Mangaluru Cabinet Meet: Tulu Recognition, ₹5,000-Crore Coastal Development Package on Agenda

MANGALURU, SEPT 18: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s first Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru on Friday is expected to focus on a wide-ranging coastal development agenda, including the demand for official recognition of Tulu, tourism projects, industrial infrastructure, employment opportunities and a proposed financial package of around ₹5,000 crore.

The Cabinet meeting is being held at Praja Soudha in the Deputy Commissioner’s office at around 10.30 am, with all ministers expected to participate.

One of the key issues likely to come before the Cabinet is the long-standing demand to recognise Tulu as Karnataka’s second official language and recommend the proposal to the Centre. The issue has emerged as a major political and cultural demand in the coastal districts, with leaders of both the Congress and BJP backing their respective positions.

The Cabinet is also expected to consider several development proposals for the coastal region. These include a ₹125.43-crore plan to develop the Gurupura river through a public-private partnership (PPP) model and a ₹307.71-crore proposal to develop seven islands in Uttara Kannada’s Karwar, Bhatkal and Ankola areas as eco-friendly tourism destinations.

Development of Manki port in Uttara Kannada, including a multi-purpose port and shipbuilding yard, is another proposal expected to be discussed. The government may also examine the proposed Udupi-Mangaluru tourism corridor and plans to develop islands in Udupi as eco-tourism destinations.

Industrial expansion and employment are also expected to figure prominently. The availability of land for industries, road development in the Baikampady industrial area and creation of more job opportunities for coastal youth are among the issues likely to be raised.

The Cabinet may also take up matters relating to fishermen, ports, railway connectivity and airport infrastructure, besides a broader proposal for the development of Karnataka’s nearly 320-km coastline.

A demand for an allocation of around ₹5,000 crore for comprehensive coastal development has been projected ahead of the meeting. Shivakumar has already held discussions with legislators, political leaders and representatives of various organisations on proposals concerning the coastal and Malnad regions.

The Chief Minister has indicated that the government will release a detailed list of decisions taken at the meeting, funds sanctioned and the implementation status of various projects.

The Cabinet meeting has been given a distinct coastal identity. Shivakumar and his Cabinet colleagues arrived in Mangaluru on Thursday and stayed at the Circuit House. On Friday morning, they offered prayers at the Kadri Manjunath Temple before proceeding to the meeting venue in an open vehicle.

Yakshagana, Pili Vesha, folk performances and traditional coastal sports have been arranged along the route to showcase the cultural heritage of the region.

The meeting follows the division-wise Cabinet meeting concept adopted during Siddaramaiah’s earlier tenure, when Cabinet meetings were held outside Bengaluru in places including Kalaburagi, Chamarajanagar and Chikkaballapur.

The exercise, however, has also drawn criticism from those who argue that the government should prioritise holding long-pending elections to local bodies. Critics have said elected municipal representatives are needed to address civic issues such as roads, drainage and urban infrastructure.

The decisions emerging from the Mangaluru meeting, particularly those concerning funding, development projects, employment and Tulu recognition, are expected to provide a clear indication of the government’s proposed approach to coastal development.