In a significant administrative move, the Karnataka Cabinet has announced the launch of a new evaluation initiative titled 'Project K-Monitor'. Designed to assess the efficacy and ground-level impact of various government welfare schemes, including the state’s flagship guarantees, the project will be implemented across all Assembly constituencies in Karnataka. The decision comes amidst growing discussions regarding the state’s substantial expenditure on welfare programs and the need to ensure that the intended benefits effectively reach the target populations.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Krishna Byre Gowda briefed the media following a Cabinet meeting held at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Thursday. He noted that while previous efforts were largely centered on the rollout and implementation of these schemes, the new project shifts the focus toward measuring tangible outcomes. “So far, we have only focused on the implementation of various schemes, but we have now decided to evaluate their impact so that we can change the method of the implementation of schemes that have failed to bring about major impact,” the Minister stated.
The evaluation is slated to take place in two distinct phases spanning eight months. The first phase of the survey will cover one lakh beneficiaries, followed by 60,000 beneficiaries in the second phase. The initiative, which carries a budget allocation of ₹14 crore, will be executed by the Praja Seva Department. The project is intended to create a systematic monitoring mechanism that tracks the progress of government schemes, evaluates departmental performance, and pinpoints specific gaps in service delivery.
According to the government, the data collection will encompass a wide array of public services, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, urban development, water resources, and employment opportunities. By identifying these implementation hurdles, the government hopes to facilitate corrective actions and optimize the delivery of public services to the citizens of the state.
Beyond the launch of 'Project K-Monitor', the Cabinet also cleared several other significant administrative and welfare decisions. Among these is the approval of ₹228.95 crore for the development of the Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Sainik School at Sangolli. The funds are earmarked for upgrading essential infrastructure, including laboratories, library facilities, sports amenities, and school buildings. The institution, which began operations in 2022, currently serves 540 students from classes 6 to 10.
Furthermore, the state government has decided to establish the Karnataka Adivasi Development Board. This new body will focus on the welfare of vulnerable tribal groups, specifically targeting communities such as the Soliga, Irula, Kadu Kuruba, Jenu Kuruba, Siddis, and Kudiyas. With a financial allocation of ₹33.36 crore, the board will work toward improving livelihood opportunities, providing skill development, and offering financial assistance for entrepreneurship and basic amenities in forest-fringe regions.
Finally, the Cabinet finalized the schedule for the upcoming Winter Session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. The session is set to commence in Belagavi on November 30. This decision marks a change from earlier official communications, which had suggested a start date of December 7, indicating that the government has decided to advance the legislative schedule.
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