Bengaluru, Dec 20 (NationPress) Medical Education, Skill Development and Livelihood Minister Sharanaprakash R. Patil stated on Saturday that he was not informed about any power-sharing arrangement between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. He emphasized that decisions concerning such agreements would be decided by the party’s high command.

While speaking to the media during an event in Bengaluru, Patil remarked that he had seen news articles discussing a potential agreement between the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister, but he had no concrete details.

“If there are any matters regarding the transition of power or related issues, those decisions will be made by the senior leadership within the party. All leaders are unified and will adhere to whatever decision the high command makes,” he stated.

Patil mentioned that no one had information about such an agreement, indicating that it was a matter for the party high command, the Chief Minister, and the Deputy Chief Minister to resolve, and he refrained from further comments.

He dismissed any rumors of instability, asserting that there is no confusion within the Congress party or the state government, and that the administration is operating seamlessly.

“Everyone in the government stands united. The administration is functioning effectively under the guidance of the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister. That is all I can convey,” he added.

Earlier that day, during the ‘Job Habba’ event, which is a dedicated employment platform for individuals with disabilities held at BMS Women’s College, co-organized by the Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA), Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC), and AssisTech Foundation, Patil stated that inclusive growth is both a moral obligation and an economic necessity.

He acknowledged that Karnataka houses over 20 lakh individuals with disabilities, and that the state is developing a new framework to enhance opportunities in education and employment.

“It is crucial to alter workplace practices and mindsets, as the representation of individuals with disabilities in the corporate sector remains low nationally,” he expressed.

The minister brought attention to the draft Karnataka Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Employment and Education Bill, 2025, which aims to establish a five percent job quota in the private sector and 10 percent reservation in educational institutions for individuals with disabilities.

He mentioned that this proposed legislation would be among the most progressive in the nation, closely aligning with the Karnataka Skill Development Policy 2025–32, which focuses on inclusive skilling, partnerships with industries, accessible infrastructure, and technology-facilitated training.

Patil highlighted the importance of initiatives like the Chief Minister’s Kaushalya Karnataka Yojane (CMKKY) in training individuals with disabilities and stated that outreach would be broadened to ensure greater access to skill development and job placement support.

He also announced a partnership with AssisTech Foundation to utilize assistive technologies, AI-driven learning tools, virtual job-matching platforms, and employer sensitization kits.

Describing inclusive hiring as “smart economics, not charity”, Patil encouraged employers to view diversity as a catalyst for innovation and resilience.

He expressed optimism that Job Habba would serve as a platform for success, dignity, and pride for individuals with disabilities in Karnataka.

KSDC Managing Director N.M. Nagaraja, AssisTech co-founder Prateek, India blind cricket team captain Shekar Naik, and BMS College for Women principal Dr. N. Raghukumar were also in attendance.