Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy personally funded a ₹2.50 lakh portable oxygen concentrator for Navya Shree, a 14-year-old Class 9 student from Ramanagara district in Karnataka, who has been battling a chronic respiratory condition. The minister handed over the device at his J.P. Nagar residence in Bengaluru on Thursday, 12 November 2026, with Navya Shree's parents present alongside technicians from the manufacturing company.

Background: A Family's Appeal

Navya Shree is the daughter of Rajalakshmi and Chandru, residents of Sundaghatta village in Maralavadi hobli of Harohalli taluk, Ramanagara district. Despite being described as a meritorious student, her education and daily life have been significantly disrupted by her breathing difficulties. Doctors had recommended a high-quality portable oxygen concentrator to manage her condition, but the family found the cost prohibitive.

On 30 August, the girl's parents visited Kumaraswamy at his J.P. Nagar residence, explained their daughter's medical situation, and sought his assistance in procuring the essential equipment. The minister reportedly consulted doctors directly to understand the specifics of her condition before arranging the purchase from his personal funds.

Key Features of the Device

The advanced portable oxygen concentrator purchased by Kumaraswamy has a distinctive design that allows Navya Shree to wear and carry it like a school bag, enabling her to move around while receiving continuous oxygen support. Technicians from the manufacturer were present at the handover to explain the device's operation and proper usage to the family. The minister described it as an 'advanced, state-of-the-art device.'

What the Minister Said

Kumaraswamy stated: 'An oxygen concentrator was handed over to 14-year-old Navya Shree, daughter of Rajalakshmi and Chandru, residents of Sundaghatta village in Maralavadi hobli of Harohalli taluk in Ramanagara district, who has been suffering from breathing difficulties. The special feature of this oxygen concentrator is that the girl can carry it around just like a school bag. It is an advanced, state-of-the-art device.'

He added: 'Responding to a request from the parents of Navya Shree, a meritorious student suffering from an illness, I arranged to provide her with an oxygen concentrator worth Rs 2.50 lakh. I have wished the girl a speedy recovery and instructed her parents to keep me regularly informed about her treatment and health condition.'

An Emotional Handover

During the interaction, Kumaraswamy spent time speaking with Navya Shree and advised her to adhere strictly to her prescribed treatment regimen. He also urged her parents to ensure she receives timely medical care and to keep him updated on her progress. The girl reportedly became emotional while expressing her gratitude, telling the minister she was confident of recovering with his support — a moment that visibly moved Kumaraswamy.

Wider Context

This comes amid growing concerns about access to medical equipment among economically disadvantaged families in rural Karnataka. The cost of advanced respiratory devices remains a significant barrier for households in agrarian districts like Ramanagara. Kumaraswamy, who currently holds the Heavy Industries and Steel portfolio at the Centre, has represented the Channapatna constituency in the past and retains a political base in this region. Whether such individual interventions prompt broader policy attention to medical equipment affordability for rural families remains to be seen.