On Friday, a special cabinet meeting convened in Mangaluru under the chairmanship of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar approved development schemes totalling Rs 32,611 crore.
During the post‑meeting press briefing, the chief minister disclosed that Rs 16,000 crore will fund rural connectivity and infrastructure, while the balance is earmarked for projects in the coastal districts.
A highlight of the agenda was the long‑awaited recognition of Tulu as the second additional official language, limited to Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. Shivakumar recalled that former minister Ramanath Rai first raised the demand and thanked representatives such as Minister U.T. Khader and MLA Ashok Kumar Rai for their sustained advocacy.
The cabinet also cleared the Coastal Malenadu Karnataka Tourism Policy 2026, promising greater leeway for investors, extended loan‑repayment periods and classifying tourism initiatives as infrastructure ventures. Incentives for the sector were outlined, alongside the approval of a 150‑acre fisheries park.
In the education and health arena, a Fisheries, Blue Economy University will be set up, and seats at the existing fisheries college will rise from 60 to 200. Additionally, Rs 549 crore has been sanctioned for a medical college in Puttur, addressing local calls for Kidwai and Jayadeva hospitals.
Renaming Dakshina Kannada to Mangaluru will be decided after a month‑long public consultation, with a draft notification to be issued shortly.
Shivakumar affirmed the government's commitment to tangible development over sentiment, noting that further cabinet meetings may be scheduled in the coming days to address financial and legal nuances. He also announced plans to hold cabinet sessions in 10 to 12 districts over the next 15 months, marking Mangaluru as the first venue outside Bengaluru for such a gathering.
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📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK