The state cabinet has decided to bring an amendment through the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2026 to reintroduce ballot papers in local body elections. The decision was taken to ensure transparency and secrecy of elections, the note said, adding that the government has decided to do away with EVMs from the election process.
The Cabinet also decided to bring an amendment through the Karnataka Police (Amendment) Act, 2026, which will enable the Police Board to transfer officers who have been suspended due to dereliction of duty, gross negligence and misconduct. Sources said that currently, due to the two-year tenure, the law did not allow the transfer of such officials, though it was suspended.
The government has also decided to announce a One Time Settlement Scheme (OTS) for those who availed loans from the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation between 2013 and 2019, where around ₹800 crore was disbursed to the beneficiaries under various schemes. Interest will be waived for those who use OTS to settle the principal.
Published – 5 Feb 2026 23:31 IST
