KKCCI marks six decades as a key voice of trade and industry in Kalyana Karnataka

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 bodies in north Karnataka, having played a sustained role in shaping the region’s trade, industry and economic development.

Founded on January 17, 1966, as the Hyderabad Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, KKCCI was established to safeguard the interests of traders and entrepreneurs while contributing to the broader socio-economic growth of the region. Over six decades, it has evolved into a strong collective voice for business, responding to changing economic conditions and policy frameworks.

The Chamber was founded by a group of prominent business leaders, including H.M. Kheny, A.V. Chintamani Rao, Kishor Das Narayandas, Srinivas Rao Raghoji, Rameshchandra S. Lahoti, Baburao R. Jajee, Chandulal R. Shah, Govindrao S. Ghantoji, Jaikumar R. Tanga, Rajendra P. Kunachagi and A.G. Desai, whose vision laid a lasting foundation for regional advocacy and industrial growth. Over the years, the organisation has been guided by several presidents who strengthened its institutional reach and influence.

From operating out of rented premises in its early years, KKCCI achieved a key milestone between 1978 and 1980 with the construction of its own building at Super Market in Kalaburagi. Subsequent expansion with halls and auditoriums transformed it into a hub for business meetings, training programmes and public dialogue. Today, the Chamber has a membership base of over 4,000, making it one of the largest chambers of commerce in Karnataka.

“Beyond trade representation, KKCCI has consistently taken up business 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 backing major initiatives such as the Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi Airport and a permanent unit of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences.

“Looking ahead, KKCCI will continue to focus on strengthening MSMEs, agro-based industries and key regional crops such as red gram, cotton, and paddy. It is also advocating improved railway infrastructure, including a long-pending railway division at Kalaburagi,” said KKCCI secretary Shivaraj V. Inginshetty. He added that plans are underway to establish an Exhibition-cum-Training Centre at the Nandur–Kesaratagi Industrial Area to promote skill development, trade and entrepreneurship, reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to balanced and inclusive development of the region.