The Karnataka Cabinet has given the green light to the Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026. Home Minister Priyank Kharge announced the approval, marking a significant step in the state’s efforts to enhance accountability in the use of public resources.
“Why is everyone thinking this is to curtail or curb any particular institution, association, organisation, society, club, union, syndicate or NGO?
In a statement after the Cabinet meeting, Kharge said the Bill seeks to create a legal framework for the use of government premises and public property by private individuals, organisations, associations and societies. Addressing speculation that the Bill is aimed at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Kharge said the government has no specific institution in mind. Beats me,” the Minister said.
It also lays down provisions for penalties in case of misuse or damage to public property.
The Bill proposes clear guidelines and procedures for granting permission to use government properties for events, meetings or other activities, according to officials. He said an organisation that claims to have over 60,000 shakhas and crores of swayamsevaks in India and abroad has a significant presence in public life and, therefore, must be held to the “highest standards of transparency, accountability and constitutional compliance”.
