Bengaluru, June 3 -- Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday, June 3, announced free bus passes for school and college students across the state, marking one of the first major decisions of his government after assuming office.

Addressing a press conference after chairing his maiden Cabinet meeting at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said the initiative would benefit thousands of students, particularly those from poor and middle-class families who travel to other towns and cities for education.

The Chief Minister also announced that the process of converting B-Khata properties to A-Khata, which was largely limited to Bengaluru, would be extended across Karnataka. The move is expected to provide relief to property owners facing doc...