Bengaluru, 13 June

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday chaired a review meeting at Vidhana Soudha with Deputy Commissioners, Chief Executive Officers, and Superintendents of Police from districts across the state to assess key administrative and governance issues.

The meeting focused on maintaining law and order, strengthening preparedness ahead of the monsoon season and accelerating the implementation of administrative initiatives across districts.

During the review, the Chief Minister examined various issues concerning governance and public administration and issued necessary directions to officials to ensure effective coordination, smooth functioning of government machinery and timely delivery of public services.

Meanwhile, on 8 June, Karnataka CM Shivakumar announced the formation of special Anti-Rowdy Squads at the circle and police station levels across the state, as part of the government's efforts to strengthen law and order and ensure public safety.

Sharing the announcement on X, Shivakumar said the initiative aims to curb rowdyism and reinforce peace and security across Karnataka.

"Every mother who sends her child to school, every shopkeeper who opens their doors for business, and every citizen who steps out of their home deserves to feel safe and secure. Karnataka belongs to its law-abiding citizens, and we are committed to ensuring peace and security in every village, town, and city", he said.

"We have directed strict and coordinated action against rowdy elements across the state. Special Anti-Rowdy Squads are being strengthened to monitor, prevent, and act against those who threaten public peace. Threats, extortion, gang activity, and violence will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law. Our Government is committed to building a fear-free Karnataka where citizens can live, work, and prosper with dignity and confidence", he said.

Furthermore, on 4 June, DK Shivakumar said that "all-round development of the state is our mission" as he outlined a series of major decisions taken in the first Cabinet meeting and a high-level review meeting with senior government officials at Vidhana Soudha.

In a post on X, CM Shivakumar said the Karnataka government has resolved to give new momentum to the state's development immediately after assuming office, announcing key decisions including free bus passes for school and college students, measures to fill 56,000 vacant posts and preference for Kannadigas in private sector employment.

He also announced the launch of a "Youth Employment Bridge" system to equip young people with global-level skills, along with the formation of 10,000 "Bharat Jodo Youth Associations" across gram panchayats and urban wards, each receiving a grant of Rs 10 lakh.

Shivakumar further said that employment exchange centres will be established to connect youth with private-sector job opportunities, and that departments have been directed to prepare recruitment schedules to fill vacancies within fixed timelines.

During a detailed meeting with Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, District In-charge Secretaries and senior officials, the Chief Minister emphasised that grassroots-level officers represent the government and must inspire public confidence.