Karnataka government to outsource regulatory functions in three departments
The Karnataka government plans to outsource regulatory functions in the Labour, Health, and Food and Civil Supplies departments to private firms. This decision follows recommendations from the Administrative Reforms Commission to address severe staff shortages.
Why it matters
This shift toward privatization of government oversight raises questions about the efficacy and accountability of public safety inspections.
Karnataka government to outsource regulatory functions in three departments left A view of the Vidhana Soudha, in Bengaluru. The direction to outsource regulatory functions is in line with recommendations of the Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission-2, according to Harsh Gupta, Principal Secretary to Government, Praja Seva Department. K. Murali Kumar The Hindu https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/9bsdnl/article71610445.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/-State-lead--SpG7NGIBTMR.3.jpg.jpg MURALI KUMAR K A view of the Vidhana Soudha, in Bengaluru on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. PHOTO:K. Murali Kumar/The Hindu These include Factories, Boilers, Industrial Safety and Health in the Labour Department, Food Safety and Drug Administration in the Health and Family Welfare Department, and Legal Metrology in the Food and Civil Supplies Department Bengaluru Owing to staff shortage, the government of Karnataka has decided to outsource regulatory functions, like inspections, verification, and certifications, in three critical departments to private firms.
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