Karnataka govt to boost tier 2, 3 cities to stop urban migration: CM Shivakumar

Business To Business, Bengaluru, 07^th July, 2026:    Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Tuesday said the state government has decided to promote industrial development in tier-2 and tier-3 cities with the objective of generating local employment opportunities and reducing migration from rural areas to urban centres.
Speaking about the government's development strategy, Shivakumar said the initiative aims to create jobs closer to where people live, enabling balanced regional growth while easing pressure on major cities.
"Our objective is to encourage industries in tier-2 and tier-3 cities to create employment opportunities. We want people in rural areas to find jobs where they live instead of migrating to cities. To achieve this, we have taken several initiatives," he said.
The Chief Minister also said the government is giving priority to establishing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)-funded schools in rural areas to improve access to quality education. He noted that strengthening educational infrastructure is a key component of the state's broader rural development agenda.
According to Shivakumar, the twin focus on industrial expansion and quality education is intended to promote inclusive growth, enhance skill development and improve living standards across rural Karnataka.
The government's strategy seeks to foster sustainable economic development by encouraging investment beyond major urban centres, creating employment at the local level and ensuring that rural communities benefit from improved educational and economic opportunities.