Soon after being sworn in as Karnataka Chief Minister on Wednesday, DK Shivakumar unveiled a six-point agenda aimed at ushering in a “new youth era”. The initiatives include free bus passes for students,
a private-sector employment exchange, the creation of 10,000 youth associations, and a Rs 2,000-crore road infrastructure upgrade plan for Bengaluru.
Underscoring his government’s focus on young people, Shivakumar said efforts would be directed towards creating opportunities and enabling youth to play a larger role in the state’s growth.
“We have taken some decisions from the perspective of the youth. The people of this state have placed immense trust in me. They may have criticised me in the past. They may have praised me. I have a background in political experience. I have seen hardships. I have seen happiness. I have seen power at a young age. I have placed my trust in them,” the chief minister said.
Free Bus Passes For Students
In his first Cabinet briefing, Shivakumar announced that free bus passes will be provided to “all school and college students” across the state.
He said that this expansion was announced after many questioned why this transport benefit was restricted to girls.
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Shivakumar said the government would finalise the operational framework for the scheme in coordination with the Transport Department. Once launched, students meeting the eligibility criteria will be able to apply for the free bus passes through a designated process.
“This is the youth era. Students were asking why there is a free bus just for girls. We are giving passes to all students – a free bus pass without any charge. A bus pass is free for all school and college students. This is the first decision by the DK Shivakumar cabinet. Students have to apply for this, will discuss this with the Transport Department,” the chief minister said.
Private-Sector Employment Exchange
Karantaka CM further announced that the government will establish a private-sector employment exchange, which will connect job seekers with employers. He added that the authorities will also work towards filling 56,000 government vacancies.
“The recruitment schedule for government posts will be announced soon. The government itself will provide an employment exchange facility for those seeking jobs in the private sector. Kannadigas will get preference, though the exact framework will be finalised after consultations. Ministers have been asked to prepare the policy within a month,” said Shivakumar.
The chief minister further appealed to the people to register with the government to find jobs and added that they will speak to the companies and get jobs for the unemployed.
“Unemployed people looking for jobs should register with the government. We will talk to companies and make arrangements to provide them with the jobs they need,” he said.
10,000 Bharat Jodo Youth Clubs
As part of his youth-focused agenda, the Karnataka chief minister also announced the establishment of 10,000 ‘Bharat Jodo’ youth clubs across the state.
“It has been decided to form Bharat Jodo Youth Clubs in villages. The government will provide Rs 10 lakhs. This is being done so that youth clubs can be formed without resorting to other bad habits. The goal is to form 10,000 Bharat Jodo Clubs,” he said.
The initiative envisages setting up one club in every gram panchayat, along with similar units in urban wards.
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Each club is expected to have between 150 and 200 members and will serve as a platform for sports, cultural programmes, leadership training and community-building activities. To support their operations, the government will allocate Rs 10 lakh to each club.
Rs 2,000 Crore Grant For Bengaluru Roads
In a push to improve Bengaluru’s road infrastructure, the Cabinet also sanctioned Rs 2,000 crore for resurfacing and asphalting roads across the city. The funding will be directed towards stretches that are not already being upgraded under existing development projects.
“We have decided to complete the road asphalting works within the next three to four months,” Shivakumar said.
One-Time Relief For OC-CC Issues
In a move aimed at resolving longstanding property-related disputes, the government has announced a one-time regularisation measure for homeowners facing issues with Occupancy Certificates (OC) and Completion Certificates (CC).
The benefit will apply to residential properties measuring up to 2,500 sq ft with building deviations of up to 20%, provided the applications were filed on or before May 31.
B Khata-To-A Khata conversion
The Cabinet has also approved the expansion of the B Khata-to-A Khata conversion programme across Karnataka.
The initiative is intended to help property owners secure clearer legal status for their properties and streamline documentation and ownership records.
Earlier in the day, Shivakumar formally assumed office as Karnataka’s 34th Chief Minister following a swearing-in ceremony at Lok Bhavan.
Alongside him, senior Congress leader G Parameshwara was administered the oath as Deputy Chief Minister, while 13 MLAs joined the new government as Cabinet ministers.
