The proposed department will offer a single-window mechanism for overseas Kannadigas, facilitate foreign investment and create international employment opportunities for the state’s youth
The Karnataka government has approved the creation of a dedicated Department of Global Investment and Overseas Affairs, aimed at strengthening ties with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), attracting foreign investment and expanding international opportunities for the state’s youth.
The decision was taken at a state Cabinet meeting on Thursday and announced by Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara. The proposed department will serve as a single-window mechanism for Kannadigas living abroad, covering welfare concerns as well as investment-related matters.
It will also assist overseas investors seeking to establish businesses in Karnataka and help create employment opportunities for young people from the state in international markets.
-
The department is expected to take up a wider range of responsibilities, including facilitating global research and development centres, supporting cultural and sporting exchanges, encouraging inter-city partnerships and promoting health and medical tourism
-
It will also coordinate the state’s engagement with foreign delegations and institutions
The government plans to establish a state facilitation council headed by Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Parameshwara will serve as vice-chairperson, with other ministers as members. The Chief Minister will initially hold the department’s portfolio, although the government plans to appoint a dedicated minister eventually.
The move comes amid renewed demands from overseas Kannadigas for a dedicated institutional mechanism to address welfare, employment, investment, legal assistance and other concerns. A delegation of Global Non-Resident Kannadigas had met Shivakumar in June seeking a separate ministry and single-window system for the diaspora.
Karnataka already has an NRI Forum aimed at supporting the diaspora and encouraging investment in the state. The new department is expected to provide a broader administrative framework for these activities and deepen the government’s engagement with Kannadigas and investors overseas.
