Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sep 18: Chief minister D K Shivakumar on Friday announced that the Karnataka Cabinet has approved projects and proposals worth around Rs 32,611 crore at its first-ever meeting held in Mangaluru.

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Shivakumar said the government had received representations from fishermen, industrialists, local residents and various organisations regarding the development needs of the coastal region.

He said around Rs 16,000 crore has been earmarked for rural development, while another Rs 16,000 crore has been allocated for Mangaluru, Udupi and the coastal region. Deputy chief minister Dr G Parameshwara is expected to provide further details on the individual projects and PPP initiatives.

A major announcement from the meeting was the Cabinet's decision to officially recognise Tulu as the second official language in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, Shivakumar said.

He also said the government would consider pending demands and proposals in future Cabinet meetings, subject to financial and legal feasibility.

Highlighting the significance of holding the Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru, Shivakumar said it was the first Cabinet meeting held outside Bengaluru after he assumed office as chief minister.

He thanked the media, youth, parents and people of Tulunadu for their affection, trust and support, and said the government was committed to the overall development of the region.

Shivakumar stressed that the government's focus was on people's livelihoods and social justice, rather than politics based purely on emotions.

He said MLAs, MPs and Legislative Council members from different political parties had raised various regional issues and contributed suggestions. Meetings were also held in Mangaluru and Bengaluru, besides direct consultations with elected representatives.

The chief minister said the government would function as ‘Team Karnataka’, with a focus on balanced development rather than individual or regional agendas.