Number of backward taluks rises in Karnataka, 93 classified most backward, 36 more backward, 43 backward

The Karnataka Regional Imbalances Redressal Committee (2026), headed by economist M. Govinda Rao, has found a significant increase in the number of backward taluks in Karnataka. The report identified 93 taluks as most backward, with an overall increase in the proportion of backward taluks from 65% to 72.8%. Despite strong socio-economic growth, the report highlighted that human development indicators have not improved proportionally, and inequality has widened due to concentrated growth in modern services sectors within a few districts.