CM DK Shivakumar unveils Jobs Mission, AI varsity and tech hubs in 80th I-Day address

CM DK Shivakumar unveils Jobs Mission, AI varsity and tech hubs in 80th I-Day address

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Aug. 15, 2026: Marking the 80th Independence Day celebrations, Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar hoisted the national flag at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru on Saturday and unveiled a series of major welfare, employment, education and industrial initiatives aimed at transforming Karnataka into a $3 trillion economy by 2047.

Addressing the state under the theme “Yuva Karnataka, Nava Bharat,” Shivakumar outlined the government’s long-term development roadmap focused on job creation, technology-driven growth, rural empowerment and infrastructure expansion.

72,000 Government Jobs

As part of the newly launched “Chief Minister’s Jobs Mission,” the Chief Minister announced that recruitment notifications for 72,000 vacant government posts across various departments would be issued within the next six months.

To strengthen private-sector employment, the government will introduce the ‘Yuva Udyoga Setu’ platform to connect job seekers with employers. In addition, the ‘Udyoga Nidhi’ scheme will provide an incentive of ₹2,500 per month per job for two years to businesses generating employment in Karnataka’s 10 most backward districts.

India’s First Public AI University

Highlighting Karnataka’s focus on digital innovation, Shivakumar announced the launch of the ‘AI Akshara Abhiyana’ and ‘Coding Gurukul’ programmes, which will introduce artificial intelligence and coding education in schools from Class VI onwards.

Bengaluru will also host India’s first public Artificial Intelligence University, with certificate courses expected to begin by January 2027.

To improve access to professional education for rural students, the government introduced ‘Vidyarthi Sahayahasta’, reserving 7.5 per cent of seats within the existing 15 per cent rural quota for students from rural government schools seeking admission to engineering, medical and other professional courses.

Technology Hubs Beyond Bengaluru

In a bid to decentralise economic growth, the state will establish five Global Technology Centres (GTCs) under the LEAP programme in Kalaburagi, Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru and Mysuru.

An Advanced Manufacturing Cluster with a proposed investment of ₹20,000 crore will also be developed in Doddaballapura.

Support for Farmers

The Chief Minister announced the ‘CM Raitha Chaitanya Yojane’, which will use drone and satellite technology for crop monitoring and farm management.

Another initiative, ‘Raitha Mitra,’ will offer a 50 per cent rental subsidy on agricultural equipment to small and marginal farmers owning up to three acres of land.

Major Infrastructure Push

Shivakumar highlighted several key infrastructure projects, including the launch of the 117-km Bengaluru Business Corridor (BBC) and the expansion of Namma Metro to 220 km under Phase III.

To improve Bengaluru’s environment, five Lalbagh-style Tree Parks will be developed across the city. The government also plans to reorganise the Bengaluru Police Commissionerate into five separate commissionerates and establish a dedicated Anti-Rowdy Squad to strengthen law and order.

Calling for collective participation in Karnataka’s development journey, Shivakumar said the progress of states is essential for the nation’s growth.

“If India is a temple, the States are its pillars,” he said, urging citizens to contribute towards building a stronger and more prosperous Karnataka.