, but no real progress is happening in this 'hot city'. The question is, how can income increase on its own?

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Kalaburagi Last: Could these be the reasons?

Here are the likely reasons: 1) Farming, the main income source, has failed for three years. 2) Floods and heavy rains destroyed crops. 3) People migrate for 6-8 months for work due to no local jobs. 4) Big projects like textile and solar parks are only on paper. 5) Local hiring in cement factories is very low. 6) Tourism has huge potential but remains untapped.

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Industrialists never boarded the 'metal bird'!

Everyone said an airport would bring industrialists. The airport opened in 2019, but the investors never came. In seven years, not one new industry has set up shop in Kalaburagi. The harsh truth is that the airport itself shut down for a while, but the business leaders stayed away.

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A drought of political will for industrialization!

The district also suffers from a lack of political will to push for industrialisation. There have been no serious efforts to boost the industrial sector. As a result, the people of the 'tur dal bowl' are completely dependent on farming, with no other income source. This is a key reason why the district is now last in per capita income.

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Around per capita income

Bengaluru Rural tops the list with a per capita income of Rs. 8,55,960—six times more than Kalaburagi. Dakshina Kannada (Rs. 6,26,279) and Udupi (Rs. 6,00,683) are also far ahead. Other Kalyana Karnataka districts like Yadagiri (Rs. 1,64,388) and Raichur (Rs. 1,78,888) are also at the bottom. Ballari, however, is at the 11th spot with Rs. 3,24,111.