Fri Mar 14 21:13:27 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Cabinet to Reform KPSC, Introduce Bills for Reservations and Property Regularization

**Bengaluru, March 15, 2025** – The Karnataka State Cabinet has approved the formation of a search committee to select new members for the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) and is considering reducing the commission’s size. This follows recent legislative debates highlighting the need for KPSC reforms.

The search committee, including the chief secretary, will identify candidates for the chairperson and member positions, aligning with the recommendations of the P.C. Hota Committee aimed at improving recruitment transparency and efficiency. The Cabinet also plans to review the number of KPSC members, currently standing at 16, a figure criticized as excessive compared to other states. A final decision on downsizing will be made at a future cabinet meeting and requires the Governor’s approval.

Furthermore, the Cabinet intends to introduce two significant bills. One will amend the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Act, 1999, to implement a 4% reservation in public works contracts for the 2(B) Muslim community. The other will amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act to allow the one-time regularization of approximately 9.6 million properties situated on revenue layouts in rural areas. This regularization aims to incorporate these properties into the tax network, boosting local body revenue through e-swathu.

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