Bengaluru: In what is being seen as a significant political and administrative move to address growing discontent among sections of the Muslim community, the Karnataka government has approved a massive Rs 600 crore action plan for the development of minority colonies across the state.
The decision was taken at the state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on April 30. The move comes against the backdrop of resentment within sections of the minority community over recent political developments, particularly the ticket controversy in the Davanagere South constituency.
The Cabinet’s approval for the minority welfare package is being viewed as a strategic step by the Congress government to reassure its traditional support base while simultaneously pushing a broader governance and development agenda.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil, briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, said the government had approved the action plan for the financial years 2026-27 and 2027-28.
Rs 600 crore for minority colonies
The flagship decision of the Cabinet was the allocation of ₹600 crore for infrastructure development in minority-dominated colonies.
The funds will be utilised for improving basic civic amenities such as roads, drainage systems, streetlights, sanitation facilities, drinking water supply and public infrastructure in underdeveloped minority localities.
Political observers believe the move is aimed at reinforcing the Congress government’s minority outreach at a time when sections of the Muslim community have expressed disappointment over representation-related issues.
Government sources said the initiative is designed to ensure equitable development and improve living conditions in neglected neighbourhoods across Karnataka.
School kits for labourers’ children
In another welfare-oriented decision, the Cabinet approved ₹115.84 crore for distributing school kits to children of labourers studying from Classes 1 to 12.
The kits, valued at ₹8,600 each, will include books, stationery and other educational essentials. Officials said the scheme is intended to reduce the financial burden on working-class families and encourage school attendance among children from economically weaker backgrounds.
Boost to healthcare infrastructure
The Cabinet also approved the purchase of six new MRI scanning machines for government hospitals. The decision is expected to strengthen free diagnostic services in public hospitals and reduce dependence on private healthcare facilities.
Health department officials said the machines would significantly improve early disease detection and diagnostic capacity in major state-run medical institutions.
Bidadi township project revived
One of the biggest infrastructure decisions taken by the Cabinet was the revival of the long-pending Bidadi township project.
The ambitious project, spread across nearly 7,481 acres, will be developed by the Bangalore Development Authority.The township had been stalled for years due to stiff resistance from farmers over land acquisition concerns.
To address these concerns, the government has now proposed a revised compensation model under which farmers who lose land will be allotted 9,600 square feet of developed land per acre acquired.
Officials believe the revised framework will help overcome earlier objections and pave the way for execution of the mega suburban project.
Aviation and transport push
The Cabinet has also approved annual incentive support of ₹28.7 crore for operating regional flight services between Bengaluru-Kalaburagi and Bengaluru-Bidar.The decision is aimed at improving regional connectivity and strengthening Karnataka’s domestic aviation network.
In another transport-related decision, ₹32 crore has been sanctioned for the purchase of 80 new buses for the North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation.
High-speed rail discussions
The Cabinet reviewed progress related to the proposed Bengaluru-Hyderabad high-speed rail corridor.
Discussions were held on the 15 stations expected to come up within Karnataka under the ambitious rail project, which is expected to significantly cut travel time between the two major cities.
Agricultural and administrative approvals
To support farmers, the government approved ₹21.35 crore for purchasing additional gunny bags required for procurement of white jowar.
The Cabinet also decided to transfer the management of the Karnataka State Choultry in Tirumala Karnataka State Choultry from the revenue department to Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation for better maintenance.
