Karnataka Cabinet Addresses Mahadayi River Dispute and Approves Key Initiatives

The Karnataka cabinet convened to discuss the Mahadayi river water sharing issue and aimed to exert political pressure on the Centre. Important decisions included setting up a textile park, launching 'Nipuna Karnataka' for youth competitiveness, allotting funds for tech policies, continuing food grain transfers, and releasing 59 inmates.

The Karnataka cabinet decided to convene an all-party meeting to address the Mahadayi river water sharing dispute and exert political pressure on the Centre.

State Law Minister H K Patil announced the cabinet's serious discussion, informing that an all-party delegation will meet Prime Minister Modi. The cabinet will also consult legal experts before approaching the Supreme Court.

The Mahadayi river, flowing through Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra, has been a long-standing dispute. States are vying for the river's waters for various needs including drinking, irrigation, and power generation.

Administrative approval was given for a textile park in Karkala, Udupi, under a public-private partnership. The 'Nipuna Karnataka' initiative, with a Rs 100 crore investment, aims to enhance youth competitiveness globally, starting with a Rs 10 crore pilot this year.

Additionally, Rs 100 crore will be allocated for Karnataka's Electronics and IT policies over five years starting 2024. The Direct Benefit Transfer for an additional five kg of food grains for BPL families will continue. The government also resolved to release 59 life-imprisonment inmates based on their performance.

(With inputs from agencies.)