Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday announced a series of decisions on his first day in office, including free bus travel for students and a job plan for Kannadigas. The announcements came after he chaired his first Cabinet meeting with 13 of his Cabinet colleagues, including Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara.
Free Bus Travel for Students
The state government will provide free bus passes to all students enrolled in government and aided educational institutions. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families and encourage higher attendance rates. The scheme will cover all state-run buses, including those operated by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), and other state transport undertakings.
Job Plan for Kannadigas
Shivakumar also unveiled a comprehensive job plan to boost employment opportunities for local Kannadigas. The plan includes reservations in private sector jobs, skill development programs, and incentives for companies that hire local youth. The government will collaborate with industries to create a database of job seekers and match them with suitable positions.
These decisions mark the beginning of the new government's focus on education and employment, fulfilling key promises made during the election campaign. The Cabinet also discussed other welfare measures, which are expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks.
