Amendment to panchayat raj Act to introduce ballot papers

The State Cabinet has decided to bring an amendment through the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to reintroduce ballot papers in the local body election. The decision was taken to bring transparency and secrecy in elections, a note said, adding that the government had decided to drop EVMs from the election process.

The Cabinet also decided to bring amendment through Karnataka Police (Amendment) bill, 2026, to allow Police Establishment Board to transfer officials who have been suspended following dereliction of duty, gross negligence and misconduct. Sources said that currently because of the two-year tenure, the law had not permitted transfer of such officials though being suspended.

The government has also decided to announce a one-time settlement scheme (OTS) for those who had availed themselves of loans from Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation between 2013 and 2019 when about ₹800 crore had been disbursed to beneficiaries under various schemes. Interest will be waived to those availing themselves of the OTS to clear the principal.