D.K. Shivakumar Announces Six-Point Youth Agenda, Bengaluru Road Grant and Governance Priorities After Taking Oath as Chief Minister

Soon after taking oath as Karnataka Chief Minister on June 3, D.K. Shivakumar chaired his first Cabinet meeting and announced a six-point agenda focused on youth empowerment, employment, property reforms, housing approvals, student welfare and Bengaluru’s infrastructure. He also outlined his vision for governance, stating that the Chief Minister’s office belongs to the people and emphasizing inclusive development, farmer welfare and collective decision-making.

Key Announcements from the First Cabinet Meeting

Key Details:

Free Bus Passes for School and College Students

• The government has decided to provide free bus passes for students across Karnataka.

• Applicable to students who apply for the facility.

• Intended to support educational access and reduce travel costs.

• Extends transport benefits beyond existing schemes.

Private Employment Exchange and Recruitment Drive

• To address unemployment, the government plans to strengthen both public and private job opportunities.

• Recruitment process for approximately 56,000 government posts to begin soon.

• A state-supported employment exchange system will be established for private-sector jobs.

• Framework for implementation expected within one month.

• Preference for local employment opportunities for Kannadigas will be discussed.

Formation of 10,000 Youth Associations

• The government will establish youth organizations across Karnataka.

• 10,000 “Bharat Jodo” youth associations to be created.

• Associations planned at panchayat and ward levels.

• Each association expected to include 150–200 youth members.

• Activities to include sports, culture, leadership development and social harmony initiatives.

• Grant of ₹10 lakh proposed for each association.

One-Time Relief for OC–CC Issues

• A policy decision has been announced to address long-pending Occupancy Certificate (OC) and Completion Certificate (CC) issues.

• One-time relief proposed for eligible property owners.

• Up to 20% deviation may be permitted for buildings up to 2,500 sq. ft.

• Applicable to applications submitted before the specified deadline.

• Intended to regularize pending housing approvals.

Statewide Conversion of B Khata to A Khata

• The government has decided to expand property record reforms across Karnataka.

• B Khata to A Khata conversion to be extended statewide.

• Aims to provide clearer and more formal property documentation.

• Part of broader land and property governance reforms.

₹2,000 Crore for Bengaluru Road Asphalting

• A major infrastructure allocation has been announced for Bengaluru.

• ₹2,000 crore grant approved for road asphalting works.

• Covers roads not already included under existing projects.

• Government aims to complete works within 3–4 months.

Chief Minister’s Governance Vision

Addressing the media after the Cabinet meeting, D.K. Shivakumar said the Chief Minister’s office belongs to the people of Karnataka and that the mandate received from voters would be dedicated to public service.

Key Details:

• The CM described the government as people-centric and committed to service.

• Emphasized farmer welfare and rural development as priorities.

• Called for reducing migration caused by lack of opportunities in villages.

• Highlighted the need to strengthen agriculture, horticulture and dairy sectors.

• Stated that governance decisions would be collective Cabinet decisions.

• Reiterated commitment to inclusive development and social harmony.

• Urged the media to report responsibly and focus on factual public issues.