Key Demands Presented to Union Home Minister
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday submitted a comprehensive wishlist to Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, seeking approval for two additional battalions of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) for the state. The proposal, originally made in February 2025, requires a fund release of ₹243.87 crore for setting up battalions at Vijayanagara and Bengaluru South districts.
Among the key requests is the long-pending conferment of the President's Colour award to the Karnataka police, a proposal that has been pending since May 2024. The state government urged the Union Ministry to review and approve the honour at the earliest.
Modernisation and Infrastructure Upgrades
The Chief Minister sought ₹280 crore to establish command and control centres in four major cities and ₹278.26 crore for installing CCTV cameras in police stations under the Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernisation of Police scheme for 2025-2026. Additionally, ₹258.53 crore has been requested to upgrade infrastructure in police training schools as per Bureau of Police Research and Development guidelines, and ₹20 crore for modernising prisons, including purchase of CCTV cameras, walkie-talkies, and other security equipment.
Karnataka is also proposing to allow police access to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds under Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013, and has sought an extension of the deadline for implementing Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989's Rule 52A, which mandates scrapping of government-owned vehicles after 15 years.
Furthermore, the state plans to set up a Karnataka Cyber Crime Control and Coordination Unit at a cost of ₹360 crore and has requested central funding for the same.
Irrigation and Water Projects Discussed
Accompanied by Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy, CM Shivakumar met Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil to address pending irrigation issues. The discussions covered delays in approvals for the Mekedatu drinking water project, notification of the Krishna River Water Dispute Tribunal II award, release of ₹5,300 crore central funding for the Upper Bhadra project, and clearance for the Kalasa-Banduri drinking water scheme. The state also raised concerns over equitable allocation in inter-linking of river projects.
Courtesy Meetings with President and Vice-President
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister paid courtesy visits to President Draupadi Murmu and Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan.
FAQ
What did Karnataka CM seek from Union Home Minister Amit Shah?
CM Shivakumar sought two additional Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) battalions, President's Colour award for Karnataka police, and funds for police modernisation, including command centres, CCTV, and prison upgrades.
What irrigation projects were discussed with Union Jal Shakti Minister?
CM raised pending approvals for Mekedatu drinking water project, notification of Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal II award, ₹5,300 crore funding for Upper Bhadra project, and clearance for Kalasa-Banduri scheme.
How much funding is Karnataka seeking for police modernisation?
Karnataka has requested ₹243.87 crore for IRB battalions, ₹280 crore for command centres, ₹278.26 crore for CCTV in police stations, ₹258.53 crore for training schools, and ₹20 crore for prison modernisation.