Karnataka targets one lakh new jobs, AI hubs, and a $3 trillion economy by 2047

Karnataka's Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar unveiled a comprehensive set of initiatives during the 80th Independence Day celebrations held at the Field Sam Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru on August 15, 2026. The announcements focused on boosting job creation, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into education, and strengthening the state's technological infrastructure. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for collective effort to drive the state's development, calling upon citizens to contribute to achieving these goals. Among the key announcements was the launch of two new schemes, Chief Minister Udyoga Sankalpa and Udyoga Nidhi, designed to enhance employment opportunities and encourage entrepreneurship. The government has initiated the process of filling 72,000 key vacancies, with official notifications expected to be released within the next six months. Under the Udyoga Nidhi scheme, entrepreneurs in ten economically disadvantaged districts will receive a monthly incentive of ₹2,500 for each new job they create, with the ultimate goal of generating one lakh additional jobs through this initiative. A notable aspect of the announcement was the integration of AI into the educational system starting from class 6 in government schools. This includes the introduction of the AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukula programs. Additionally, Bengaluru will host the nation's first government-run AI university, accompanied by the establishment of AI hubs aimed at reinforcing the state's position as a hub for technological innovation. As part of the 'Beyond Bengaluru' initiative, five global technology centers are planned in Kalaburagi, Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru, and Mysuru. These centers aim to diversify the state's technological footprint beyond its traditional tech capital. In addition, an Advanced Manufacturing Cluster is being developed in Doddaballapura, with an investment commitment of ₹20,000 crore and a projected employment potential of approximately one lakh jobs. Shivakumar highlighted the state's economic aspirations, stating that Karnataka aims to achieve a $3 trillion economy by 2047, equivalent to ₹320 lakh crore. He noted that the state's per capita income had reached ₹4.33 lakh, and Karnataka ranked second in GST and income-tax collections. Emphasizing the importance of community involvement, he urged citizens to work collectively towards the state's progress, saying, "Two hands alone are not enough to pull the chariot of the State’s development. The hands of every Kannadiga must join mine." In the realm of agriculture, the government plans to introduce technology-driven solutions through the Chief Minister Raitha Chaitanya scheme, utilizing drones and satellite imagery for crop assessments. The Raitha Mitra scheme will offer a 50% subsidy on agricultural machinery rental charges for farmers owning three acres or less. Infrastructure development was another focal point, with the state reporting the construction of 1,663 kilometers of state highways, 3,000 kilometers of major district roads, and 125 bridges over the past year. The Pragathi Patha scheme is currently underway, aiming to develop 7,100 kilometers of rural roads with an investment of ₹5,200 crore. Bengaluru's infrastructure projects include a total investment of ₹1.50 lakh crore, with the Namma Metro network set to expand to 220 kilometers following the completion of Phase III. A 117-kilometer ring road under the Bengaluru Business Corridor is also planned at a cost of ₹26,000 crore. Water security has been prioritized, with 112 major water-resource projects valued at ₹16,000 crore approved this year. The first phase of the Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project is approaching completion, with water anticipated to reach Tumakuru district by November. Furthermore, the government announced the establishment of the Karnataka State Motor Vehicle Insurance Corporation to streamline insurance services for vehicle owners. Welfare measures included the direct transfer of ₹77,000 crore to 1.28 crore women under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme and 1.65 crore households benefiting from free electricity under the Gruha Jyothi program. Women in Karnataka have also utilized the Shakti scheme for approximately 796 crore free journeys.