Karnataka is preparing to expand artificial intelligence education in government schools, with the state government considering the introduction of AI-related training from Class 6 onward.

Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has asked officials to explore ways to broaden the existing AI education programme, which currently covers Class 9 students. The initiative is expected to involve the state Information Technology Department as well as private-sector organisations.

Google has shown interest in supporting AI education in Karnataka. Officials have been asked to study similar programmes undertaken by the company in Telangana and assess whether comparable initiatives could be adopted in the state.

The directions were issued during a review meeting covering the government's 100-day agenda, recruitment plans and key development programmes.

Proposal for an AI University

The state is also looking at establishing a dedicated AI university. Officials have been instructed to identify suitable land for the proposed institution.

Meanwhile, the School Education Department is working on the recruitment of 956 teachers through outsourcing arrangements.

Rural Exposure for School Students

The government is planning to give students from urban schools greater exposure to agriculture and rural life. As part of the programme, Class 9 and Class 11 students from 941 urban schools are expected to visit farms operated by progressive farmers.

The proposed visits will include overnight stays in villages, with facilities such as community halls and hostels being used to accommodate students. The programme is expected to be completed by December, with private schools also required to participate.

1,000 Karnataka Public Schools Targeted

The state has set a target of developing 1,000 Karnataka Public Schools (KPS). Preparatory work for foundation-stone ceremonies is expected to be completed by November 14.

The approval process for these projects has also been streamlined. Deputy commissioners have been given authority to clear detailed project reports and tender-related matters for KPS projects.

In addition, the government plans to develop 100 KPS institutions using corporate social responsibility funding. Companies have already expressed interest in supporting the development of around 60 schools.

Technology Push in Agriculture

The Agriculture Department is also being brought into the government's technology-driven development plans.

Under the CM Raitha Chaitanya Agritech Mission, around 25 lakh SMS messages have already been sent to farmers. Officials have now been asked to supplement these communications with easy-to-understand videos explaining the benefits and implementation of the programme.

A chatbot is being developed to improve access to information, while preparations are underway to invite tenders for technology-based crop assessment using drones and satellites. Digital crop surveys are also being planned.

Under the CM Negilu Yogi initiative, which focuses on farm mechanisation, the JFarm application has been developed to connect farmers with service providers. Around 2.5 lakh people have registered to offer services through the platform, with the government planning to begin operations from November 1.

Export-Oriented Farmer Training

Karnataka is also aiming to increase agricultural and horticultural exports. The government plans to prepare 2,000 farmers to enter the export market by March 2027.

The programme will cover areas such as certification, compliance and other requirements involved in exporting farm products.

Officials have also been asked to encourage collective farming and provide farmers with technical guidance on processing and storage. The government intends to promote floriculture as well and identify at least five acres of land for related marketing activities.

Protein Parks and Solar Support

The Animal Husbandry Department has been directed to establish four protein parks in Chamarajanagar, Chitradurga, Haveri and Koppal under the state's Protein Mission.

The government is also looking to boost egg production. To reduce the impact of electricity costs on related activities, a proposal for a 50% subsidy on solar power systems is expected to be considered by the state Cabinet.

Investment Commitments Exceed Initial Target

Investment proposals have also featured prominently in the government's 100-day review.

Although the initial target was to attract investments worth Rs 25,000 crore during the period, approvals have already been granted for 150 projects with a combined investment value of approximately Rs 43,214 crore.

The state has now set a larger objective of attracting Rs 50,000 crore in investment by March 2027. The government aims to generate around one lakh jobs through 200 industrial projects.

Incentives for Backward Regions

A new investment incentive package has been approved for industries established in backward areas of Karnataka. The programme includes an annual subsidy allocation of Rs 200 crore.

The government expects the scheme to help attract roughly Rs 1,000 crore in investments and generate up to 50,000 employment opportunities in these regions. Officials have been asked to establish a clear implementation schedule.

Karnataka's Advanced Aerospace and Defence Policy has also received approval and is expected to be implemented shortly.

Housing Incentives for Workers

The government has introduced measures aimed at encouraging companies with substantial employment potential to provide housing close to their workplaces.

The incentives include access to land at reduced rates along with capital support. Under the scheme, eligible projects can receive assistance equivalent to 20% of the unit cost, subject to a ceiling of Rs 1 lakh per unit.

New Manufacturing and Industrial Infrastructure

A notification has been issued for the creation of an advanced manufacturing cluster covering 4,513 acres in Doddaballapur. Of this area, approximately 2,479 acres are currently available for allocation to industries.

The Jeans Park project has already commenced, with land parcels being allotted to businesses.

Work is also progressing on a Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), for which the estimated project cost is Rs 50 crore. The tendering process is currently underway.

Karnataka has additionally prepared a real-time, GIS-enabled digital land bank covering all 228 industrial areas managed by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB). Officials have been instructed to make the platform easier for citizens and businesses to use.

The series of measures reflects the state's broader focus on combining technology, education, agriculture and industrial development as part of its current development agenda.