Comprehensive Coastal Tourism Development Plan announced in Karnataka Budget
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that a Comprehensive Coastal Tourism Development Plan will be prepared to make better use of the tourism potential of Karnataka’s coastal districts.
Presenting the 2026–27 State Budget, the Chief Minister announced several initiatives aimed at strengthening tourism, fisheries, agriculture and infrastructure in the coastal region.
Under the proposed plan, connectivity between coastal tourist destinations will be improved through Sea Plane and Heli Taxi services in collaboration with aviation and water adventure tourism partners. Joy Ride and River Cruise activities will also be promoted at select locations.
To address diseases affecting arecanut and coconut crops, including leaf spot, yellow leaf disease, bud rot, black-headed caterpillar and whiteflies, community-based pest and disease control programmes will be taken up in association with universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras at a cost of Rs 10 crore.
The value of free fishing equipment kits provided to fishermen will be increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 to encourage fishing activities. A Centre of Excellence will also be established at the Fisheries College in Mangaluru to promote biotechnology industries, innovative technologies and mariculture.
To encourage fish consumption and ensure availability of clean and quality fish products, Matsyadarshinis will be established in Belagavi, Davanagere, Hubballi and Chikkamagaluru. In addition, well-equipped fish markets will be constructed in Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Bagalkote districts.
The government will allocate Rs 20 crore for the maintenance of fisheries link roads across the state. Fishermen will also be provided training to adopt modern technologies and improve fish production in rivers, lakes, farm ponds and reservoirs, thereby helping them secure stable income through inland fisheries.
For the safety of residents and school students in remote habitations of the Malnad and coastal regions, the government plans to construct 300 foot bridges.
To strengthen port and cargo movement infrastructure, a Comprehensive Multimodal Logistics Policy will be introduced. The government will also frame a Karnataka State Offshore Resources Development and Utilisation Policy to tap opportunities in cage fish farming and renewable energy generation in offshore areas.
The government has proposed the formation of development authorities for the overall development of Kukke Sri Subrahmanya Temple and Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple along with improvement of basic facilities.
The second phase of construction work at the Mangaluru Central Prison will be taken up during the current year. As announced in the previous budget, approval has been given to build a 300-bed hospital as part of the proposed medical college in Puttur.
A super speciality hospital will be established in Karwar at a cost of Rs 100 crore. Ten hostels, each with a capacity of 50, will be started for working women belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru, Belagavi and Kalaburagi.
To support students from backward classes, 50 post-matric hostels with a capacity of 150 students each will be set up in districts including Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Dharwad, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Davanagere, Shivamogga and Ballari.
The Chief Minister also announced that new police stations will be established at Mani and Sajipa Nadu in Dakshina Kannada district.
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Caste census will form basis for future policy decision, says CM Siddaramaiah
Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that the ongoing caste census would form the basis for future policy decisions, asserting that the exercise was crucial to advancing social justice in the state.
Addressing a gathering at the Siddarameshwara Jayanti celebrations here, he said caste enumeration was being carried out for the first time since 1931 and would be followed by deliberations once the report is submitted.
"At present, a caste census (Jaati Sameekshe) is underway. After the report comes, we will discuss it and take necessary decisions," Siddaramaiah said.
He underlined the government’s commitment to equality, stating, "We are committed to social justice. No one should face injustice. Even if not 100 per cent, we will strive to ensure 99 per cent justice."
Referring to measures aimed at addressing intra-caste disparities, the chief minister said the government had already implemented internal reservation based on revised classifications.
"We have gone beyond the Nagamohan Das report and implemented internal reservation… now it has been revised to 5.25 per cent, 5.25 per cent, and 4.5 per cent. This has been approved by the Cabinet," he said.
Siddaramaiah said the broader objective was to ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, while reiterating that policy interventions would be guided by constitutional principles.
"Our objective is equal share and equal life for all," he said.
He also emphasised the role of education in eliminating inequalities, particularly among marginalised communities, and said empowerment was essential to dismantle entrenched caste hierarchies.
"Only when people gain such empowerment can caste divisions be eradicated. Education is essential for this," he added.
The CM said the government would examine demands raised by various communities and take decisions based on feasibility, while ensuring that benefits reached all sections without discrimination.
