Hours after being sworn in as Karnataka's new Chief Minister, D. K. Shivakumar announced a series of youth- and student-focused welfare measures, including free bus passes for all students, the creation of 10,000 Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas, and a private employment exchange aimed at boosting job opportunities across the state.
Chairing his first Cabinet meeting after taking office, Shivakumar said students from SSLC and PUC levels to degree and postgraduate courses would be eligible for free travel on non-luxury government buses. The move expands transport benefits to a much wider section of students and is intended to reduce educational expenses for families.
The new chief minister also announced the formation of 10,000 Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas across Karnataka. According to the government, one youth organization will be established in every gram panchayat and urban ward, with each unit comprising around 150 to 200 members. Activities will focus on sports, culture, education, leadership development, and community participation. The state government plans to provide financial assistance of ₹10 lakh to each village-level youth body.
To address unemployment, Shivakumar said a private employment exchange would be established within a month. The platform will connect job seekers with industries, hospitals, hotels, and other private-sector employers. Officials are expected to finalize the framework soon, allowing youth to register for jobs and training opportunities online.
The chief minister further announced that his government would release a recruitment calendar for 56,000 government jobs, detailing when notifications would be issued and how the hiring process would proceed. The administration said employment generation would be one of its key priorities.
Among other major decisions, the Cabinet approved a ₹2,000-crore package for road infrastructure projects in Bengaluru and extended the state's drive to convert B-Khata properties into A-Khata properties under the Bhoo-Guarantee initiative. The government also indicated it would introduce measures to reduce migration from rural areas and support farming communities.
Shivakumar described youth empowerment, education, employment, and rural development as the pillars of his government's initial agenda, signaling a strong welfare-oriented start to his tenure as Karnataka's Chief Minister.
