Page 8 - Karnataka Government

CM Siddaramaiah challenges Kumaraswamy to prove corruption charges

With Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy accusing his government of corruption and ministers of extracting commission, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday challenged the JD(S) leader to prove his allegations with evidence. He said allegations should not be made without documents and proof. "Let him prove it. Ask him to prove that 60 per cent commission is taking place and there is corruption. Let him prove it. Not just making allegations, one has to prove it," Siddaramaiah told reporters here, responding to a question. He said the opposition's job is not only to make the allegations, they should also prove it with evidence and documents. Earlier in the day, speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Kumaraswamy targeted the Siddaramaiah-led government and accused it of corruption and extracting commission, while alleging that ministers themselves are involved in this. "Contractors supporting them (Congress party) are themselves saying that it (commission) has crossed 60 per cent and

K'taka govt likely finding excuses to halt guarantee schemes: Kumaraswamy

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Sunday accused the Congress government in Karnataka of finding ways to discontinue its flagship guarantee schemes, while "burdening" the common people with increased costs such as the recent 15 per cent hike in public transport bus fares. Speaking to reporters, Kumaraswamy said, "The Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) is someone who has presented the most number of budgets in the state, as he has also held a finance portfolio, with his consent the five guarantee schemes were implemented and they (Congress) claim that they have walked the talk, but to walk the talk they are playing with the lives of the common man." Expressing concern over the fare hike, he said it impacted farmers, labourers, and the working class. By increasing bus fares by 15 per cent, what has this government achieved? These hikes affect the lives of the common people, not the wealthy or ministers' families, he said, adding that the hike reflects the government's insensitivity towards

Siddaramiah refuses BJP's demand for minister's resignation in suicide case

In response to the BJP's call for a CBI investigation, Siddaramaiah questioned the party's faith in the state police

Elaborate security in place for New Year celebrations: Bengaluru Police

With just days left for 2025, the Bengaluru Police has made elaborate arrangements for the upcoming New Year celebrations in the city with tight security deployment on heavy footfall areas of the city to ensure safety of public and smooth flow of traffic. Addressing a press conference here, City Police Commissioner B Dayananda said that like every year, Bengaluru Police has made elaborate security arrangements for the New Year Celebrations in the city to ensure no untoward incidents take place. "Based on the previous year's incidents and experience, we are improving the security. We have identified the areas where people are going to gather in large numbers. MG road, Brigade Road junction, Koramangala, Indiranagar and so on, accordingly arrangements have been done," he said. According to him, meetings and discussions have been held with civic body BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike), Metro, and other organisations. They were appealed to make arrangements for lighting, ...

Shivakumar seeks research centre at Bangalore University for Manmohan Singh

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday wrote to the state's Higher Education Minister, M C Sudhakar, requesting necessary steps to establish a research centre at Bangalore University in honour of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The centre would focus on studying, researching, and documenting Singh's programmes and policies. Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India's economic reforms, passed away in New Delhi on Thursday night at the age of 92. "Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was one of the world's greatest economists. The globalisation, liberalisation, economic policies, and governance discipline introduced during his tenure made India economically strong," Shivakumar stated, in a note addressed to Sudhakar and the Vice-Chancellor of Bangalore University. Highlighting transformative initiatives like the Right to Information Act (RTI), Right to Education Act (RTE), Food Security Act, and the Aadhaar Card (Unique Identity Card scheme), .

Steel sector grapples with weak demand, Chinese import, K'taka tax proposal

In November 2024, the per tonne prices of flat steel products, both HRC (hot rolled) and CRC (cold rolled), stayed flat month-on-month (M-o-M) at Rs 48,000 and Rs 55,500

BJP seeks K'taka Guv's intervention in arrest of CT Ravi, demands inquiry

The BJP described the arrest as politically motivated, accusing the ruling Congress government of using state machinery to silence dissent and undermine democratic principles

Karnataka govt approves 9 industrial projects worth Rs 9,823 crore

The Karanataka government on Monday approved nine industrial projects with a total investment of Rs 9,823.31 crore, which are expected to create approximately 5,605 jobs. The projects were approved at the 64th meeting of the State High Level Clearance Committee (SHLCC), headed by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. While three of these are new investment proposals, the remaining six involve expansions or amendments to existing plans. According to an official statement, the approved new projects include DN Solutions India Private Limited's Rs 998 crore investment at the ITIR, Devanahalli, expected to create 467 jobs; Silectric Semiconductor Manufacturing Private Limited's Rs 3,425.60 crore project at Kochanahalli, Mysuru, aimed at generating 460 jobs; and Sansera Engineering Limited's Rs 2,150 crore project at Harohalli, which is estimated to create 3,500 jobs. The six expansion or amended projects with total investments worth Rs 3249. 71 crore is expected to create 1178 ...

Abusing power as CM: K'taka BJP chief Vijayendra hits back at Siddaramaiah

In the post, the Chief Minister also called for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the matter

Karnataka inks agreement with New Jersey to boost tech, innovation ties

The Karnataka government on Tuesday signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the New Jersey Department of State, US, marking a significant step towards enhancing global cooperation in technology, innovation, and economic development, officials said. The agreement signed by Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, Government of Karnataka establishes a framework for collaboration between Bengaluru and New Brunswick, New Jersey, they said. In a statement, the Department said that the agreement will focus on Twin City Collaboration for promoting exchanges between Bengaluru and New Brunswick in identified focus areas. In Startup Ecosystem Engagement, it will focus on developing programs to foster synergies between the startup ecosystems of both regions. "As part of technological collaboration, it will focus on advancing cooperation in sectors such as life sciences, deep technologies (cybersecurity, AI), and electronics," it said. Key areas of collaboration will include life sciences, deep ...

Over 3,000 maternal deaths in Karnataka over five years: CM's office

There have been over 3,350 maternal deaths in the last five years in Karnataka, the Chief Minister's Office said on Monday. The fatalities have been on the decline during this period, according to data issued by the government. The CMO's releasing the data comes in the wake of a controversy surrounding the recent maternal deaths in the state's Ballari district. The total number of maternal deaths in the past five years stands at 3,364. An analysis of the data reveals the highest number of maternal deaths occurred during Covid-19 when the BJP was in power. In 2019-2020, 662 maternal deaths were reported, with the number rising slightly to 714 the following year. However, the figures have since dropped, with 595 deaths recorded in 2021-2022, 527 in 2022-2023, and 518 in 2023-2024. As of November 2024, the number of maternal deaths in the state stands at 348. Karnataka's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) during this period stands at 64 per one lakh live births, according to the data.

K'taka minister Patil discusses investment prospects with German companies

As part of the global roadshow for 'Invest Karnataka 2025' drive, Minister M B Patil-led a high-level delegation has visited Germany to promote the state as a premier investment destination, officials said on Saturday. The visit was aimed at strengthening Karnataka's international economic ties and attracting global investments across key sectors, they said. A statement shared by the Minister's office said that the delegation visited a manufacturing facility of Index-Werke, a global leader in CNC (Computerised Numerical Control) machining. The company provided a detailed overview of its operations and showcased flagship products, including a 64-axis CNC machine. Highlighting Karnataka's strong machine tool ecosystem, which commands a 52 per cent market share in India, Patil has urged Index-Werke to establish a manufacturing facility in the state. The Minister for Large and Medium Industries also emphasised the opportunities offered by Karnataka's Tumakuru Machine Tool Park (TMTP) a

Fairfax India to get addl 10% stake in Bengaluru airport operator BIAL

Fairfax India Holdings will buy an additional 10 per cent stake in Bengaluru airport operator BIAL, hiking its overall shareholding to 74 per cent. Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) is a joint venture between Fairfax India, Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. The latter two entities have 13 per cent stake each. "The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2025, upon which the additional 10 per cent equity interest in BIAL will be acquired by Fairfax India for, in aggregate, USD 255.0 million. The purchase price will be payable in three installments, with the initial installment to be paid on the closing date in Q1 2025," Fairfax India said in a release. The second and third installments are to be paid on or around August 31, 2025 and July 31, 2026, respectively. Fairfax India is acquiring the 10 per cent stake from Siemens Projects Ventures. "We would like to thank Siemens for the great partnershi

Are they trying to influence: K'taka minister after ED writes to Lokayukta

Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeshwara questioned the ED's intention behind writing the letter to the Lokayuta before the petition came up for hearing in High Court

Delhi HC to hear DK Shivakumar's plea against money laundering probe in Jan

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday posted on January 23 a plea by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar against a money laundering probe by the Enforcement Directorate. A bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Amit Sharma deferred the matter saying it was not possible for it to commence the hearing on Tuesday. "Counsel appearing for the parties say the matter will take some time. Owing to the part-heard matters already listed in court, it would not be possible to commence hearing. List on January 23," said the bench. Shivakumar moved the high court in 2022 seeking quashing of the investigation, including summons issued to him in the ECIR (complaint) registered by the agency in 2020 following an alleged disproportionate assets case. The senior counsel appearing for the petitioner said their arguments would take "half-a-day" as important issues were involved. In his petition, Shivakumar challenged the money laundering probe against him on several grounds, including the

Substandard lactate solution may have caused Ballari deaths: K'taka govt

Karnataka Health Department on Friday said the recent maternal deaths in Ballari are suspected to be due to the use of substandard ringer lactate solution that is administered intravenously to restore hydration and fluid balance in the body. According to a statement, the solution was supplied by Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Ltd to Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Ltd. The health department's officials said a sudden spurt in maternal deaths was reported from the Ballari district hospital between November 9 and 11. The deaths were reported to have occurred following caesarean operations at the hospital. Of the 34 caesarean operations performed in those three days, seven cases developed complications. In a statement, the health department said that out of the seven patients who developed complications such as acute kidney injury requiring haemodialysis and multi-organ dysfunction, four died. Two have been discharged from the hospital and one patient is recovering at ...

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah meets PM Modi, seeks clearances for two projects

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting rectification in short term farm loan limit, Rs 10,000 cr in financial support and urgent clearances for the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir and Kalasa Bandhuri projects. In the meeting in Parliament complex, Siddarmaiah pressed for several key interventions focusing on critical areas, including agriculture, water resources and urban infrastructure. Deputy Chief Minister and Irrigation Minister D K Shivakumar, Energy Minister K J George and Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh accompanied the CM for the meeting. The chief minister highlighted that NABARD has drastically cut the Short Term Agricultural Credit Limit for Karnataka from Rs 5,600 crore in 2023-24 to just Rs 2,340 crore in 2024-25, a 58 per cent reduction that could severely impact farmers' access to soft loans. "I request you to look into this and direct the Finance Ministry to rectify this situation so that farmers in Karnata

BJP condemns move to make Karnataka CM chancellor of RDPR University

Opposition BJP on Friday condemned the government's move to make the chief minister the chancellor of the Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) University replacing the governor, terming it as an attempt to pollute the higher education system. State BJP president B Y Vijayendra said this attempt to cut down on the powers of the governor is a conspiracy to upset the constitutional system. The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday approved a bill, according to which the chief minister will be appointed as the chancellor, replacing the governor at the RDPR University in Gadag. The governor is the chancellor for all public universities in Karnataka. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot currently holds the post. "With a good intention that politics should not mix in education and as per the intent of the constitution, the Governor who is also the constitutional head of the state is the chancellor of the universities. But the government led by Siddaramaiah (CM), which is engaged

Talks held for changing Cong prez, cabinet reshuffle: Karnataka minister

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said there are also talks regarding change in state Congress president along with the cabinet reshuffle, and it is for the party leadership to decide on these matters. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who has completed four years as president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), is currently on an extension in the post. "State Congress president (Shivakumar) has gone to Delhi. I have come to know that the Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) is also going today. There is a Congress working committee meeting tomorrow. They are going for that. After the meeting, I don't know whether they will discuss with the high command regarding the cabinet reshuffle," Parameshwara said in response to a question. Speaking to reporters here, he said, "Along with that (cabinet reshuffle) we are also hearing talks about changing the state Congress president. So, on these two things, what decision the CM and the president will take in ...

Karnataka Lokayukta police quiz ex-MUDA Commissioner P S Kantharaju

The Lokayukta police probing the MUDA site allotment case on Thursday quizzed its former Commissioner P S Kantharaju, Lokayukta sources said. Kantharaju was the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Commissioner for over two years, from September 2017 to November 2019. The details of the investigation were not known. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his wife Parvathi B M, brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy and others are accused in the case. In the MUDA case, it is alleged that compensatory sites were allotted to Siddaramaiah's wife in an upmarket area in Mysuru, which had higher property value as compared to the location of her land which had been "acquired" by the MUDA. The MUDA had allotted plots to Parvathi under a 50:50 ratio scheme in lieu of 3.16 acres of her land, where it developed a residential layout. Under the controversial scheme, MUDA allotted 50 per cent of developed land to the land losers in lieu of undeveloped land acquired from them for forming residen