Shivakumar promises 72,000 jobs, AI varsity in I-Day speech

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced a series of initiatives in his maiden Independence Day address on August 15, including filling 72,000 vacant posts and creating one lakh new jobs through a new scheme Udyoga Nidhi. The scheme offers Rs 2,500 per month for two years to entrepreneurs generating jobs in 10 backward districts. The Times of India reports that the CM's Jobs Mission will see notifications for the 72,000 vacancies within six months, while The Hindu adds a target of one lakh additional jobs under the initiative.

Shivakumar also unveiled plans for the country's first government-owned AI university in Bengaluru, with AI certificate courses beginning by January 2027. The Hindu reports that AI will be introduced from class 6 in government schools, alongside the AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukula programmes. The CM outlined a vision for a $3 trillion Karnataka economy by 2047, the sources note.

On policing, Bengaluru's single police commissionerate will be divided into five, with a new anti-rowdy squad. Infrastructure projects worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore are under way, including the Namma Metro Phase III and a 117-km Bengaluru Business Corridor. Shivakumar also proposed a state-run Motor Vehicle Insurance Corporation to offer alternatives to private insurers, though structure and premiums are yet to be finalised, The Hindu reports.