Karnataka to set up a special committee to formulate the subject syllabus: CM

Karnataka plans to set up a special committee to design and develop subject-based curricula to narrow the gap in requirements between academia and industry.

“There are 30,000 engineering posts left vacant. Those who have graduated in engineering are getting low salaries of around ₹ 20,000 per month. We are thinking how to solve this,” Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on September 22 at the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS) in Bengaluru. KEONICS helped lay the foundation for Electronics City in Bengaluru.

He said it is important to make the curriculum more industry-oriented and focus on skills that match the requirements of the industry. He said AI should not be limited to big tech companies and must reach every student, every young person and every entrepreneur. “We are entering an era where hardware, electronics, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies will become increasingly important,” the chief minister said.

He said, “The KEONICS journey since 1976 reflects the larger transformation of Karnataka into a global technology destination. This institution later laid the early foundations of the state’s much-celebrated technology journey. KEONICS has been part of Karnataka’s journey as an innovation and technology leader. As the state looks ahead, this organization has an important role to play in ensuring every part of Karnataka’s technology infrastructure and opportunities.”

“We have identified artificial intelligence, digital skills and expanding the ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ technology infrastructure as key priorities for its next phase.”

According to CM, KEONICS is making great efforts to provide technology to village children through artificial intelligence based KEO computers. “I welcome the initiative of KEONICS to prepare the children of the future. Karnataka is entering the era of artificial intelligence and the technology should reach schools, students and small entrepreneurs in rural areas,” he said.

On the occasion of the golden jubilee of KEONICS, a new logo and a coffee table documenting its five-year journey were released. A statue of RK Balig and the first Chairman and CEO of KEONICS and also the founder of Electronics City was unveiled.

Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, Chairman, KEONICS said, “The organization has strengthened its role in expanding access to technology across Karnataka. More than 130 training centers have trained and certified more than 1.39 million students between FY 2019-20 and 2025-26, as KEONICS continues to expand its regional infrastructure.

“KEONICS played a major role in the development of the 332-acre Electronics City. It has since evolved from an electronics promotion agency to a technology partner supporting government, industry and citizens across IT infrastructure, digital services, e-governance, skill development and digital procurement.”

He said of the expansion: “KEONICS is expanding its technology infrastructure across regional hubs.

A 2.5 acre IT Park Annex Phase II is being developed at Shivamogga, while a 36 acre IT SEZ is planned as a larger technology site. A 3.25 acre IT park is being developed at Blueberry Hill, Derebail in Mangaluru. Mysuru to get 3.48 acre IT park. Several projects are expected to be implemented under public-private partnership or DFBOT models to attract private investment.

“The company is expanding its role as a technology partner for government departments, covering IT consulting, systems integration, software and IT services, procurement, infrastructure management and technical manpower deployment,” he added.

The significant contributions of former Chief Ministers Devraj Urs and M. Veerappa Moily and technocrat BV Naidu were highlighted, noting that the development of Karnataka’s technology ecosystem was built on the long-term thinking and institutional commitment of many visionaries.

Priyank Kharge, Minister for Home Affairs, Information Technology, Biotechnology and E-Government said, “The role of KEONICS has evolved with the technology ambitions of the state. KEONICS is not just an institution with a five-year history. It is an important execution arm in Karnataka’s technology ecosystem today. From infrastructure and IT services to skills, new digital technologies, state technology and vision are state technology initiatives and vision. to results on the ground.”

Published – 23 Sep 2026 11:49 IST