Karnataka CM Shivakumar announces 72,000 jobs, AI university in Bengaluru

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, in his maiden Independence Day address on August 15, announced plans to fill 72,000 government vacancies within six months and establish India's first government-owned AI university in Bengaluru. The Times of India reports that AI certificate courses at the university will begin by January 2027, while The Hindu adds that AI education will be introduced in government schools from class 6 under the AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukul programmes. Times Now notes the programmes aim to equip students with technology skills for the global economy.

Shivakumar unveiled the Udyoga Nidhi scheme, offering entrepreneurs in 10 backward districts Rs 2,500 per new job for two years, targeting one lakh additional jobs. The Hindu reports the Bengaluru police commissionerate will be reorganised into five commissionerates, and the state proposes a government-owned Motor Vehicle Insurance Corporation. The Times of India mentions five tree parks modelled on Lalbagh and rejuvenation of seven lakes for water security. Shivakumar set a target of a $3 trillion economy for Karnataka by 2047, with state per capita income at Rs 4.33 lakh. Notifications for the 72,000 vacancies are expected within six months.