Karnataka Government

K'taka CM Siddaramaiah asks people to make Kannada their business language

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday gave a clarion call to the people of Karnataka to make Kannada their 'business language'. Speaking at an event to celebrate 50 years of naming the erstwhile Mysore state as Karnataka, the CM appealed to people to make Karnataka a Kannada state. "All the people living here are Kannadigas. No matter what your home language is, the business language' should be Kannada. Kannada should be the main and first language in the state," he said. "Learn every language, but Kannada should be the official language in the state," he added. Dwelling on the Gokak agitation, which was related to granting Kannada the first language status in the state, the chief minister said the 'Kannada Kavalu Samiti' was formed to create an atmosphere for Kannada to prosper in Karnataka. Later, the committee became the Kannada Development Authority, he explained. Siddaramaiah asked people to respect all languages, learn as many languages as possible but never be generous to

Karnataka govt is misusing officers to save CM in MUDA scam: HD Kumaraswamy

Reffering to Siddaramaiah's remark asking to resign for he is out on bail, Kumaraswamy replied that he has only taken bail and is not interfering in the investigation

MUDA scam: Karnataka CM questions ED for money laundering case against him

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday questioned the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) slapping a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case against him, maintaining that the MUDA issue does not attract its provisions. I don't know on what grounds it's a money laundering case. Probably you too feel the same. According to me, it does not attract the money laundering case because compensatory sites were given. So, how is it a money laundering case? Siddaramaiah told reporters here. On Monday, the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), equivalent to an FIR by police, against the Chief Minister over the alleged irregularities in allotment of 14 sites to his wife by the MUDA (Mysuru Urban Development Authority). The ED has invoked relevant sections of the PMLA against the Chief Minister and others in the ECIR. The Chief Minister also ruled out the possibility of his resignation over the MUDA case. I work with conscience. So there is no need for me to

MUDA scam: CM's wife offers to return 14 sites, BJP says 'admitting' guilt

In a significant development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife Parvathi has written to the MUDA Commissioner expressing her willingness to return the 14 sites in the Mysuru upmarket. The letter by Parvathi was circulated late-night among the reporters by the CMO on the official Whatsapp group. Significantly, the Enforcement Directorate officials on Monday said the agency has booked Siddaramaiah, his wife and some others in a money laundering case linked to the MUDA land allotment case, taking cognisance of a recent state Lokayukta FIR. A special court exclusively to deal with criminal cases related to former and elected MPs/MLAs had directed the Lokayukta police in Mysuru to initiate an investigation into the matter. The BJP termed Parvathi's letter to MUDA Commissioner as "admission of guilt" and demanded the Karnataka CM's resignation. In her letter to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Commissioner, Parvathi said she was allotted the 14 alternative sites i

Lokayukta police register FIR against K'taka CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA case

Lokayukta police on Friday registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case, following the court order. Congress President M Mallikarjun Kharge, meanwhile, came to Siddaramaiah's defence, stating that the party is standing with him and will support him. Siddaramaiah, who began his three-day visit to his home district of Mysuru, claimed that he was being targeted in the MUDA issue as the opposition is "scared" of him and said it's the first such "political case" against him. He also reiterated that he won't resign following the court ordering a probe against him in the case as he has done no wrong and asserted that he would fight the case legally. While Siddaramaiah is accused number one (A1) in the case, his wife B M Parvathi (A2), brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy (A3), Devaraju (A4) -- from whom Mallikarjuna Swamy purchased land and gifted it to Parvathi -- an

K'taka unveils GCC policy, aims to generate $50 bn economic output by 2029

The Karnataka Government on Friday launched a draft Global Capacity Centres (GCC) policy with the aim to generate USD 50 billion economic output and attract 500 new GCCs by 2029, creating 3.5 lakh jobs. According to officials, this policy is designed to enhance investor confidence, promote seamless collaboration with the local innovation ecosystem, and position Karnataka as a global leader in AI research and development. Crafted through extensive industry research and stakeholders consultations, it draws insights from over 500 discussions with experts and industry leaders, they said, adding, the result is a comprehensive framework that sets ambitious goals for growth, incentives, and collaboration. Speaking at the event, Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge said: "Today, we proudly launch India's first dedicated policy for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), reaffirming Karnataka's position as the top destination for innovation and business transformation.

Karnataka aims to double GCCs to 1,000, creating 350,000 jobs by 2029

A draft policy launched by Karnataka includes various incentives for foreign firms including reimbursement of rental costs, assistance with patent fees, and exemptions from certain duties

Karnataka govt set to launch India's first knowledge health city on Sept 26

The Karnataka government's ambitious "Knowledge Health Innovation Research-City" (KHIR-City) project, touted as the first of its kind in the country, is set to be launched on September 26. The Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is slated to give the green signal for the works in the first phase of the project at a ceremony in 'Vidhana Soudha', official sources said. The sources said the project would be established on 2,000 acres, with the first phase being developed on 500 acres. "The project with an estimated investment of over Rs 40,000 crore is expected to generate around one lakh jobs -- both direct and indirect," an official said. KHIR-City draws inspiration from global innovation hubs such as Singapore's Biopolis, and Research Triangle Park in the US, the sources said. Elements from Bengaluru's Electronics City will also be incorporated into the project, located between Doddaballapura and Dobaspet, about 50 km from Kempegowda International Airport. The KHIR-City is expected to mak

Setback to CM Siddaramaiah as HC upholds Guv''s order, dismisses his plea

CM Siddaramaiah rejected the opposition's demand for his resignation. "I still say I have done no wrong," he said

K'taka CM Siddaramaiah rejects Oppn demand for resignation over HC verdict

Accusing Narendra Modi-led NDA government of indulging in vendetta politics against opposition-ruled state governments including the one headed by him, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday rejected the opposition's demand for his resignation over the High Court dismissing his petition challenging Governor's approval for investigation against him in a site allotment case. Alleging opposition's conspiracy against him and his government, Siddaramaiah, while asserting that he will face them politically, said he will decide on his next course of action and legal fight after consulting legal experts and party leaders. "I still say I have done no wrong....." Earlier today, the HC dismissed his petition challenging Governor's approval for investigation against him in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case. He repeatedly pointed at the court order which stated that "The order (of HC) is read to be restrictive to an approval (for investigation) under ...

Karnataka HC verdict: CM to consult legal expert on legality of probe

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said he will not hesitate from facing investigation in a site allotment issue but added that he would consult legal experts to find out whether such a probe is allowed under law. Reacting to the High Court order dismissing his petition challenging Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's order for investigation against him in a site allotment case, Siddaramaiah said truth will prevail. "I will not hesitate from facing investigation. I will consult experts whether such a probe is allowed under law or not, the Chief Minister said. Stating that he believed in law and the Constitution, he said: Truth will finally win in this fight. Blaming the BJP-led NDA and its ally JD(S) for "creating trouble for him", Siddaramaiah said: Our judicial struggle against this revenge politics' of BJP and the JD(S) will continue. I have faith in the judiciary. The High Court verdict came as a setback to the Chief Minister who had challenged the approval given by th

Karnataka HC to give verdict on Oct 24 on CM's plea challenging Guv's order

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday will pronounce its order on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's petition challenging the legality of Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's approval for investigation against him in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case. The High Court on September 12 completed its hearing in the case, and reserved its orders, while extending its August 19 interim order directing the special court for people's representatives that was slated to hear complaints against him in the case, to defer its proceedings till the disposal of the petition. The case is listed for pronouncement of order before the single judge bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna on Tuesday. The Governor on August 16 accorded sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for the commission of the alleged offences as mentioned in the petitions submitted to him by complainants Pradeep Kumar S P, T J ...

Rs 300 cr skill training initiative for youth launched by Karnataka govt

Karnataka government on Monday launched 'Nipuna Karnataka' initiative, which aims at harnessing the potential of the state's youth by equipping them with industry-relevant skills. Commenting on the launch, Minister for Electronics, IT/BT, Priyank Kharge said, "Nipuna Karnataka is not just an initiative but a commitment to empowering our youth with the skills needed to excel in the IT industry." According to him, by aligning the training programmes with industry demands and fostering strong public-private partnerships, Karnataka aims to position itself as a global leader in the IT sector, while ensuring that the youth are equipped to succeed both locally and globally. The initiative, with an estimated budget of Rs 300 crore, will be implemented in close collaboration with Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS) and Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), ensuring extensive industry outreach and maximising the skilling of Karnataka's youth, Kharge ...

Panel on Covid finds irregularities worth crores, says Karnataka minister

Karnataka Minister H K Patil on Thursday said the Justice John Michael Cunha panel in its report on the COVID-19 management has mentioned irregularities to the tune of crores of rupees' during the previous BJP government in the state. The preliminary inquiry report has been assigned to a team of officers comprising Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Secretary and some other officers to analyse it and file the report in a month, Patil, who holds law and parliamentary affairs portfolio, told reporters after the cabinet meeting. The minister said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah raised the subject related to Justice Michael D'Cunha commission's report on irregularities during COVID-19 pandemic. The report has been submitted comprising five to six volumes, he added. Justice D'Cunha has mentioned about the irregularities to the tune of hundreds of crores of rupees. There is also reference to the missing files. The report has taken into account the publi

K'taka filmstars urge CM for panel to address sexual harassment in industry

Over 100 film professionals on Wednesday urged the Karnataka government to appoint a committee led by a retired judge to address the sexual harassment issue in the Kannada film industry. In a letter addressed to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, sent on behalf of Film Industry for Rights & Equality (FIRE), 153 film professionals, including actors Kiccha Sudeep and Ramya, demanded the government to "conduct a thorough investigation into the systematic issues faced by women in KFI, including sexual harassment". The letter, dated September 4, comes in the wake of the Justice K Hema Committee report that is taking the Malayalam film industry by storm with many survivors coming forward to name the preparators. FIRE, led by film director, screenwriter and lyricist Kavita Lankesh, has been pushing for reform in the Kannada film industry following the #metoo wave as well. FIRE also urged the government to "develop and recommend policies to ensure a healthy and equitable work ...

Canada's Vitera invests Rs 250 cr in Karnataka's Vijayapura for agriculture

Vitera, a leading Canadian agricultural product manufacturing company, has invested Rs 250 crore to develop agricultural infrastructure in Vijayapur district in Karnataka, state Minister M B Patil said on Friday. Vitera made this capital investment decision during a meeting with the Minister held here today. Vitera's investment will help reduce post-harvest losses faced by farmers by building state-of-the-art cold storage facilities for the agricultural community in Vijayapur district, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the production, supply, and sale of agricultural products, Patil who holds medium and large industries portfolio, said in a statement. The company will utilise advanced manufacturing technology to achieve this, he added. Patil also mentioned that the use of modern Canadian agricultural technology, along with this capital investment, will increase agricultural production, thereby boosting the overall economy of the state.

Balance equity with efficiency: Siddaramaiah to 16th Finance Commission

Economically advanced States are committed to supporting poorer States, but this should not come at the expense of their own residents or economic efficiency, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Thursday. In his address to Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission Arvind Panagariya and its members at a meeting here, he said the panel needs to carefully examine the impact of extremely high emphasis given to equity on the incentives of well performing states. "Moreover, the taxpayers of such states expect their taxes to work for them. This creates public trust. The Finance Commission therefore needs to do a tightrope walk while balancing equity with efficiency and performance," Siddaramaiah said. Noting that cesses and surcharges are not part of the divisible pool, the Chief Minister said over the years, the Union Government has increased its reliance on them. This has led to the divisible pool not growing in the same proportion as the Gross Tax Revenue, he said. This has cau

Karnataka Cong lawmakers may petition Prez against Guv's prosecution of CM

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara indicated on Wednesday that a delegation of ruling Congress legislators may meet President Droupadi Murmu to complain against Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot over his action of giving sanction for prosecution of Chief Minister in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case. He said a tentative plan has been made in this regard and a call is likely to be taken on the move after considering developments in the court. The Governor on August 16 granted sanction to open an investigation against the Chief Minister and to prosecute him in connection with alleged irregularities in the allotment of compensatory plots to his wife B M Parvathi by the MUDA. The Chief Minister challenged the legality of the Governor's order in the High Court, which on August 19 deferred its proceedings to August 29 and asked a trial court to postpone till its consideration of private complaints till then. "We have held discussions and have made certain decisions regard

BJP attempting 'Operation Kamala' to destabilise K'taka govt: Cong MLA

Accusing the opposition BJP of attempting 'Operation Kamala' to destabilise the Siddaramaiah-led government in Karnataka, a ruling party MLA on Sunday claimed that efforts were on to entice Congress legislators, by offering Rs 100 crore. Congress MLA from Mandya Ravikumar Gowda (Ravi Ganiga) alleged that though attempts are on by the BJP to destabilise the government by luring MLAs, no legislator will fall for it, and the government was stable and strong. Operation Kamala' (Operation Lotus) refers to an alleged attempt of the BJP to engineer defection of its opponent party legislators to install its own government and to ensure its stability. "Even today I'm saying, they (BJP) have now raised the offer to Rs 100 crore from Rs 50 crore, someone had called day-before-yesterday saying hundred (crore) ready, (wanted) to purchase 50 MLAs. BJP people have gone from Rs 50 crore to Rs 100 crore," Gowda said in response to a reporter's question. Addressing media here, he said, "Someone had

Chevron corp to invest Rs 8,300 cr in Karnataka, says minister Patil

Chevron, a global leader in providing energy solutions, on Saturday announced an investment of Rs 8,300 crore to set up its Engineering and Innovation Centre of Excellence here. The investment was announced during a high-profile meeting attended by the Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, M B Patil and others. "Karnataka has been consistently leading the way in promoting economic growth and development. The collaboration between the state government and Chevron company in implementing this Rs 8,300 crore investment is a clear indication of the significant progress in engineering and innovation in Karnataka. The state government is committed to promoting innovation, economic growth and job creation," he said. Akshay Sahni, Country Head of Chevron India, shared the company's vision for the new centre and said, "It will provide an opportunity for India's exceptional talent to work with the resources and expertise of our global network to .