New Public Grievance Department to Be Established in Karnataka, Cabinet Approves Multiple Civic Measures

The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the creation of a new “Praja Seva Department” to address public grievances and protests. The meeting also cleared measures related to electricity connections for residential buildings, healthcare infrastructure, public transport, student facilities, and coordination for securing central government schemes.

Key Details:

• Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced the establishment of a dedicated Praja Seva Department to handle public grievances and petitions.

• A separate minister will oversee the department, and a senior IAS officer will be appointed to monitor complaints and provide updates.

• District in-charge ministers will conduct regular public grievance meetings with local MLAs.

Residential Buildings Get 15-Day Window for Electricity Connection Applications

• A relaxation has been granted for residential buildings completed on or before 31 May 2026.

• Owners can apply for electricity connections within 15 days from the date of the government order.

• Applicants must submit building photographs and GPS records.

• The provision applies only to residential buildings.

• Existing rural sericulture houses and cattle sheds are exempt, while newly constructed structures are not covered.

Healthcare Projects Approved

• Approval has been granted for a 200-bed super speciality hospital in Yadgir at an estimated cost of ₹100 crore.

• Administrative approval has been given for six civil works at the Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences worth ₹18 crore.

• Medical equipment procurement worth around ₹60 crore has been approved for Bengaluru Medical Research Hospital.

620 New Buses Approved

• Karnataka has approved the purchase of 620 new buses at a cost of ₹235 crore.

• Of these, 400 buses will serve rural areas and 220 buses will be allocated to the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation.

• Electric bus depots will be established at 11 locations with an investment of ₹112 crore.

• A modern bus station will be built in Sandur taluk headquarters at a cost of ₹30 crore.

Karnataka Bhavan-IV in New Delhi

• Karnataka Bhavan-IV will be constructed in New Delhi at a cost of ₹80 crore through KIADB.

• The facility aims to support students preparing for UPSC and other competitive examinations.

• Reservation provisions include 50% seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and 50% for students from other communities.

Strengthening Legal Representation in Delhi

• The state government plans to strengthen its legal division in New Delhi to improve handling of Supreme Court cases.

• The functioning of the Karnataka Resident Commissioner’s office is being reorganized.

Team to Secure Central Government Schemes

• A dedicated team of officers will be formed to identify and bring more central government schemes to Karnataka.

• The team will study successful initiatives implemented in states including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.