BENGALURU: Karnataka’s Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil announced on Thursday that the state cabinet has approved several significant initiatives, including the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in space technology and the launch of the Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP).
The proposed SpaceTech CoE will be formed as a Section 8 company under the Companies Act, 2013, with an allocation of ₹10 crore over five years.
“The Satellite Communication Industry Association (SIA-India) has been chosen as the industry partner. The project has received exemption under Section 4(g) of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Act, 1999,” the Minister informed reporters post-cabinet meeting. The initiative is aimed at addressing the inadequate testing infrastructure in the space sector, as facilities operated by ISRO, DRDO, and other agencies are currently at capacity and focused on their own missions.
With approximately 30 working prototypes emerging from the state’s startup ecosystem each month, there is an increasing demand for independent testing, he added.
The cabinet also approved the launch of the Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP) with a total budget of ₹1,000 crore over five years, allocating ₹200 crore for the first year.
LEAP is aimed at supporting both emerging and existing startups across Karnataka, positioning the state as a premier innovation hub.
The cabinet also greenlit amendments to the Karnataka Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy 2024-29 to enhance clarity and consistency in policy language without altering its core provisions or objectives, the Minister stated.
They approved the establishment of a Kidwai Peripheral Cancer Treatment Unit, estimated to cost ₹50 crore, with ₹20 crore allocated for civil works and ₹30 crore for medical equipment within the Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital premises in Raichur.
Additionally, ₹62 crore was sanctioned for acquiring medical equipment, furniture, and essentials for setting up a 450-bed hospital at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Bengaluru.
A notification has been issued to appoint the Revenue Minister as chairperson of seven boards and authorities, with plans to amend the corresponding Acts of these entities.
The proposed amendment bills concern the Kudalasangama Development Authority, Kaginele Development Authority, Basavakalyan Development Board, Banavasi Development Authority, Sarvajna Development Authority, Kittur Development Authority, and Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Heritage Area Development Authority.
To regulate private ambulance service providers and register mobile medical units as private medical establishments, the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has also been proposed, requiring permanent registration within 30 days.
The cabinet has approved the introduction of a one percent fire cess along with property tax on newly constructed multi-storey buildings in the state to enhance the efficiency of the fire department.
