Thu Jan 16 23:43:00 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Cabinet Defers Caste Census Discussion, Approves Major Infrastructure Projects
**Bengaluru, January 17, 2025** – The Karnataka State Cabinet has postponed the discussion on the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey report (caste census report) to its next meeting, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil announced Thursday. The Cabinet did, however, approve several significant projects, including the appointment of transaction advisors for the construction of twin towers at Anand Rao Circle in Bengaluru. These towers will house government offices and will be built on 8.78 acres of land. The project will require further Cabinet approval following the advisors’ appointment.
Further initiatives approved include:
* **Healthcare Upgrades:** ₹413.71 crore allocated to upgrade 13 maternity hospitals in Bengaluru under the Brand Bengaluru project.
* **Flood Management:** ₹238.72 crore sanctioned for Bengaluru’s urban flood risk management program under the 15th Finance Commission.
* **Organ Transplantation Act:** The Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act, 2011, will be introduced in the State legislature.
* **Agricultural University:** Establishment of an integrated university in Mandya focusing on horticulture and agriculture.
* **Eye Care:** ₹13.3 crore approved for free eye tests and spectacle distribution statewide.
The Cabinet’s decisions represent significant investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education across Karnataka. The much-anticipated discussion on the caste census report remains pending.
First Piper 