122
Chapter-V
PROFILE OF THE KOPPAL DISTRICT
5.1 Introduction:
The development process is influenced by numerous factors such as physical,
demographic, socio and economic etc. Therefore, it is essential to describe the
background of the Koppal district with reference to the previously mentioned factors
to analyse finances of the Panchayats in the district. This chapter presents a brief
profile of the Koppal district in Karnataka state.
Map-1: Karnataka State Map
123
Map-2: Koppal District Map
5.2 Location and Boundaries:
Koppal, a newborn district of Karnataka state, carved out of Raichur district,
came into existence on 01-04-1998. It is situated between 150 17' to 16
0 10' North
latitude and 750 45’ to 76
0 45’ East longitude. It is known to be a backward district
among the northern part of the state and situated in the old Hyderabad Karnataka
region.
The North-East of the district is surrounded by Raichur district, East by Gadag
district, South by Bellary district and South-East by Bagalkot district. The Koppal
district headquarters is closest to the world heritage Hampi. It consists of four talukas
namely Koppal, Gangavathi, Kushtagi and Yelburga.
Gangavathi taluk is bounded by Sindhanur taluk of Raichur district and
Kushtagi in the North, Raichur and Bellary districts in the East, Hospet taluk of
124
Bellary district in the South, Koppal and Yelburga talukas in the West. As a part of
Koppal district Gangavathi taluk lies within North latitude 15o 09' 00" to 16
o 03' 30"
and East longitude 75 o 47' 30" to 76
o 48' 10".
Yelburga taluk is surrounded by Kushtagi, Gangavathi and Koppal talukas in
the North and Gadag district in the South. The taluk lies between North latitude
15o.10’ to 16
o.05’ and East longitude 75
o.46’ to 76
o.47’.
5.3 Historical Background of the District:
The history of Koppal can be traced back to the kingdoms of Shathavahanas,
Gangas, Hoysalas and Chalukya Dynasties. The name of the district i.e., "Koppal" is
found in the poetic work of the great poet Kavirajamarga (During King Nrupathunga's
time of 814-878 A.D.) as “Viditha Maha Kopana Nagara.” During Ashoka's period,
the Jainism gained greater momentum in this region. Therefore, it was called
"Jainkashi." In twelfth century A.D. Veerashaivaism of social reformer Basaveshwara
became popular. The present Gavi Math of Koppal has great attraction.
Anegundi of Gangavathi taluk was the first capital of great Vijayanagara
Dynasty. The old palace and fort still exist where annual festival called "Anegundi
Utsava" is being celebrated in a befitting manner every year. The other important
historical places of Koppal district are Itagi, Kukanoor, Madinoor, Indrakeela
Parvatha, Kanakagiri, Pura, Chikkabenakal, Hirebenakal and Huligi.
Before independence, Koppal was under the Nizam of Hyderabad. India got
independence on 15th August 1947, since Koppal was part of Hyderabad region, the
people of the region had to struggle further to attain independence from the clutches
of Hyderabad Nizam. On 18th September 1948, the Hyderabad-Karnataka region got
independence from Nizam. Since then until 01-04-1998, Koppal district was in
Raichur district of Gulbarga revenue division. On 01-04-1998, Koppal district
consisting of four taluks viz. Koppal, Gangavathi, Kushtagi and Yelburga came into
being.
125
5.4 Salient Features of the District
5.4. (i) Soil:
The Koppal district is having partly red sandy and black soil suitable for
agriculture and horticulture crops. Majority of Gangavathi taluk is having black soil.
The taluk is also having very few hills with xerophilous vegetation. The partly red
sandy soil and black soil of mixed geographical origin are found in the Yelburga
taluk.
5.4. (ii) Rivers:
The Tungabhadra river is formed by union of two rivers, viz., the Tunga and
the Bhadra, both of which rise at Gangamula in the Varaha Parvata of the Western
Ghats. This is also a perennial river, very deep in certain places and almost
unaffordable even in the dry season. This river enters the district near Kesalapur
village at the south-western tip of Koppal taluk. The general slope of the land in the
district being north-west to south-east, the Tungabhadra has a large number of rivulets
and streams serving as tributaries. However, none of these streams is of any great
importance by itself and they generally go dry during the summer. There is
Tungabhadra reservoir at Munirabad, which is in the border of Koppal taluk.
Downstream of Tungabhadra dam, Tungabhadra River flows in the south-east border
of Gangavathi taluk; Yelburga taluk does not have river.
5.4. (iii) Climate and Rainfall:
The Koppal district comes under the north dry agro climatic zone. The climate
of the district is very hot and dry. Hot season starts from middle of the February to
end of May. South-west monsoon ranges from June to end of September. Post
monsoon is furing in the months of October and November. Cold season is from
December to middle of February. The normal rainfall of the district is 571.92 mm and
rainy days are 40. However, during 2008 actual average rainfall was 557.70 mm and
rainy days were 32 (see table-5.1).
126
Table-5.1: Distribution of Rainfall in Koppal District
(As on 31-03-2009)
Sl.
No. Taluk
Normal Rainfall
(mm)
Actual Average
Rainfall (mm)
(2008)
Average Rainy Days
Normal
(1901-70)
Actual
(2008)
1 Gangavathi 523.20 453.70 31 25
2 Koppal 599.90 573.30 47 37
3 Kushtagi 571.40 611.50 37 40
4 Yelburga 593.20 592.20 43 29
5 District Total 571.92 557.70 40 32
Source: Koppal District at a Glance, 2008-09.
The day temperature of Gangavathi taluk varies from 29o C in the winter to
42o C in the summer. The normal rainfall in the taluk has been 523.20 mm and normal
rainy days are 31 days. However, during 2008 the actual rainfall has been less than
the normal rainfall i.e., 453.70 mm. As for Yelburga taluk, the temperature is
minimum 26o
C to 28o
C during November and December; maximum 42o
C to 44o
C
during April and May. The normal rainfall has been 593.20 mm.
5.4. (iv) Area and Population:
Koppal district has a geographical area of 5559 sq. kms and total population of
1196089. The table-5.2 provides taluk-wise area and population of the district
according to 2001 census.
As shown in the table-5.2 total population of the district is 1196089. Out of
this, male population is 603312 (50.45 per cent) and female population is 592777
(49.55 per cent). Among the all talukas, highest population is in Gangavathi taluk i.e.,
406334 (33.97 per cent), next comes Koppal taluk i.e., 314051 (26.26 per cent). The
lowest population is in Yelburga taluk i.e., 236373 (19.76 per cent).
The population of the district has been predominantly scattered over the rural
belt. Though the villages have been densely populated, the district as a whole has
127
been populated sparsely. The vast majority of the people of the district hail from the
rural sector. The rural and the traditional character of the population has been the
hallmark of the whole district. Out of the total population, 997797 (83.42%) from
rural area and 198292 (16.58%) from urban area. Highest and lowest rural population
is found in Yelburga and Gangavathi talukas respectively in the district.
Table-5.2: Area and Population of Koppal District
(According to 2001 Census)
Sl.
No
.
Ta
luk
Are
a (
sq.
km
s)
Ma
le
Fem
ale
To
tal
Ru
ral
Urb
an
To
tal
Den
sity
Per
sq
. k
ms
Sex
Ra
tio
Per
10
00
Men
Literacy
Rate
(%)
Ma
le
Fem
ale
To
tal
1
Ga
ng
av
ath
i
1328
(23.89)
204356
(50.29)
201978
(49.71)
406334
(33.97)
304942
(75.05)
101392
(24.95)
406334
(33.97) 305 988 65.9 40.3 53.1
2
Ko
pp
al
1375
(24.74)
159071
(50.65)
154980
(49.35)
314051
(26.26)
249776
(79.53)
64275
(20.47)
314051
(26.26) 228 974 71.4 44.0 57.8
3
Ku
shta
gi
1366
(24.57)
120621
(50.40)
118710
(49.60)
239331
(20.01)
218148
(91.15)
21183
(8.85)
239331
(20.01) 175 984 67.7 34.6 51.3
4
Yel
bu
rga
1490
(26.80)
119264
(50.46)
117109
(49.54)
236373
(19.76)
224931
(95.16)
11442
(4.84)
236373
(19.76) 159 982 69.7 37.6 53.7
5
Dis
tric
t T
ota
l
5559
(100)
603312
(50.45)
592777
(49.55)
1196089
(100)
997797
(83.42)
198292
(16.58)
1196089
(100) 216 982 68.4 39.6 54.1
Source: Koppal District at a Glance, 2008-09.
Note: Figures in bracket indicate percentage to the respective totals.
The density of population in the Koppal district is 216 per sq. km., which is
lower than the state average of 276 per sq. km. The sex ratio of the Koppal district is
982, which is higher than state average of 965. Among the all talukas of the district,
128
Gangavathi taluk has a highest sex ratio i.e., 988 and Koppal taluk has a lowest sex
ratio i.e., 974.
Literacy rate is an index of the development of education. The literacy rate and
levels of educational attainment of the population refers to the number of children
studying in various courses and associated indicators. Koppal district comes under the
list of backward districts and also has the lowest literacy level. The literacy rate of the
district as per 1991 census was 35.96%. However, this was far below the literacy rate
of the whole state of Karnataka that was 56.04%. With this poor background,
relentless efforts were made to introspect for the low literacy rate and ever since then
developmental programmes were initiated with all seriousness and earnestness
towards the up-liftment in the field of education. One such programme was the
District Primary Education Programme (DPEP), which was successfully launched and
was pursued to the benefit of the children. Since the inception of the DPEP in 1994-
1995 in the district, the rate of literacy is showing upward trend and is yielding
positive results. The literacy rate of the district as per 2001 census is 54.10%. Once
again one has to bear in mind that the overall literacy rate of the state is remarkably
higher i.e., 66.60%. Out of total literacy rate of the district, male literacy rate consists
68.40% and female literacy rate consists 39.60%, which are comparatively less than
the state literary rate i.e., 76.10% and 56.90% respectively. Male literary rate is higher
than female literacy rate in the all four blocks.
5.4 (v) Work Participation Rate:
The work participation rate is defined as percentage of total worker to total
population. According to 2001 census, the working population of Koppal district is
47.07% of the total population. The main worker population comprises of 35.65% of
the total population and 11.42% is the marginal workers. The non-working population
of the district is 52.93%. The highest and lowest working population is found in
Yelburga and Gangavathi talukas respectively. These revelations are presented in the
table-5.3.
129
Table-5.3
Percentage of Working Population to Total Population in Koppal District
(According to 2001 Census)
Sl.
No Taluk
Main
Workers
Marginal
Workers
Working
Population
(3+4)
Non-Workers Total
(5+6)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 Gangavathi 33.00 10.10 43.10 56.90 100
2 Koppal 36.10 8.80 44.90 55.10 100
3 Kushtagi 34.90 12.70 47.60 52.40 100
4 Yelburga 38.60 14.10 52.70 47.30 100
5 District Total 35.65 11.42 47.07 52.93 100
Source: Census of India-2001, Series-30, Directorate of Census Operations, Karnataka, 2005, p.5.
5.4 (vi) Occupational Structure:
The analysis of the occupational structure indicates that the district is still
economically backward with a large proportion of population engaged in agriculture.
The following table-5.4 provides the occupational structure in the district according to
2001 census.
Table-5.4: Occupational Structure in Koppal District (Percentage)
(According to 2001 Census)
Sl.
No. Taluk Cultivators
Agricultural
Labourers
Household
Industries Others Total
1 Gangavathi 23.20 45.40 2.30 29.10 100
2 Koppal 25.30 39.60 4.40 30.70 100
3 Kushtagi 41.60 36.90 4.00 17.50 100
4 Yelburga 35.90 46.30 2.90 14.90 100
5 District Total 31.50 42.05 3.40 23.05 100
Source: Census of India-2001, Series-30, Directorate of Census Operations, Karnataka, 2005, p.5.
Out of the total working population, 31.50% and 42.05% are cultivators and
agricultural labourers respectively. The workers population in the district indicates
that cultivators and agricultural labourers dominate the total working population.
130
5.4 (vii) Land Utilisation Pattern:
It shows the area of hectares of land used for different purposes. The land
utilisation pattern of the Koppal district can realise by the following table-5.5.
Table-5.5: Land Utilisation Pattern of Koppal District in Hectares
(During 2008-09)
Sl.
No
.
Ta
luk
Geo
gra
ph
ica
l
Are
a
Fo
rest
No
n-
Ag
ricu
ltu
ral
La
nd
Ba
rren
La
nd
Cu
ltiv
ab
le
Wa
ste L
an
d
Per
ma
nen
t
Pa
stu
re
Tre
es &
Gro
ves
Cu
rren
t
Fa
llo
w
Are
a S
ow
n
1 Gangavathi 132131 14482 7680 4651 560 7193 0 25445 72120
2 Koppal 136755 10779 20401 6790 430 1486 210 8970 87689
3 Kushtagi 135779 4110 7626 2361 811 3898 0 26294 90679
4 Yelburga 147830 80 3163 2825 767 2098 0 30419 108478
5 District Total 552495 29451 38870 16627 2568 14675 210 91128 358966
Source: Koppal District at a Glance, 2008-09.
The total geographical area of Koppal district is 552495 hectares. Land not
available for cultivation is 193529 hectares i.e., 35.03 per cent. Area sown is 358966
hectares i.e., 64.97 per cent.
5.5 Resources in the District
5.5 (i) Agriculture:
Agriculture is the main resource of the Koppal district. Agriculture has played
an important role in the economic development of the district and it is bound to be a
prominent sector in the overall development of the district. Agriculture in the district
is dependent upon rainfall, irrigation tanks, wells, streams etc. Agriculture in
Gangavathi taluk is dependent mainly on Tungabhadra canal irrigation; while in
Koppal, Kushtagi and Yelburga taluk is dependent mainly on rainfall, tanks, wells etc.
In Gangavathi taluk, Paddy is the prominent crop occupying 43.14% of total
sown area due to availability of irrigation facilities. During Kharif season major crops
131
like Paddy, Jowar, and Maize are grown. During Rabi season major crops are Paddy
and Jowar. In summer season crops like Groundnut, Sunflower and Vegetables are
grown with the help of irrigation.
In Yelburga taluk during Kharif season major crops like Wheat, Jowar, Maize,
Paddy, Pulses are grown. During Rabi season Jowar, Bajra, Sunflower, Groundnut
and Cotton are grown. In summer season crops like Groundnut, Sunflower and
Vegetables are grown with the help of irrigation. Cotton is the cash crop grown in the
taluk. Agriculture in Yelburga taluk is mainly dependent on rainfall, wells etc. Low
level of ground water and alkaline are the major obstacle for the agriculture in the
taluk. There is restriction for new bore wells and the entire taluk is declared as “Grey
Area” for agriculture.
5.5 (ii) Horticulture:
The district comes under northern dry zone; the climatological factors are very
much suitable for growing the horticulture crops. Nowadays horticulture plays
prominent role in the local occupation of the district. The data available during the
2003-04 the district is having an area of about 14329 hectare with production of 2.3
lakhs tones of horticulture crops.
Gangavathi taluk falls under north dry zone with black soil is favourable for
growing horticultural crops like Mango, Pomegranate, Banana, Sapota, Grapes etc.
There is wide scope for growing horticulture produce unless marketing conditions and
cold storage facilities have to be improved. The horticultural crops like Mango,
Banana, Pomegranate, Watermelon, Sapota, Grapes, Tomato, Ladies finger, Onion,
Gourd varieties are grown in the taluk. Fruits are grown in an area of 622 hectares and
Vegetables are grown in an area of 3046 hectares during the 2003-04.
As for Yelburga taluk, the farmers are not coming forward to increase
(774 hectares during 2003-04) the area under horticultural crops due to the absence of
suitable marketing and cold storage facilities. The horticultural crops like
132
Pomegranate, Lemon and Grapes are grown in the taluk. Fruits are grown in an area
of 362 hectares and Vegetables are grown in an area of 412 hectares during the
2003-04.
The farmers of the district are very much interested in adopting hi-tech
horticulture. Specially, green house cultivation of vegetables and growing flowers
under controlled conditions, keeping export point in mind. In addition, the farmers are
adopting hi-tech water management facilities specially, drip irrigation and sprinkler
irrigation. The district is having an area of 435 hectares under oil palm crop
distributed at Kavalur, Hirebidnal, Hiresindogi and Irkalgad villages.
5.5 (iii) Forest:
Forest area of the district is very insignificant due to rocky hills and
mountains. There is no wild life in the district. The major types of species found in the
forest are Neem, Tamarind, Eucalyptus, Honge, Acacia arculiforms, Casium species
etc. The Gangavathi taluk possesses forest area of 14482 hectares which is about
10.96% of the total geographical area; the Yelburga taluk possesses forest only area of
80 hectares which is very meager about 0.05% of the total geographical area (see
table-5.5).
5.5 (iv) Irrigation:
Irrigation plays an important role in the agriculture development. Most part of
the district is located in the semi arid zone, irrigation plays crucial role. The water
resources available in the district are in forms of tanks, wells, bore wells, canals
(Tungabhadra canal) and other sources.
A total of 62537 hectares of area is irrigated in Gangavathi taluk, majority
46371 hectares of area is irrigated by canals and 14826 hectares of area is irrigated by
bore wells. As for Yelburga taluk, a total of 17762 hectares of area is irrigated,
majority 17710 hectares of area is irrigated by Bore wells, 52 hectares of area is
irrigated by tanks (see table-5.6).
133
Table-5.6
Source-Wise Net Irrigated Area of Koppal District in Hectares
(As on 31-03-2009)
Sl.
No. Taluk Canals Tanks Wells
Bore
Wells
Lift
Irrigation
Other
Sources Total
1 Gangavathi 46371 75 0 14826 0 1265 62537
2 Koppal 8119 13 0 18623 1340 0 28095
3 Kushtagi 0 977 0 13580 0 0 14557
4 Yelburga 0 52 0 17710 0 0 17762
5 District Total 54490 1117 0 64739 1340 1265 122951
Source: Koppal District at a Glance, 2008-09.
5.5 (v) Minerals:
Koppal district is bountifully blessed with plenty of mineral resources and it is
considered to be a prosperous district. Iron ores are found in old mines in Kushtagi
taluk, but the Iron available here contains only 20% - 40% of Iron. The Quartz quarry
that is traced near Tavarageri in Kushtagi taluk is found to be good in preparation of
‘Ferro-Silicon’. Quartz is also found near Alla nagar in Koppal taluk. Quartz is
available in plenty that is mainly used in the manufacture of glass. Franchsite and
Quartzite of very good quality, which is used for Mosaic tiles, is available in
Bailakampur in Gangavathi taluk. Red Granite is found near Huligere and Purtagere
in Kushtagi taluk. Granite of superior quality is available in and around Kukanoor in
Yelburga taluk. Madinoor in Koppal taluk and Koodlur in Kushtagi are known for
soapstone, which is used as filler in the manufacture of pesticides.
5.5 (vi) Industries:
Like the districts of northern Karnataka, Koppal is also industrially backward
district. Recently many measures have been taken to encourage the small
entrepreneurs to establish industries, which is next to agriculture in providing
employment to the people of the district. The table-5.7 reveals the number of
industrial units situated in the district.
134
Table-5.7
No. of Industrial Units in Koppal District
(As on 31-03-2008)
Sl.
No. Taluk
Small Scale
Industries
Medium Scale
Industries
Large Scale
Industries
1 Gangavathi 79 03 00
2 Koppal 72 11 02
3 Kushtagi 36 01 00
4 Yelburga 38 00 00
5 District Total 225 15 02
Source: Koppal District at a Glance, 2007-08.
In Koppal district, there are 225 small scale, 15 medium scale and 02 large
scale industries. As per the statistics available for 2007-08, small scale industries
dominate in the industrial structure of the district. There is lack of medium and large
scale industries. Agro-based industries dominate in the industrial structure of the
district. As many as 145 Rice mills are situated in the Gangavathi taluk.
5.6 Socio-Economic Infrastructure
Infrastructural facilities play pivotal role in economic development. The tables
from 5.8 to 5.13 give a bird’s-eye view of infrastructural facilities available in the district as
on 31-03-2009.
5.6 (i) Transport:
The present position of transport in the Koppal district is presented in the table-
5.8. Gangavathi and Kushtagi talukas does not possess any railway line either broad
gauge or meter gauge. The Munirabad railway station is nearest to Koppal.
Gangavathi taluk is having 196 kms of state highway, 155 kms of major district roads
and 656 kms of village roads and 815 kms of other roads – a total length of 1822 kms.
The length of railway route is 18 kms in Yelburga taluk. The taluk does not
have good road facilities. Total length of roads in the taluk is 1864 kms of which 41
135
kms national highway, 179 kms state highway, 140 kms major district roads, 737 kms
village roads and 767 kms other roads.
Table-5.8: Railway and Road Length in Koppal District (kms)
(As on 31-3-2009)
Sl.
No. Taluk
Railway
Route
Length
Road Length (kms)
National
Highway
State
Highway
Major
District
Roads
Village
Roads
Other
Roads Total
1 Gangavathi Nil 0 196 155 656 815 1822
2 Koppal 34 57 143 155 674 928 1957
3 Kushtagi Nil 24 193 186 766 879 2048
4 Yelburga 18 41 179 140 737 767 1864
5 District Total 52 122 711 636 2833 3389 7691
Source: Koppal District at a Glance, 2008-09.
Note: Other roads comprise of Municipality roads, Panchayat roads, Irrigation dept. roads and Forest roads.
The airstrip facility is located at Ginigera in Koppal taluk between Koppal and
Munirabad. This airstrip is being used and managed at present by M/s MSPL. The
available airstrip can operate small planes with 12-seat capacity.
5.6 (ii) Communication:
The present position of communication in the Koppal district is presented in the
following table-5.9.
Table-5.9: No. of Means of Communication in Koppal District
(As on 31-03-2009)
Sl.
No. Taluk
Post Offices Telegraphic
Offices
Telephone
Exchange
Offices
Telephones Main Branch
1 Gangavathi 11 51 1 21 11475
2 Koppal 11 45 1 23 9095
3 Kushtagi 6 52 0 8 3765
4 Yelburga 3 40 0 10 3512
5 District Total 31 188 2 62 27847
Source: Koppal District at a Glance, 2008-09.
136
In Gangavathi taluk, there are 62 post offices, 01 telegraphic office, 21
telephone exchange offices and 11475 telephones in use. The mobile network is also
available in the major portion of the taluk. Overall communication facility in the taluk
is good.
In Yelburga taluk, there are 43 post offices, 10 telephone exchange offices and
3512 telephones in use. The mobile network is also available in the major portion of
the taluk. Overall communication facility in the taluk is average.
5.6 (iii) Education:
Different forms of educational institutions available in the Koppal district are
presented in the following table-5.10.
Table-5.10
No. of Educational Institutions in Koppal District
(As on 31-03-2009)
Sl.
No
.
Ta
luk
No
’s o
f P
rim
ary
Sch
oo
ls
No
’s o
f H
igh
Sch
oo
ls
No
’s o
f P
re-
Un
iver
sity
Co
lleg
es
No
’s o
f G
ener
al
Deg
ree
Co
lleg
es
Med
ica
l C
oll
eges
(in
clu
din
g A
llo
pa
thic
&
Ind
ian
Sy
stem
of
Med
icin
es)
Po
lyte
ch
nic
Co
lleg
es
En
gin
eeri
ng
Co
lleg
es
Den
tal
Co
lleg
es
Lib
rari
es
1 Gangavathi 450 73 16 5 0 0 0 0 39
2 Koppal 304 55 17 6 1 1 0 0 36
3 Kushtagi 245 40 10 1 0 1 0 0 28
4 Yelburga 213 49 15 2 0 1 0 0 37
5 District
Total 1212 217 58 14 1 3 0 0 140
Source: Koppal District at a Glance, 2008-09.
In Gangavathi taluk, there are 450 primary schools, 73 high schools, 05 degree
colleges. With respect to Yelburga taluk, there are 213 primary schools, 49 high
schools, 02 degree colleges, 01 polytechnic college. There is 01 Navodaya school in
137
Kukanoor of Yelburga taluk. As for education specialties, Gangavathi taluk is better
placed than Yelburga taluk.
5.6 (iv) Health:
The following table-5.11 presents the number of various types of health
intuitions available in the Koppal district.
Table-5.11
No. of Health Institutions in Koppal District
(As on 31-03-2009)
Sl.
No
.
Ta
luk
All
op
ath
ic
Ho
spit
als
Ind
ian
Sy
stem
of
Med
icin
e
Ho
spit
als
Pri
va
te
Ho
spit
als
Pri
ma
ry
Hea
lth
Cen
ters
Pri
ma
ry
Hea
lth
Un
its
Co
mm
un
ity
Hea
lth
Cen
ters
Dis
pen
sari
es
Fa
mil
y
Wel
fare
Cen
ters
Su
b-
Cen
ters
1 Gangavathi 1 10 38 10 0 3 9 10 53
2 Koppal 1 4 12 11 0 1 2 11 44
3 Kustagi 1 2 3 8 0 1 2 8 37
4 Yelburga 1 2 3 11 0 3 3 11 40
5 District Total 4 18 56 40 0 8 16 40 174
Source: Koppal District at a Glance, 2008-09.
There are 4 government allopathic hospitals in the district with a total of 210
beds capacity, 56 private hospitals, 40 primary health centers with a total of 240 beds
capacity, 8 community health centers with a total of 240 beds capacity, 40 family
welfare centers and 174 sub-centers.
5.6 (v) Trade, Commerce and Marketing:
The Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) has been the major
trader of the agriculture produce in the district. The table-5.12 presents a brief profile
of APMCs in the district.
There are 17 regulated markets in the district. The quantum of trade in
Gangavathi APMC crosses Rs. 889.34 crores. This APMC is the second largest in the
138
state. The quantum of trade in Koppal APMC crosses Rs. 69.08 crores. The quantum
of trade in Kushtagi APMC crosses Rs. 27.67 crores. The quantum of trade in
Yelburga APMC crosses Rs. 8.68 crores.
Table-5.12: No. of Regulated Markets in Koppal District (APMCs)
(As on 31-03-2009)
Sl.
No.
No.
Taluk Main Sub Total Turnover
(Rs. in Crores)
1 Gangavathi 1 4 5 889.34
2 Koppal 1 3 4 69.08
3 Kushtagi 1 2 3 27.67
4 Yelburga 1 4 5 8.68
5 District Total 4 13 17 994.77
Source: Koppal District at a Glance, 2008-09.
5.6 (vi) Banking:
Banking is the backbone for agriculture, industry, trade, commerce and for
successful promotion of self-employment among the educated persons. The credit is
considered as the life-blood among the inputs of production activities. The financial
institutions that are banks supply the credit. Hence, growth of banking facilities plays
an important role in providing credit to the needy persons. The following table-5.13
presents brief profile of banking sector in the district.
Table-5.13: No. of Banks in Koppal District
(As on 31-3-2009)
Sl.
No. Taluk
Commercial
Banks
Grameena
Banks Total Deposits (Rs. in Lakhs)
Total Credit (Rs. in Lakhs)
Credit
Deposit
Ratio
1 Gangavathi 22 14 40155 68870 171
2 Koppal 16 11 46877 32198 69
3 Kushtagi 6 8 14549 9858 68
4 Yelburga 5 9 12355 10010 81
5 District Total 49 42 113936 120936 389
Source: Koppal District at a Glance, 2008-09.
139
The 49 branches of different commercial banks, 42 grameena banks, and 554
various types of co-operative banks spread across the district. The aggregate
outstanding deposits amounted to Rs. 113936 lakhs; while the aggregate outstanding
loans stood at Rs. 120936 lakhs. As for the banking sector the district is very under
developed. This dismal scenario is despite of the forty years of nationalisation of
banks. A very high accelerated growth of the banking sector is required if this district
is to catch-up with other districts of the state in development.
There are 22 branches of commercial banks and 14 branches of grameena
banks in the Gangavathi taluk. As on 31-03-2009, Rs. 40155 lakhs was the amount of
total deposits and Rs. 68870 lakhs was the total credit.
There are 05 branches of commercial banks and 09 branches of grameena
banks in the Yelburga taluk. Total amount deposited was Rs. 12355 lakhs and a total
advance was Rs. 10010 lakhs.
5.7 Special Features of the District
5.7 (i) Handicrafts by Kinnal Artisans:
Beautiful wooden idols, toys and theatrical equipments are manufacturing at
Kinnal, an interior village about eight miles from Koppal railway station. There are
about twenty families of the 'Chitragar' community engaged in this cottage industry.
Certain varieties of softwood known as Pallaki Katgi and Yelgatti are using to
produce these articles. The articles produced are of exquisite quality and finish. The
entire work, which is done with modest tools, requires a high degree of artisanship.
There are many human hair-processing units at Bhagyanagar.
5.7 (ii) Hand-Embroidery Industry:
Hand embroidery is practicing by a section of the ‘Khatri’ community of
Bhagyanagar, a village near to Koppal city. The embroidered pieces, done in line-
stitch and cross-stitch, depict traditional motifs of parrot, peacock, temple, various
140
flowers and animals. Artistic choli-khana fabrics, embroidered sarees and garments of
established reputation are producing there. The attractive and native motifs of
embroidery, tastefully arranged in gorgeous colour schemes are evidence of a high
degree of artisanship.
5.8 Administrative Structure of the District:
According to the Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act, 1993 three-tier system of
administration is actively working at present in the district. Zilla Panchayat, Taluka
Panchayat and Grama Panchayat are working in co-ordination with each other.
Table-5.14
Administrative Structure of Koppal District
(As on 31-03-2009)
Sl.
No
.
Ta
luk
Ho
bli
es
Gra
ma
Pa
nch
ay
ats
GP
Mem
ber
s
TP
Mem
ber
s
ZP
Mem
ber
s
Inh
ab
ited
Vil
lag
es
Un
-In
ha
bit
ed
Vil
lag
es
Rev
enu
e
Vil
lag
es
To
wn
s /
Urb
an
Ag
glo
mer
ati
on
To
wn
Pa
nch
ay
ats
1 Gangavathi 8 38 802 36 8 148 9 157 1 1
2 Koppal 4 35 662 26 7 144 7 151 2 1
3 Kushtagi 4 28 559 22 6 164 13 177 1 1
4 Yelburga 4 33 581 23 6 138 6 144 1 1
5 District Total 20 134 2604 107 27 594 35 629 5 4
Source: Koppal District at a Glance, 2008-09.
The Gangavathi taluk has 8 hoblies, 148 villages, 38 Grama Panchayats;
Yelburga taluk has 4 hoblies, 138 villages, 33 Grama Panchayats.
The Zilla Panchayat forms the apex institution at the district level headed by
the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Each of the four talukas in the Koppal district has
the Taluk Panchayat, where again the members are directly elected from the people,
and which has a similar administrative structure headed by the Executive Officer
141
(EO). At the lowest level, there are the Grama Panchayats which are having
jurisdiction over a group of villages so notified. Taluk Panchayats are the intermediate
tier of the panchayat raj institutions at the taluk level. Since 1999, certain specified
development schemes earlier executed by the Zilla Panchayat have been transferred
and delegated to the Taluk Panchayats for implementation. Grama Panchayats are the
lowest tier of panchayat raj institutions; they have responsibilities of civic
administration with independent power of taxation.
142
REFERENCES
A Hand Book of Karnataka (2001), Gazetteer Department, Bangalore, Government of
Karnataka.
Census of India 2001, District Population Booklet, Koppal, Series 30, Directorate of
Census Operations, Karnataka, 2005.
http://des.kar.nic.in
http://karnatakaindustry.gov.in/Koppal
http://www.koppal.nic.in
Karnataka at a Glance (2007-08), Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Bangalore,
Government of Karnataka.
Koppal District at a Glance, (2007-08), District Statistical Officer, Koppal.
Koppal District at a Glance, (2008-09), District Statistical Officer, Koppal.
Nanjannavar, S. S., (1999), “Karnataka Geography”, Diksuchi Prakashana, Bangalore.
www.mapsofindia.com