Mangaluru, Sept 18: The Karnataka government on Friday approved projects and proposals with a combined value of around Rs 32,611 crore at the State Cabinet’s first meeting in Mangaluru, with Chief Minister D K Shivakumar saying the decisions were aimed at addressing development priorities across the State as well as the coastal region.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Shivakumar said the government had received representations from fishermen, industrialists, residents and various organisations highlighting infrastructure and development requirements in the coastal belt.

Of the total financial commitments announced, about Rs 16,000 crore has been earmarked for rural development, while another Rs 16,000 crore has been allocated for projects and initiatives covering Mangaluru, Udupi and the wider coastal region.

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara is expected to provide details of the individual projects, including proposals involving public-private partnerships (PPP), the Chief Minister said.

A key decision emerging from the meeting was the recognition of Tulu as the State’s second additional language in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The move addresses a long-standing demand from the coastal region.

Shivakumar said other pending demands and proposals raised before the government would also be examined in subsequent Cabinet meetings, depending on their financial implications and legal feasibility.

The Mangaluru meeting was significant as it was the first Cabinet meeting held outside Bengaluru since Shivakumar took charge as Chief Minister. The decision to convene the Cabinet in the coastal city followed demands for greater attention to regional development issues.

Shivakumar said elected representatives from different political parties, including MLAs, MPs and members of the Legislative Council, had brought forward issues concerning their constituencies and the wider region. Consultations were held with representatives both in Mangaluru and Bengaluru as part of the process, he said.

The Chief Minister said the government would work as “Team Karnataka”, with development being pursued on a balanced basis rather than through narrow regional or individual agendas.

He also thanked the people of Tulunadu, along with the media, youth and parents, for their support and goodwill during the Cabinet’s visit to Mangaluru.

Emphasising the government’s broader approach, Shivakumar said its priorities would centre on livelihoods and social justice, rather than politics driven solely by emotion.

The Cabinet meeting was held at Praja Soudha in Padil, with ministers travelling to the venue in an open-top bus earlier in the day in an unusual procession that drew public attention.