Bengaluru with heavy migrant influx needs greater Central aid, says Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at NITI Aayog meet

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Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at the 11th meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog in New Delhi on Thursday. | Photo Credit: special arrangement

Seeking additional infrastructure grants for Bengaluru to cope with increasing demands owing to migration from other States, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday said that States must work as equal partners designing solutions tailored to diverse regional realities.

“Around 40% of Bengaluru’s residents come from other States. Hence, a strong push for coping with its infrastructural upgradation requires Central assistance. The State has identified and started implementing infrastructure projects worth ₹1 lakh crore in Bengaluru for mobility and making the city climate change resilient,” the Chief Minister said in the 11th meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog at Delhi.

“We seek higher support from the Centre under the Urban Challenge Fund or otherwise to support these programmes as Bengaluru retains its status as a global city. We have requested sanction for Rapid Rail Transit Systems (RRTS) to connect central Bengaluru with satellite towns and cities such as Kolar, Mysuru, Tumakuru, and Chickballapur,” he said.

He also suggested strengthening urban and regional economic growth centres to generate quality employment opportunities beyond Bengaluru.

Urging the Centre to incentivise States for measurable improvements in nutrition, health, learning outcomes, skilling, employment generation and sustainable indicators, Mr. Shivakumar sought one-time infrastructural grant to government schools and colleges to provide quality education on a par with the private sector.

He also sought continued support from the Centre in promoting heritage conservation, enhancing air connectivity, facilitating tourism investments, and strengthening destination governance.

Listing out achievements of the State, he said, “Our vision is to become not only India’s technology capital but also a global centre for responsible innovation in Ar