Seven Bills to be tabled to make Revenue Minister chairman of various authorities in Karnataka

The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday decided to introduce seven Bills for bringing about amendments to existing authorities, allowing for the appointment of the Revenue Minister as the chairman of various authorities.

Till now, the Chief Minister was the chairman of seven authorities. Since the Chief Minister was burdened with the State administrative work, it was decided that amendments to make the Revenue Minister as the chairman would be brought in, said Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism H.K. Patil told reporters here after the Cabinet meeting.

The Bills will be introduced during the Monsoon Session of the State legislature session which would commence on August 11.

The Bills that would be introduced are: the Kudalasangama Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2025; the Kaginele Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2025; the Basava Kalyana Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2025; the Banavasi Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2025; the Sarvajna Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2025; the Kittur Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Heritage Area Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2025.

Lake Bill

The Cabinet decided to introduce the Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, for allowing changes to the 2014 Act, to fix a buffer zone depending on the size of the lake and provide basic facilities to citizens.

The Act was brought in 2014 to protect, conserve, reclaim, restore, regenerate, and integrate the development of lakes in Karnataka. It aimed to address the existing deficiencies in lake management by creating a dedicated authority.

Centre of excellence

The Cabinet has decided to establish a centre of excellence in the space tech sector with an initial investment of ₹10 crore in five years in Bengaluru. The Satellite Communication Industry Association (SIA-India) would be the implementing agency.

The Cabinet approved the Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP) with an investment of ₹1,000 crore in the next five years. A sum of ₹200 crore would be provided in the first year. The project comes under the IT/BT and Science and Technology Departments.

The Cabinet has decided to amend the Globe Capability Centre Policy, 2024-29. “The changes will be introduced to the policy to provide clarity related to language and clarity related to explanation,” Mr Patil said.