Priyank Kharge: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Indian politician}}
{{short description|Indian politician (born 1978)}}
{{Lead too short|date=June 2021}}
{{Lead too short|date=June 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1978|11|22|df=y}} <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/politicians/priyank-kharge-5685.html|title = Priyank Kharge: Age, Biography, Education, Wife, Caste, Net Worth & More - Oneindia}}</ref>
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1978|11|22|df=y}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/politicians/priyank-kharge-5685.html|title = Priyank Kharge: Age, Biography, Education, Wife, Caste, Net Worth & More - Oneindia}}</ref>
| birth_place        = [[Gulbarga]], [[Karnataka]], India
| birth_place        = [[Gulbarga]], [[Karnataka]], India
| office              = Member of [[Karnataka Legislative Assembly]]
| office              = [[Second Siddaramaiah ministry|Cabinet Minister]], [[Government of Karnataka]]
| predecessor        = [[Valmiki Nayak]]
| predecessor        =  
| successor          =  
| successor          =  
| term_start          = 2013
| governor            = [[Thawarchand Gehlot]]
| term_end           =  
| 1blankname          = Chief Minister
| constituency       = [[Chittapur (Vidhana Sabha constituency)|Chittapur]]
| 1namedata          = [[Siddaramaiah]]
| office2             = Minister for Social Welfare [[Government of Karnataka]]
| subterm            = '''Cabinet'''
| image              =  
| suboffice          = [[Second Siddaramaiah ministry|Siddaramaiah II]]
| successor2          = [[Govind Karjol]]
| 2blankname          = Ministry
| 2namedata          = * Rural Development
* Panchayati Raj
* IT & BT
| term_start          = 20 May 2023
| predecessor1        = [[H. Anjaneya]]
| successor1          = [[Govind Karjol]]
| governor1          = [[Vajubhai Vala]]
| 1blankname1        = Chief Minister
| 1namedata1          = [[H. D. Kumaraswamy]]
| subterm1           = '''Cabinet'''
| suboffice1          = [[Second Kumaraswamy ministry|Kumaraswamy II]]
| 2blankname1        = Ministry
| 2namedata1          = Social Welfare
| term_start1        = 8 June 2018
| term_end1          = 23 July 2019
| office2            = [[Member of Legislative Assembly (India)|Member]] of [[Karnataka Legislative Assembly]]
| predecessor2       = [[Valmiki Nayak]]
| successor2          =
| term_start2        = 2013
| term_end2          =
| constituency2      = [[Chittapur (Vidhana Sabha constituency)|Chittapur]]
| office3             = Minister of State of IT & BT and Science & Technology<br />[[Government of Karnataka]]
| term_start3        = 2016
| term_end3          = 2018
| party              = [[File:Hand INC.svg|25px]][[Indian National Congress]]
| party              = [[File:Hand INC.svg|25px]][[Indian National Congress]]
| predecessor2        = [[H. Anjaneya]]
| constituency2      = [[Chittapur (Vidhana Sabha constituency)|Chittapur]]
| nationality        = Indian
| nationality        = Indian
| children            =  
| children            =  
| alma_mater          =  
| education          =  
| occupation          = Politician
| occupation          = Politician
| profession          =  
| profession          =  
| term_start2        = 8 June 2018
| parents            = [[Mallikarjun Kharge]] (father) <br>
| term_end2          = 23 July 2019
Radhabai Kharge (mother)
| parents            = [[Mallikarjun Kharge]]
| image              =
}}
}}
'''Priyank M. Kharge (Born November 22, 1978)''' is an Indian politician representing the [[Indian National Congress]].He is currently serving as a [[Member of Legislative Assembly]] (MLA) from Chittapur Assembly Constituency in Kalaburagi District of [[Karnataka]] for the second time. In 2016, at the age 38, he became the youngest minister to be sworn in to the then Chief Minister [[Siddaramaiah]]’s cabinet as the Minister of IT, BT & Tourism. He has also served as a Cabinet Minister of Social Welfare in the coalition Government headed by [[H D Kumaraswamy]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kla.kar.nic.in/assembly/ministry.htm |title=minister with Independent Charge |publisher=kla.kar.nic.in}}</ref>
'''Priyank Mallikarjun Kharge''' (born 22 November 1978) is an Indian politician from [[Indian National Congress]] and serving as the Cabinet Minister in the [[Government of Karnataka]]. He is a three-time [[Member of Legislative Assembly]] (MLA) from the [[Chittapur Assembly constituency|Chittapur constituency]] in Kalaburagi District of [[Karnataka]].
 
== Early life and background ==
Priyank Kharge was born to [[Mallikarjun Kharge]] and Radhabai Kharge on 22 November 1978. His father is the current [[Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Centre |first=National Informatics |title=Digital Sansad |url=https://sansad.in/rs |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=Digital Sansad |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Escaping Blaze at 7 to Congress Chief at 80, Mallikarjun Kharge's Firefighting Continues |url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/escaping-blaze-at-7-to-cong-chief-at-80-mallikarjun-kharges-firefighting-continues-son-recounts-journey-6192775.html}}</ref> According to [https://www.myneta.info/karnataka2018/candidate.php?candidate%20id=6143 MyNeta] he has completed his schooling from MES College, Malleswaram from 1996 to 1998.<ref>{{cite web |title=Priyank Kharge-Indian national Congress |url=https://www.myneta.info/karnataka2018/candidate.php?candidate_id=6143}}</ref>


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
He is the son of [[Mallikarjun Kharge]], the leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha. He married to Shruti Kharge. Priyank Kharge is an [[B. R. Ambedkar|Ambedkarite]] and a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/todays-india-is-not-what-any-of-our-founding-fathers-had-dreamt-of-says-priyank-kharge/articleshow/59720164.cms|title=Priyank Kharge: Today's India is not what any of our founding fathers had dreamt of, says Priyank Kharge &#124; Bengaluru News - Times of India}}</ref>
Kharge is married to Shruti Kharge. He is an [[B. R. Ambedkar|Ambedkarite]] and a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/todays-india-is-not-what-any-of-our-founding-fathers-had-dreamt-of-says-priyank-kharge/articleshow/59720164.cms|title=Priyank Kharge: Today's India is not what any of our founding fathers had dreamt of, says Priyank Kharge &#124; Bengaluru News - Times of India}}</ref>
 
==Early life and career==
Born in [[Bengaluru]], Kharge is a professional in Design (Graphics & Animation) and has worked extensively for corporations in India & abroad. He is a keen observer of technology and has co-founded a few startups that have broken new ground in [[GIS]]-based solutions, mobile technologies and creating original IP for animation studios.
 
==Early political career==
Kharge entered politics as an activist of the [[National Students' Union of India]] in 1998.
1999 – NSUI College General Secretary
2001 – 2005 : State NSUI General Secretary
2005-2007 : Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress Secretary
2007 – 2011 : Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress General Secretary
2011 - 2014 : Elected as Vice President of Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress
 
He entered electoral politics by contesting from [[Chittapur (Vidhana Sabha constituency)|Chittapur]] in 2009 Karnataka Assembly By- election, but was defeated by [[Valmiki Nayak]] of [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]. In 2013, he won the Karnataka Assembly election and was made the IT and BT minister in 2016 under Siddaramaiah led Congress Government. In 2018, he again won from Chittapur and was made the Social Welfare Ministry under H.D.Kumarswamy led Congress – JD(S) Coalition Government.
<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/priyank-began-his-political-career-in-nsui/article8750417.ece |title=Priyank began his political career in NSUI |work=The Hindu|date=20 June 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.elections.in/karnataka/assembly-constituencies/chittapur.html |title=Sitting and previous MLAs from Chittapur Assembly Constituency |publisher=elections.in}}</ref>
 
==Ministry==
Priyank is known for is practical and out of the box thinking. During his tenures as minister for Social Welfare, IT & Toursim, he is known to have got in reforms and schemes that have changed the landscape of the Departments and has also empowered the people.
 
==As the Social Welfare Minister==
As a man of firsts, he implemented several schemes for the socially & economically disempowered people to fill the gaps in the sectors such as education, health, drinking water, agro-horticultural productivity, social security net etc.
   
===Airavata===
The Govt. partnered with ride-hailing company [[Ola Cabs|Ola]], [[Uber]] and other taxi service providers as part of this new self-employment scheme. Aimed at [[SC/ST]] youth, the scheme provides a financial grant of up to Rs. 5 Lakhs to youth who were keen on becoming partners with aggregators. This scheme was revolutionary as it was for the first time that the Govt linked the beneficiaries directly to the aggregators.


===Prabuddha===
== Political career ==
This initiative helped meritorious students with financial assistance to access the world’s most reputed universities and institutions to pursue their post graduate and PhD programmes. For the first time a State Government created a complete 360 degree scheme for students interested in pursuing higher education. This included the students’ counselling, cultural & accent training, college & research fees, travel costs, hostel charges and a host other tools to succeed.


===Pragati===
Kharge entered into the politics as an activist of the [[National Students' Union of India]] in 1998. In 1999, he became the NSUI College General Secretary. Later in 2001, he started serving as NSUI State General Secretary till 2005. He was also the Secretary of the Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress from 2005 to 2007. He served as a Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress General Secretary from 2007 to 2011.
For the first time a comprehensive infrastructure model for the colonies was devised. Under the Pragati colony scheme a one time grant from 50 lakhs to 3 Cr could be sanctioned for providing drinking water, roads, drains, electricity, link roads, anaganwadis and other facilities.


===Samruddhi===
Kharge entered electoral politics by contesting [[Chittapur (Vidhana Sabha constituency)|Chittapur]] in the 2009 Karnataka Assembly by-election but was defeated by [[Valmiki Nayak]] of [[Bharatiya Janata Party]].
One of the most ambitious schemes which aimed at creating more entrepreneurs in Tier 2/3 towns and rural areas.
Samruddhi has the potential to be the game changer not only for the marginalized communities but also for retailers looking for newer markets in towns and big villages. This scheme focused on providing an opportunity for the economically weaker sections to become franchisees of established retailers. The beneficiaries are given an initial grant capital of Rs. 10 lakhs to set up shop and go through extensive training and certification processes by the retailer before they actually get down to doing real business. They become owners of businesses and employers at almost zero cost and the retailers have access to new markets at zero costs, a win-win situation for all.


===Unnati===
In 2011, he was elected as Vice President of Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress, till 2014.
Unnati is a first of its kind initiative that looked towards encouraging knowledge based entrepreneurial initiative, with the government providing seed money of up to INR 50 Lakhs to SC/ST entrepreneurs who are pursuing technology breakthroughs in the startup arena. The program provides end-to-end requirements essential for a startup i.e. from identifying the innovation, mentoring, validating the idea, providing seed capital and eventually giving them the market access.
The uniqueness of Unnati is that it will also seed fund social innovations and inventions that have major impact on the  communities. Innovations in manual scavenging, waste segregation, leather products and other works associated with the communities can be adopted by the Government or funded as well.


Established the long pending Karnataka Adi Jambava Development Corporation for the [[Adi Jambava]] Community.
He was then elected to the [[2013 Karnataka Legislative Assembly election|Karnataka Legislative Assembly]] in 2013.


Initiated and set up a Committee for the Revival of [[LIDKAR]] to ensure that the corporation can turn into a profit making entity and also empower leather artisans and industries.
In 2016, at the age of 38, he became the youngest minister to be sworn into the then Chief Minister [[Siddaramaiah]]’s cabinet as the Minister of IT, BT & Tourism. He has also served as a Cabinet Minister of Social Welfare in the coalition Government headed by [[H D Kumaraswamy]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=minister with Independent Charge |url=http://www.kla.kar.nic.in/assembly/ministry.htm |publisher=kla.kar.nic.in}}</ref>


In a unique approach to ensuring tribal products reach retail market, Priyank launched the ADAVI brand of coffee powder that was grown by the tribals of Chamarajnagar and Chickkamaglur. This ensured over 2650 tribals had a better price and brand for their unique produce.
In 2018, he again won from Chittapur and was made the Social Welfare Minister under H.D. Kumaraswamy led Congress – JD(S) Coalition Government.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 June 2016 |title=Priyank began his political career in NSUI |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/priyank-began-his-political-career-in-nsui/article8750417.ece}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sitting and previous MLAs from Chittapur Assembly Constituency |url=http://www.elections.in/karnataka/assembly-constituencies/chittapur.html |publisher=elections.in}}</ref>


Set up an expert committee to prepare Hostel Policy for the improvements of infrastructure, education, sanitation and procurement for 3500 hostels & 800 residential schools.
In 2023, he won from Chittapur once again, this time pitted against BJP's Manikanta Rathod, and is currently serving the Department of Information Technology and Biotechnology.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Priyank Kharge: Karnataka election results 2023: Priyank Kharge of Congress wins from Chittapur |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/assembly-elections/karnataka/karnataka-election-results-2023-who-is-winning-chittapur-seat-priyank-kharge-vs-manikanta-rathod/articleshow/100200741.cms |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref>


==As IT, BT & Tourism Minister==
==Positions held==
Priyank Kharge entered politics as an activist of the [[National Students' Union of India]] in 1998.


As the IT, BT & Tourism Minister, Priyank initiated various projects to uplift the startup and innovation ecosystem in the state.
* 1999: NSUI College General Secretary
* 2001–2005: State NSUI General Secretary
* 2005–2007: Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress Secretary.
* 2007–2011: Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress General Secretary
* 2011–2014: Elected as Vice President of Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress


===ELEVATE 100===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
This out of the box scheme helps identify the top 100 innovative startups of the state every year and help them to get to the next level of entrepreneurship. This initiative provided seed grant of up to 50 lakhs, idea validation, networking, startup booster kit, mentorship, access to markets and also Govt projects. This is perhaps India's comprehensive startup initiative that helps entrepreneurs in all aspects.
|+
!#
!From
!To
!Position
|-
|1.
|2013
|2018
|MLA (1st term) from [[Chittapur Assembly constituency|Chittapur]]
* Minister for IT&BT, Govt. of Karnataka (2016 and 2018)<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2023-05-20 |title=Priyank Kharge sworn in as Minister for second time |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/karnataka-assembly/priyank-kharge-sworn-in-as-minister-for-second-time/article66874527.ece |access-date=2023-05-22 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
|-
|2.
|2018
|2023
|MLA (2nd term) from [[Chittapur Assembly constituency|Chittapur]]
* Minister for Social Welfare(from 2018 to 2019), Govt. of Karnataka<ref>{{Cite web |title=Announce 5-Day Work Week: Karnataka Minister's Request To HD Kumaraswamy |url=https://www.ndtv.com/karnataka-news/announce-5-day-work-week-karnataka-ministers-request-to-hd-kumaraswamy-1925384 |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref>
|-
|3.
|2023
|Present
|MLA (3rd term) from [[Chittapur Assembly constituency|Chittapur]]
* Cabinet Minister - Govt of Karnataka<ref name=":0" />
|}


===Grand Challenges Karnataka===
Currently, Priyank Kharge is the Chairman of IT and Data for the [[Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee]].
This scheme was accelerated to facilitate the generation of Innovative Technology solutions with a social impact in sectors like Urban Development, Health Care, Food Security, Agriculture, Clean Environment and Education. Phase wise funding was also allocated for selected solutions in each sector, to transform an idea into proof of concept/prototype.
 
To encourage entrepreneurship in educational institutions, New Age Incubation Networks (NAIN) Centres were established in 9 districts for engineering college students, alumni and local entrepreneurs. This initiative has ensured that innovation and entrepreneurship is bred at the college/university levels.
 
If Karnataka needs to stay ahead in the technology race, it was imperative to lead from the front and it was under the aegis Priyank Kharge, Karnataka state started looking at being the pioneers of future technologies.
A host of Centers of Excellence have been set up so that [[Bengaluru]] is future ready.
He has established of Centers of Excellence in:
[[Internet of Things]], [[Data Science]] and [[Artificial Intelligence]]
Aerospace and Defence
[[Cyber Security]]
Machine Learning and Robotics
Agri-Tech
Animation & Design
Biotechnology Skill Enhancement Program (BiSEP)
 
==As Tourism Minister==
Priyank Kharge is considered one of the most progressive Tourism Minister for the state of Karnataka, it was under his tenure that the state saw revival & surge of out of the box tourist circuits and also a slew of initiatives are bearing fruits of success to even this day. Here too, his out of the box thinking helped Karnataka position itself as a unique tourist destination both nationally and internationally.
 
Priyank Kharge is credited to the merging of the State Archaeology Department with Depart of Tourism. This has ensured smoother operations for the Departments and has ensured that preservation of archaeology sites and [[sustainable tourism|responsible tourism]] go hand in hand.
Karnataka for the first time had a strategic thrust given to eco & wildlife tourism by implementing the Year of The Wild initiative which give impetus to responsible eco, adventure and wildlife tourism.
 
The major achievements under this initiative were:
Jungle lodges and resorts got huge infrastructure thrust and impetus
Along with EcoTourism Board, Green Passports were launched for the first time in the country. These passports gave access to 14 curated mountain trails and treks across the state.
India’s first National Surfing Festival was held near the beaches of Mangaluru
Adventure sports like rock climbing in UNESCO sites of Badami, Pataddakal were held
Asian Bouldering Championship in Hampi, UNESCO site
Funds for conservation of wildlife projects also was given
 
Conceptualized the Karnataka International Tourism Expo -KITE which showcases the state as an international tourist destination. Besides Kerala, Karanataka is the only state that has an international expo.
 
To explore the untapped heritage and tourism destinations of the Kalayana Karnataka region, Hyderabad Karnataka Tourism Advisory Committee was formed. This committee gave recommendations on preservation of archaeology sites, plan circuits and destination development to enhance the footfalls in the state.
 
With the ambition of making Benagaluru a global city in the true sense, Priyank formed the Bengaluru Tourism Advisory Committee which advised on making the city a global destination for tourists and transit. They also recommended on city circuits, ideas to boost local economic activity to attract tourists, conservation of the city’s art, culture, heritage and cuisine. The thrust was given to make Bengaluru the most preferred cosmopolitan tourist destination in India.
 
Priyank has been responsible for the identity of Bengaluru, when he commissioned for the Bengaluru city logo to crowd sourced. Selected by experts by screening thousands of entries, Bengaluru is the first city in the country to join the league of metropolises like New York, Paris, Berlin, London and others who have a logo of their own. This was the beginning of building the legacy of Brand Bengaluru to anchor tourism for the state and country.
 
The most successful city driven community engagement for a metropolitan was the brainchild of Priyank Kharge. Four Bengaluru Habbas were organized where citizens could experience the true essence of their city by indulging in arts, crafts, sports, culture, history, literature and cuisines, all this on traffic less open streets. He threw open the gates of iconic [[Vidhana Soudha]] for public to engage with their heritage, a first of its kind for one the events.
 
Puneeta Yatra was first of its kind religious tourism package, where the traveller could choose a completely curated circuits of religious and holy places across the state.
 
For the first time, a special push was given to sports tourism and it was for the first time that Govt tied up with private sector to bring world class sporting events that increased footfalls for the state.
Indian Premier League’s , [[Royal Challengers Bangalore]] partnered with Dept of Tourism to promote Jungle Lodges & Resorts.
The Department also tied up with Bengaluru Football Club to enhance State’s presence
Bengaluru Golf Open was hosted for the first time with a prize money of 1 Crore, making it the biggest tournament sponsored by Government in India
Held the India’s first surfing challenge
The Kali River Rafting Challenge was held with Dept of Sports
 
The establishment of Bengaluru [[Bengaluru Dr. B. R. Ambedkar School of Economics University]] for [[Dr. B.R. Ambedkar]]’s 125th Birth Anniversary too is attributed to Priyank Kharge. It was his perseverance with the then CM of Karnataka, Mr. Siddaramaiah, to honour the Father of The Constitution by establishing a school of economics. This has been established to help envisage economic and social policies for the nation. Priyank Kharge also served as the Co-Chairman of BASE for 2 years.
 
Currently, Priyank Kharge is the Chairman for IT and Data for the [[Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee]]
   
   
<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/ites/why-it-industry-is-pinning-high-hopes-on-karnatakas-it-minister-priyank-kharge/articleshow/53277462.cms |title=Information Technology and Bio-Technology Minister  |work=The Economic Times|last1=Balasubramanyam |first1=K. R. }}</ref> As the Information Technology Minister, Kharge has introduced a Startup Booster Kit which has facilities like access to mentors, cloud credits and incubators. In 2017 he started Bengaluru Tech Summit to boost the tech industry.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.in/Karnataka-has-launched-a-Startup-Booster-Kit-Heres-what-is-in-it/articleshow/53431047.cms |title=Karnataka now has launched a Startup Booster Kit – Here's what is in it |publisher=businessinsider.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/556381/karnataka-plans-startup-booster-kit.html |title=Karnataka plans startup booster kit |work=Deccan Herald|date=6 July 2016 }}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/ites/why-it-industry-is-pinning-high-hopes-on-karnatakas-it-minister-priyank-kharge/articleshow/53277462.cms |title=Information Technology and Bio-Technology Minister  |work=The Economic Times|last1=Balasubramanyam |first1=K. R. }}</ref> As the Information Technology Minister, Kharge has introduced a Startup Booster Kit which has facilities like access to mentors, cloud credits and incubators. In 2017 he started Bengaluru Tech Summit to boost the tech industry.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.in/Karnataka-has-launched-a-Startup-Booster-Kit-Heres-what-is-in-it/articleshow/53431047.cms |title=Karnataka now has launched a Startup Booster Kit – Here's what is in it |publisher=businessinsider.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/556381/karnataka-plans-startup-booster-kit.html |title=Karnataka plans startup booster kit |work=Deccan Herald|date=6 July 2016 }}</ref>
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://kla.kar.nic.in/assembly/member/members.htm Karnataka Legislative Assembly]
* [http://kla.kar.nic.in/assembly/member/members.htm Karnataka Legislative Assembly]


== References ==
{{Indian National Congress}}
{{reflist}}
{{Portal bar|India|Biography|Politics}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Kharge, Priyank M.}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kharge, Priyank M.}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Members of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly]]
[[Category:Indian National Congress politicians from Karnataka]]
[[Category:Indian National Congress politicians from Karnataka]]
[[Category:Ambedkarites]]
[[Category:Navayana Buddhists]]
[[Category:Indian Buddhists]]
[[Category:1978 births]]
[[Category:1978 births]]
[[Category:Karnataka MLAs 2013–2018]]
[[Category:Karnataka MLAs 2018–2023]]
[[Category:Karnataka MLAs 2023–2028]]
[[Category:State cabinet ministers of Karnataka]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian Buddhists]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian Buddhists]]

Latest revision as of 08:32, 15 February 2026


Priyank Kharge
Cabinet Minister, Government of Karnataka
Assumed office
20 May 2023
GovernorThawarchand Gehlot
CabinetSiddaramaiah II
Chief MinisterSiddaramaiah
Ministry
  • Rural Development
  • Panchayati Raj
  • IT & BT
In office
8 June 2018 – 23 July 2019
GovernorVajubhai Vala
CabinetKumaraswamy II
Chief MinisterH. D. Kumaraswamy
MinistrySocial Welfare
Preceded byH. Anjaneya
Succeeded byGovind Karjol
Member of Karnataka Legislative Assembly
Assumed office
2013
Preceded byValmiki Nayak
ConstituencyChittapur
Minister of State of IT & BT and Science & Technology
Government of Karnataka
In office
2016–2018
Personal details
Born (1978-11-22) 22 November 1978 (age 47)[1]
Gulbarga, Karnataka, India
NationalityIndian
Political partyIndian National Congress
Parent(s)Mallikarjun Kharge (father)
Radhabai Kharge (mother)
OccupationPolitician

Priyank Mallikarjun Kharge (born 22 November 1978) is an Indian politician from Indian National Congress and serving as the Cabinet Minister in the Government of Karnataka. He is a three-time Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Chittapur constituency in Kalaburagi District of Karnataka.

Early life and background[edit | edit source]

Priyank Kharge was born to Mallikarjun Kharge and Radhabai Kharge on 22 November 1978. His father is the current Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha.[2][3] According to MyNeta he has completed his schooling from MES College, Malleswaram from 1996 to 1998.[4]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Kharge is married to Shruti Kharge. He is an Ambedkarite and a Buddhist.[5]

Political career[edit | edit source]

Kharge entered into the politics as an activist of the National Students' Union of India in 1998. In 1999, he became the NSUI College General Secretary. Later in 2001, he started serving as NSUI State General Secretary till 2005. He was also the Secretary of the Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress from 2005 to 2007. He served as a Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress General Secretary from 2007 to 2011.

Kharge entered electoral politics by contesting Chittapur in the 2009 Karnataka Assembly by-election but was defeated by Valmiki Nayak of Bharatiya Janata Party.

In 2011, he was elected as Vice President of Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress, till 2014.

He was then elected to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly in 2013.

In 2016, at the age of 38, he became the youngest minister to be sworn into the then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s cabinet as the Minister of IT, BT & Tourism. He has also served as a Cabinet Minister of Social Welfare in the coalition Government headed by H D Kumaraswamy.[6]

In 2018, he again won from Chittapur and was made the Social Welfare Minister under H.D. Kumaraswamy led Congress – JD(S) Coalition Government.[7][8]

In 2023, he won from Chittapur once again, this time pitted against BJP's Manikanta Rathod, and is currently serving the Department of Information Technology and Biotechnology.[9]

Positions held[edit | edit source]

Priyank Kharge entered politics as an activist of the National Students' Union of India in 1998.

  • 1999: NSUI College General Secretary
  • 2001–2005: State NSUI General Secretary
  • 2005–2007: Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress Secretary.
  • 2007–2011: Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress General Secretary
  • 2011–2014: Elected as Vice President of Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress
# From To Position
1. 2013 2018 MLA (1st term) from Chittapur
  • Minister for IT&BT, Govt. of Karnataka (2016 and 2018)[10]
2. 2018 2023 MLA (2nd term) from Chittapur
  • Minister for Social Welfare(from 2018 to 2019), Govt. of Karnataka[11]
3. 2023 Present MLA (3rd term) from Chittapur
  • Cabinet Minister - Govt of Karnataka[10]

Currently, Priyank Kharge is the Chairman of IT and Data for the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee.

[12] As the Information Technology Minister, Kharge has introduced a Startup Booster Kit which has facilities like access to mentors, cloud credits and incubators. In 2017 he started Bengaluru Tech Summit to boost the tech industry.[13][14]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Priyank Kharge: Age, Biography, Education, Wife, Caste, Net Worth & More - Oneindia".
  2. ↑ Centre, National Informatics. "Digital Sansad". Digital Sansad. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  3. ↑ "Escaping Blaze at 7 to Congress Chief at 80, Mallikarjun Kharge's Firefighting Continues".
  4. ↑ "Priyank Kharge-Indian national Congress".
  5. ↑ "Priyank Kharge: Today's India is not what any of our founding fathers had dreamt of, says Priyank Kharge | Bengaluru News - Times of India".
  6. ↑ "minister with Independent Charge". kla.kar.nic.in.
  7. ↑ "Priyank began his political career in NSUI". The Hindu. 20 June 2016.
  8. ↑ "Sitting and previous MLAs from Chittapur Assembly Constituency". elections.in.
  9. ↑ "Priyank Kharge: Karnataka election results 2023: Priyank Kharge of Congress wins from Chittapur". The Economic Times. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Priyank Kharge sworn in as Minister for second time". The Hindu. 20 May 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  11. ↑ "Announce 5-Day Work Week: Karnataka Minister's Request To HD Kumaraswamy". NDTV.com. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  12. ↑ Balasubramanyam, K. R. "Information Technology and Bio-Technology Minister". The Economic Times.
  13. ↑ "Karnataka now has launched a Startup Booster Kit – Here's what is in it". businessinsider.in.
  14. ↑ "Karnataka plans startup booster kit". Deccan Herald. 6 July 2016.

External links[edit | edit source]

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