Bengaluru, Oct 30 (NationPress) The Karnataka Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has resolved to present a memorandum to the Central government, requesting financial aid amounting to approximately Rs 1,545.23 crore for the restoration of infrastructure impacted by severe rains and flooding during the 2025 southwest monsoon.

Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil made this announcement following the Cabinet meeting at Vidhana Soudha.

“To facilitate the reconstruction of infrastructure that suffered damage due to torrential rains and river flooding during the 2025 southwest monsoon, the State Cabinet has opted to request Rs 1,545.23 crore under the Recovery and Reconstruction Window (PDNA) of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Accompanying the proposal will be detailed damage assessment reports, categorized by district and division,” Patil explained.

He further stated that once the High-Level Committee of the Government of India sanctions the NDRF funds, the state will contribute its share of the expenses in accordance with the established cost-sharing framework.

Patil also mentioned that a planned dialogue on internal reservation, which would have included the Chief Minister, Social Welfare Minister, and senior officials, was not conducted, resulting in the issue not being addressed in the Thursday session.

Moreover, the Minister indicated that the schedule for the Belagavi Assembly session remains undecided.

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to enhance and manage four existing coastal ports—Karwar, Old Mangaluru (Bengre side), Old Mangaluru (city side), and Malpe berths—through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model on a Repair-Operate-Maintain-Transfer (ROMT) basis.

“This initiative aims to elevate the performance and efficiency of these ports with private sector involvement. It is anticipated that this will boost the annual revenue of the Karnataka Maritime Board, create local job opportunities, and improve livelihoods, thereby fostering overall regional development,” he stated.

Additionally, under the Chief Minister’s Infrastructure Development Scheme, the Cabinet granted administrative approval for a comprehensive action plan valued at Rs 1,055 crore to implement ward-level and infrastructural improvements within the five Bengaluru City Municipal Corporations as part of the Greater Bengaluru Authority.

Furthermore, under the Special Capital Support Scheme for Basic Infrastructure, the Cabinet has approved an action plan estimated at Rs 1,241.57 crore for the asphalting of major and minor roads within the same municipal boundaries, Patil noted.

In line with the Karnataka Startup Policy 2022–27, the Cabinet has sanctioned the creation of eight Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) 2.0, with a total budget of Rs 80 crore over five years, allocating Rs 10 crore for each incubator. These TBIs will be established across the districts of Mysuru, Bagalkote, Shivamogga, Mangaluru, Dharwad, and Belagavi.

Patil reiterated that the state government plans to appeal the Supreme Court’s stay on its directive that prohibits organizations and associations from conducting activities in public areas.

–IANS

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