Chikkaballapura/Bengaluru: In a strategic cabinet meeting held atop the scenic Nandi Hills, the Karnataka government cleared development projects worth ₹3,400 crore, with a substantial ₹2,050 crore allocated to districts within the Bengaluru division. The move, part of a state-wide initiative to conduct cabinet sessions across all revenue divisions, reflects the government’s renewed focus on regional development.
Addressing reporters post-meeting, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that nearly 90% of the agenda was focused on Bengaluru division. Key areas of discussion included infrastructure, education, irrigation, lake rejuvenation, and healthcare.
In a notable decision, the cabinet approved the renaming of Bangalore City University to Dr. Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University, honoring the former Prime Minister, aligning with proposals in the state budget.
Drinking Water Focus: Yettinahole Project Revised
The cabinet also prioritized the completion of the Yettinahole drinking water project, reaffirming it as a lifeline initiative to serve 75 lakh people across nine districts including Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Tumakuru, Hassan, and parts of Bengaluru. The revised project estimate now stands at ₹23,251 crore, of which ₹17,147 crore has already been spent. Approximately ₹6,000 crore more is needed to complete the remaining work.
Siddaramaiah clarified that although lake-filling is part of the plan, drinking water supply remains the core objective. “This is a necessity for drought-prone districts and will be completed within two years,” he assured.
Education, Health and Welfare Initiatives Approved
The cabinet sanctioned the construction of 31 residential schools worth ₹1,125.25 crore to support children of registered workers under the Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
Additionally, eight Primary Health Centres (PHCs) will be upgraded to Community Health Centres (CHCs) in newly formed taluks at a cost of ₹46 crore.
For economic development, the cabinet approved a ₹141.5 crore international-standard flower market by APMC in Chikkaballapur.
To empower students from backward classes, two hostels in Bengaluru—intended to provide training and accommodation for competitive exams like IAS and IPS—will be built at a cost of ₹10 crore.
Illegal Mining Under Scrutiny
Deputy CM D K Shivakumar announced a Cabinet Sub-Committee under Law Minister H K Patil to monitor progress on the illegal mining probe. The committee will submit recommendations and a detailed report within a month.
The session reflects the state’s commitment to regional equity in development, improved public services, and proactive governance ahead of key electoral milestones.
