D K Shivakumar announces free bus passes for students, private job exchange in first Cabinet meeting

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Jun 4, 2026: Free bus passes for students, formation of 10,000 Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas, and the establishment of a private employment exchange were among the key youth- and student-focused welfare initiatives announced by Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday, soon after assuming office.

After taking oath, Shivakumar chaired his first Cabinet meeting, which approved a series of welfare measures, including free bus passes for all students travelling on non-luxury government buses. He also said a recruitment calendar would soon be released to streamline government job appointments, with details of notifications and selection processes.

“The government has already announced 56,000 jobs. By the next Cabinet meeting, we will consult all departments and release a schedule detailing when notifications will be issued and how recruitment will proceed,” the Chief Minister said.

Shivakumar further announced the creation of a private employment exchange to connect job seekers with industries. “The modalities will be finalised within a month,” he said, adding that an online platform would allow industries, hospitals, hotels and other sectors to post job requirements while youth could register for employment and training opportunities.

“For all students, whether in SSLC, PUC, degree or postgraduate courses, we are providing free bus passes without any charge,” he told reporters after the meeting, outlining the government’s first set of decisions.

The Cabinet, which deliberated for over two hours, prioritised issues related to youth, students, employment and rural development.

Shivakumar also announced the setting up of 10,000 Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas across Karnataka to strengthen leadership development and promote social harmony. He said each gram panchayat and urban ward would have youth groups of 150–200 members engaged in sports, cultural, educational and leadership activities. Each group will receive ₹10 lakh in support.

The Cabinet also decided to extend the conversion of B-Khata properties into A-Khata properties across the state under the ‘Bhoo-guarantee’ scheme, a move expected to benefit thousands of property owners.

In addition, it approved ₹2,000 crore for road infrastructure development in Bengaluru, covering areas under the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Bengaluru Development Authority.

Appealing to the media, the Chief Minister urged responsible reporting. “I am not against criticism, but avoid cooking up stories,” he said, stressing that the four pillars of democracy must work in coordination.

He also said the government would take steps to curb migration from villages to cities by strengthening rural development initiatives.