Karnataka CM Shivakumar announces free bus passes, youth clubs, employment exchange
Karnataka CM Shivakumar unveils welfare initiatives

BENGALURU: In his first set of decisions after taking charge, Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday announced a series of welfare and youth-focused initiatives, including free bus passes for students from school to postgraduate level. The chief minister also announced the setting up of a private employment exchange covering all sectors, which will also provide training to job aspirants to improve employability and skill development.

Youth Engagement Plan

As part of his broader youth engagement plan, Shivakumar said the government will establish 10,000 youth clubs across the state. Each club will be allocated Rs 10 lakh to promote sports, cultural activities, and leadership development among young people. The announcements are being seen as a major push towards education accessibility, employment generation, and youth empowerment in Karnataka.

Oath-Taking and Cabinet Formation

Earlier, the chief minister and the deputy chief minister, along with 12 other prominent party leaders—including KH Muniyappa, KJ George, MB Patil, Ramalinga Reddy, Satish Jarkiholi, Krishna Byre Gowda, Priyank Kharge, UT Khader, Eshwara Khandre, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Byrathi Suresh, and Sharan Prakash Patil—took their oaths on Wednesday. Following the oath-taking ceremony, Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi upon arriving at Vidhana Soudha for the first time as the Chief Minister of the state.

Wide Pickt banner — collaborative shopping lists app for Telegram, phone mockup with grocery list

New Faces in Cabinet

While the cabinet includes several experienced ministers returning to office under Shivakumar, the highlight is the induction of Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of former chief minister Siddaramaiah, who makes his debut in the state cabinet. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by senior Congress leaders, religious heads, and dignitaries from across the country.

You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bengaluru | Silver Rate in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Petrol Price in Bengaluru | Diesel Price in Bengaluru | CNG Price in Bengaluru | LPG Price in Bengaluru

About the Author

Sandeep Moudgal, a journalist with 18 years of experience, specializes in politics and policy. He is a Senior Assistant Editor with the Bengaluru bureau and covers Karnataka. He holds a Master's degree in Ancient History and Archaeology from Mysore University and a PGDJ from the Asian College of Journalism.

Pickt after-article banner — collaborative shopping lists app with family illustration