Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday, 7 July said the state government will examine the demand for a farm loan waiver, while candidly acknowledging that implementing such a measure is 'not easy.' The remarks came during a press conference in Kalaburagi following the Kalaburagi Divisional Progress Review Meeting.

Farm Loan Waiver: What the CM Said

Responding to farmers' demands, Shivakumar said the government has taken note of the request but stopped short of making a commitment. He recalled that loan waivers have been implemented in the past — including during the tenure of the Manmohan Singh-led government at the Centre — and said the current administration will examine the matter carefully. The guarded tone signals that while the demand is on the table, fiscal constraints remain a significant hurdle.

72,000 Vacancies: Six-Month Deadline Set

On the acute shortage of staff in key departments, the Chief Minister announced that the government has initiated recruitment to fill 72,000 vacant posts across departments including Home, Agriculture, Revenue, Education, and Rural Development. A firm six-month deadline has been set to complete the recruitment process across all these departments.

Industrial Push for Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities

To curb urban migration, the government has decided to incentivise industrial growth in cities such as Kalaburagi and other Tier-2 and Tier-3 centres. Industries setting up in these cities will be offered an additional 0.6 premium Floor Area Ratio (FAR), with a ceiling of up to 2x FAR, making land acquisition more cost-effective. The necessary amendments are to be introduced through the Urban Development Department.

The Chief Minister also launched the 'Yuva Setu' programme — a skill-based employment exchange designed to connect trained youth with private sector employers. While industries will be advised to prefer local candidates, Shivakumar clarified that the government will not mandate or interfere in private recruitment decisions; the extent of local preference will be finalised after consultations with industry representatives.

CSR-Funded Schools and Rural Education

To improve education quality in rural areas and reduce student migration to cities, the government plans to establish around 2,000 schools at the gram panchayat level, funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions. Companies are expected to invest ₹10–15 crore each to directly construct school buildings and infrastructure — funds will not be routed through the government. Separate guidelines for teacher recruitment will be issued in due course.

Revenue Reforms, Crop Insurance, and Kalaburagi Textile Park

Shivakumar announced a sweeping reform of the Revenue Department, covering e-Khata issuance, resolution of land record disputes, survey and subdivision (podi) works, and the e-Swathu programme — all to be provided free of cost. Deputy Commissioners have been directed to identify Revenue Department land in every Assembly constituency and distribute approximately 10,000 residential sites to economically weaker families. The Chief Minister said he will personally visit every district to distribute khata certificates.

On crop insurance, the government has estimated claims worth ₹580 crore owing to deficient monsoon rainfall. Of this, ₹243 crore has already been settled and orders have been issued to release a further ₹225 crore. The remaining compensation will be disbursed as soon as possible, according to Shivakumar.

The Chief Minister also announced that a textile park will be established in Kalaburagi at an estimated cost of ₹320 crore, adding to the region's industrial prospects.

With elections on the horizon and farmer distress a live political issue, the government's next steps on the loan waiver question — and its ability to deliver on the recruitment deadline — will be closely watched.