Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, June 21: In a significant administrative and infrastructure push, the Karnataka Cabinet has approved a 15-day window for completed buildings to obtain electricity and water connections, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced on Saturday.
Addressing reporters after chairing the Cabinet meeting at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said buildings completed on or before May 31 of the current financial year would be eligible for the relaxation from the date of issuance of the official government order.
He, however, clarified that building owners must mandatorily submit supporting documents, including photographs of the structure and GPS-based verification, to avail the benefit.
Cabinet nod for 620 buses and e-bus infrastructure
The Cabinet also cleared the purchase of 620 fully built BS-6 buses for state transport corporations at an estimated cost of Rs 235.60 crore. This includes 400 buses for KSRTC and 220 buses for NWKRTC, aimed at strengthening public transport services across the state.
In a parallel push towards green mobility, administrative approval was granted under the Centre’s PM e-Bus Sewa scheme for setting up electric bus infrastructure across 10 cities at 11 locations, with an estimated investment of Rs 112.72 crore, Shivakumar said.
Bus stand, housing and urban development projects approved
Among other key decisions, the Cabinet approved the construction of a modern government bus terminal and allied infrastructure at Sandur in Ballari district, at an estimated cost of Rs 30 crore, aimed at improving passenger facilities and transport efficiency.
It also cleared a public-private partnership housing project in Kalsapur village under Gadag-Betageri Urban Development Authority, covering 18 acres under a 50:50 participation model between farmers and the authority, with an estimated project cost of Rs 19.69 crore.
Key administrative decisions and reforms
The Cabinet authorised the chief minister to take a final decision on the nomination of five members to the Legislative Council, and also empowered him to restructure various Cabinet sub-committees to improve administrative efficiency.
Shivakumar said the government is also working to strengthen Karnataka’s legal presence in New Delhi to ensure faster disposal of cases in the Supreme Court. He further remarked that the functioning of the regional commissioner’s office was “not satisfactory” and would be restructured to improve performance.
Task force to maximise central scheme benefits
The state will set up a dedicated team comprising senior IAS, IPS and retired officers to study central government schemes and ensure Karnataka secures maximum benefits. The team will also analyse strategies adopted by states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat to improve competitiveness in scheme implementation.
Shivakumar said consultations had already been held with officials in Delhi, where several suggestions were received to enhance administrative efficiency and improve the state’s access to central funds and programmes.
On drinking water management, the chief minister said responsibilities would be assigned after the Cabinet expansion. Until then, departments have been instructed to maintain strict monitoring to ensure no disruption in water supply across the state.