Seeking additional infrastructure grants for Bengaluru to cope with increasing demands owing to migration from other States, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday said that States must work as equal partners designing solutions tailored to diverse regional realities.
“Around 40% of Bengaluru’s residents come from other States. Hence, a strong push for coping with its infrastructural upgradation requires Central assistance. The State has identified and started implementing infrastructure projects worth ₹1 lakh crore in Bengaluru for mobility and making the city climate change resilient,” the Chief Minister said in the 11th meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog at Delhi.
“We seek higher support from the Centre under the Urban Challenge Fund or otherwise to support these programmes as Bengaluru retains its status as a global city. We have requested sanction for Rapid Rail Transit Systems (RRTS) to connect central Bengaluru with satellite towns and cities such as Kolar, Mysuru, Tumakuru, and Chickballapur,” he said.
He also suggested strengthening urban and regional economic growth centres to generate quality employment opportunities beyond Bengaluru.
Urging the Centre to incentivise States for measurable improvements in nutrition, health, learning outcomes, skilling, employment generation and sustainable indicators, Mr. Shivakumar sought one-time infrastructural grant to government schools and colleges to provide quality education on a par with the private sector.
He also sought continued support from the Centre in promoting heritage conservation, enhancing air connectivity, facilitating tourism investments, and strengthening destination governance.
Listing out achievements of the State, he said, “Our vision is to become not only India’s technology capital but also a global centre for responsible innovation in Artificial Intelligence, semiconductor, biotechnology, quantum technologies and climate solutions. Ideas generated in Karnataka will generate solutions to India and the world.”
The Chief Minister also suggested building resilience against global economic and geo-political uncertainties through investments in technology, research, and human capital. “Enforce CSR rules through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to focus on improving rural health and education infrastructure within the given time frame,” he suggested, urging the industry to share job requirements through a centralised job portal with skill parameters for the next three years.
He said rapid technological disruption, climate change, and global competition demand bold and coordinated action between the Centre and States. “The vision of inclusive human development can only be realised through cooperative federalism, collaborative governance, and collective national efforts. States are not merely implementing agencies but hubs of innovation and cumulative growth. Karnataka remains fully committed to partnering with the Centre and other States to ensure that growth is inclusive and sustainable.”
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday. | Photo Credit: special arrangement
During his visit to Delhi, Mr. Shivakumar also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmal Sitharaman and submitted memoranda to them on issues pertaining to the State.
Published - June 11, 2026 08:27 pm IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
