Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, June 3: Hours after taking oath as Karnataka's 25th chief minister, D K Shivakumar unveiled a slew of welfare, youth-centric and development initiatives, including free bus passes for all school and college students, Rs 10 lac grants for youth clubs, and statewide expansion of the B-Khata to A-Khata scheme.
Addressing reporters after chairing the first Cabinet meeting of his government at Vidhana Soudha on Wednesday evening, Shivakumar said the administration had taken several important decisions aimed at ushering in “a new era” in the state.
In a major announcement for students, the chief minister said free bus passes would henceforth be provided to all school and college students, extending a benefit that had so far been available only to girl students.
“An academic year has already begun. Applications will be invited shortly and free bus passes will be distributed to students at the earliest,” he said.
In another significant initiative aimed at empowering youth, Shivakumar announced plans to establish Bharat Jodo Yuvaka Sanghas in every grama panchayat across Karnataka to nurture leadership qualities among young people.
The government intends to form around 10,000 youth clubs across the state, with each organisation receiving financial assistance of Rs 10 lac from the government.
Highlighting another key reform, the chief minister announced that the B-Khata to A-Khata conversion scheme, which had until now been confined to Bengaluru, would be extended across the state. The move is expected to provide relief to thousands of property owners by facilitating the regularisation of records and issuance of A-Khata documentation.
The Cabinet also approved an allocation of Rs 2,000 crore for road construction and infrastructure development works, signalling the government's focus on improving public infrastructure.
In a move likely to benefit homeowners, Shivakumar announced an exemption from obtaining Occupancy Certificates (OC) for buildings measuring up to 2,500 square feet. The decision is expected to provide relief to applicants awaiting approvals for smaller residential structures.
The government also announced the establishment of private employment exchange Centres to assist job seekers, particularly youth looking for opportunities in the private sector.
Key decisions taken at the first Cabinet meeting:
- Free bus passes for all school and college students
- Formation of Bharat Jodo Yuvak Sanghas in every grama panchayat
- Rs 10 lac government grant for each Bharat Jodo Yuvaka Sangha
- Rs 2,000 crore allocation for road construction and development works
- Occupancy Certificate (OC) exemption for buildings up to 2,500 sq ft
- Establishment of private employment exchange centres
- Statewide expansion of the B-Khata to A-Khata conversion scheme
The decisions marked the first major policy initiatives of the Shivakumar-led government and underscored its focus on student welfare, youth development, infrastructure creation, employment generation and administrative reforms.