To support candidates from Karnataka preparing for the IAS, IPS and other Central civil services examinations in New Delhi, the State government has decided to construct a dedicated accommodation-cum-coaching support facility near Karnataka Bhavan at an estimated cost of ₹80 crore.

Briefing reporters on the decisions taken at the Cabinet meeting on Saturday (June 20), Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the proposed building would provide accommodation for aspirants from the State, and 50% of the seats would be reserved for SC/ST candidates.

He said that housing aspirants under one roof would foster interaction and the exchange of ideas among students preparing for the civil services examinations.

The Chief Minister said funds from the Public Works Department and the Social Welfare Department would be utilised for the construction of the facility.

Mr. Shivakumar also announced that the office of the Resident Commissioner in New Delhi would be strengthened by posting more senior officers and engaging retired IAS and IPS officers to help Karnataka secure a larger share of Central funds.

“The Resident Commissioner’s office will be reorganised and provided with additional resources so that Karnataka can effectively pursue funds under various Central schemes, on the lines of States such as Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu,” he said. Retired officers from Karnataka who are settled in Delhi and are willing to serve the State would be roped in for the purpose, he added.

Legal cell

The legal cell in New Delhi would also be strengthened to handle cases before the Supreme Court and matters relating to inter-State river water disputes, the Chief Minister said.

Among other decisions, the Cabinet approved the release of ₹100 crore to the Yadgiri Institute of Medical Sciences for establishing a 200-bed super-speciality hospital and ₹18 crore to the Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences for upgrading hospital infrastructure.

The government also sanctioned ₹30 crore for the Bengaluru Medical College and Research Institute and ₹30 crore for the construction of a bus stand at Sandur in Ballari district.

The Cabinet approved the purchase of 620 new buses (₹235 crore) to improve transport services in mofussil areas and sanctioned ₹112 crore for setting up electric bus depots at 11 locations across the State.