Govt to construct building in Delhi to provide accommodation for civil service aspirants from State

The Government of Karnataka has announced plans to construct a specialized building in New Delhi to accommodate civil service aspirants from the state, aiming to support them as they prepare for exams such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS). The proposed facility, located near Karnataka Bhavan, is expected to cost approximately ₹80 crore and will include both residential quarters and coaching support services. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar revealed these plans during a press briefing following a Cabinet meeting held on Saturday, June 20, 2026. He emphasized that half of the available seats in the building would be reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates, ensuring inclusive access to the opportunities provided by the facility. The initiative comes as part of broader efforts to enhance the performance of Karnataka's candidates in national-level civil service examinations. By housing aspirants under one roof, the government hopes to facilitate greater interaction and idea-sharing among students preparing for these competitive exams. The Chief Minister outlined that funding for the project would come from the Public Works Department and the Social Welfare Department, highlighting the cross-departmental collaboration required to bring this vision to life. In addition to the accommodation facility, the government has decided to strengthen the office of the Resident Commissioner in New Delhi. This includes appointing more senior officers and involving retired IAS and IPS officials from Karnataka who reside in Delhi. The move aims to ensure that Karnataka secures its fair share of central funds through effective advocacy and coordination with federal authorities. The Chief Minister noted that states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have successfully leveraged their Resident Commissioners' offices to maximize benefits from central schemes, and Karnataka seeks to emulate this model. A separate decision was made to bolster the legal cell in New Delhi, which handles cases before the Supreme Court and deals with inter-state river water disputes. This enhancement is intended to provide stronger legal representation and support for the state in high-profile legal matters. Alongside these initiatives, the Cabinet approved several other financial allocations aimed at improving healthcare and transportation infrastructure within the state. A sum of ₹100 crore was allocated to the Yadgiri Institute of Medical Sciences for the establishment of a 200-bed super-specialty hospital. Similarly, ₹18 crore was sanctioned for the Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences to upgrade its hospital facilities. Additional funds were earmarked for the Bengaluru Medical College and Research Institute and for constructing a bus stand in Sandur, Ballari district. Transportation improvements were also prioritized, with the approval of ₹235 crore for purchasing 620 new buses to enhance public transport in rural areas. Furthermore, ₹112 crore was set aside for establishing electric bus depots at 11 different locations across the state, reflecting a commitment to modernizing and greening the public transport system. These developments underscore the government's multifaceted approach to addressing challenges faced by citizens in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure. As the projects move forward, the focus will remain on ensuring timely execution and maximizing the impact of these investments on the ground.