BENGALURU: The govt Thursday approved the establishment of a new department of ‘global investment and overseas affairs’ to facilitate employment opportunities for Karnataka youth in foreign countries, address welfare issues concerning NRIs from the state, and support overseas investors looking to establish businesses in Karnataka.Deputy chief minister G Parameshwara, who briefed reporters after a cabinet meeting, said the new department will deal exclusively with affairs of Kannadigas overseas, including the single-window system.He said the proposed Kannada name for the department — jaagatika hoodike mattu videshanga vyavaharagala ilakhe — could be changed following objections by some cabinet colleagues. A literal English translation is ‘department of global investment and external affairs’.The proposal was initially expected to receive clearance at a previous cabinet meeting after DK Shivakumar took over as CM, but both industries minister MB Patil and IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge reportedly objected to it.The department’s responsibilities will also include facilitating the establishment of global research and development centres, coordinating cultural and sports exchanges, promoting diplomatic coordination and inter-city partnerships, and encouraging health and medical tourism.The govt will establish a state facilitation council, chaired by the CM, to oversee the functioning of the department. The deputy CM will be its vice-chairperson, while several ministers will be members. Parameshwara said the department would eventually have an exclusive minister, but the CM would hold the portfolio for now.Group to vet issuesThe cabinet also approved forming a panel of a group of ministers, headed by the CM, to vet major issues before they are placed before the cabinet. The committee is a first in the state and is aimed at avoiding allegations that important decisions are being taken without consulting ministers.The panel will comprise KH Muniyappa, KJ George, Priyank Kharge, Krishna Byre Gowda, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, UT Khader, Laxman Savadi, Satish Jarkiholi and MB Patil, besides Parameshwara.Parameshwara, Byre Gowda, Priyank, Santosh Lad, Khader, Eshwar Khandre, HC Balakrishna and Savadi have been appointed spokespersons for the govt.
