The Karnataka Cabinet has resolved to convene a three-day special Assembly session beginning 21 September to deliberate on the Kasturirangan report and the state's worsening drought situation. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara announced the decision on Thursday, 3 September, following a Cabinet meeting at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

New Department for Global Investment and Overseas Affairs

In a significant structural reform, the Cabinet approved the creation of a dedicated Department of Global Investment and Overseas Affairs. The department is designed to streamline foreign investment proposals, build international partnerships, and address the concerns of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

Parameshwara underscored the urgency: 'The objective is to ensure that foreign investors do not have to wait without anyone attending to their proposals.' He noted that in the past, investors who received inadequate responses had redirected their capital to other states or countries — a pattern the new department aims to break.

A State Facilitation Council will oversee the department, chaired by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and co-chaired by Parameshwara. Its membership will span ministers from Industries, Agriculture, Horticulture, IT/Biotechnology, Urban Development, Bengaluru Development, Higher Education, Power, Health, Sports and Medical Education. The department's mandate extends to global R&D, innovation, cultural diplomacy, sports diplomacy, sister-city partnerships, and healthcare and medical tourism initiatives.

Kasturirangan Report and Drought on Session Agenda

The Kasturirangan report, prepared by a high-level committee led by scientist K. Kasturirangan, recommends designating ecologically sensitive zones across the Western Ghats and curtailing mining, quarrying, and large infrastructure projects in those areas. Karnataka has consistently opposed several of the panel's recommendations, citing risks to farmers, livelihoods, and development prospects in Western Ghats districts. The special session will give legislators a formal platform to debate the state's position before any central decision crystallises.

The drought situation — the second major agenda item — has placed pressure on the Siddaramaiah-led government to demonstrate visible relief action ahead of local body elections. Detailed legislative discussion is expected to shape the state's relief and compensation framework.

Other Key Cabinet Decisions

Beyond the headline announcements, the Cabinet cleared several other measures:

It withdrew an earlier order dismissing B. Padmanabha, a Superintending Engineer, from government service. Karnataka also received in-principle approval to participate in the Centre's revised Regional Connectivity Scheme, RCS-UDAN 6.0, with an MoU to be signed accordingly, alongside a review of air connectivity for Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

The state reaffirmed its guarantee for a ₹2,000-crore loan to be availed by the Karnataka State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank through NABARD. The Cabinet also approved a development programme for SC/ST colonies under the Kabini and Taraka reservoir projects, along with ₹61 crore for rehabilitation village works.

A ₹115-crore project to fill 137 lakes in Byadgi and Hanagal taluks was cleared, as was a ₹56-crore project to lift water from the Bori River in Kalaburagi district to replenish 12 lakes.

What to Watch Next

With the special session set for 21 September, the government's handling of the Kasturirangan report will be closely watched by environmental groups, farmers' organisations, and opposition parties alike. The Global Investment department's effectiveness will ultimately be measured by whether it can reduce the response lag that has historically cost Karnataka foreign capital.