Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday called on industries to direct their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives towards strengthening primary education and announced that the state government would establish a dedicated team to monitor CSR projects across Karnataka. Addressing the Global CSR and Sustainability Summit 2026 organised by the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), he said CSR should be viewed as an investment in sustainable development rather than merely an act of charity.

Praising FKCCI’s contribution to Karnataka’s economic growth, Shivakumar said the organisation had played an important role even before the rise of the IT and artificial intelligence sectors. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and industries, stating that collective efforts and responsible participation were essential for the state’s continued progress.

Speaking about Karnataka’s rapid urbanisation, the Chief Minister shared his own journey from a village in search of education and said many people had similar experiences. He noted that Karnataka’s urban population has reached around 43 per cent, while Bengaluru’s population has grown significantly over the years. He also highlighted the city’s global reputation, saying Bengaluru’s strong education ecosystem and talent pool have made it a preferred destination for international leaders and businesses.

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Shivakumar pointed to Karnataka’s strong industrial and technology foundation, including the growth of Electronic City, ITPL and the manufacturing sector. He also stressed the need for a balanced relationship between employers and employees, saying both are equally important for economic development. The Chief Minister noted that Karnataka’s IT sector employs around 26 lakh people and highlighted the state’s contribution to global talent, including a large presence of Karnataka-origin engineers in California.

The Chief Minister said Karnataka currently has around 10,000 CSR initiatives and announced that the new monitoring team would oversee projects across districts, including regions beyond Bengaluru. He urged companies to focus on rural education by adopting schools, improving infrastructure and supporting primary education so that students do not have to migrate to cities for quality learning opportunities.

Shivakumar further appealed to corporates to contribute skilled resources along with financial support to improve educational outcomes. He said industries must help children compete at global standards as technology, including artificial intelligence, continues to transform society. Emphasising the importance of balanced regional development and sustainability, he said a strong industrial ecosystem combined with quality education would help build a stronger Karnataka.

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