Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Expresses Concerns Over Resource Allocation

Bengaluru, Aug 15 (PTI) - Karnataka Chief Minister expressed concerns on Friday about the state facing discrimination in the allocation of resources from the Centre. He noted that key Constitutional bodies, including the Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate, and CBI, appear to be straying from their responsibility to uphold democratic values and cooperative federalism, as defined by the Constitution. The Chief Minister urged every responsible citizen to raise their voice on this matter. These remarks were made during his speech at the 79th Independence Day celebrations in Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah highlighted that his government has developed a distinctive model of development known as the "Karnataka Model of Development," and its 'guarantee schemes' have gained global acclaim. "Inspired by the teachings of the 12th-century Basavadi Sharanas, our government has established its own development model," he explained, adding that Philemon Yang, the President of the United Nations General Assembly, acknowledged and praised these Guarantee Schemes. The CM also pointed out the economic disparity revealed by leading national surveys, which indicate that the wealthiest 10% of the population control 80% of the nation's wealth but contribute just 3% of GST collections. "The remaining 90% of the population, who work daily for their livelihoods, bear the bulk of GST payments," he said, expressing concern over the sustainability of the economy under such conditions. This concern has driven the launch of the Guarantee Schemes and other welfare initiatives. He emphasized that these schemes, which launched after the current administration took office in May 2023, include programs like Anna Bhagya, Shakti, Gruha Lakshmi, Gruha Jyothi, and Yuva Nidhi, with an allocation surpassing Rs 96,000 crore. The Shakti scheme alone has facilitated over 500 crore free trips for women on government buses, increasing women's workforce participation by 23%, as indicated by various studies. The Transport Department has further enhanced the Shakti scheme by adding 5,049 new buses and recruiting 8,473 personnel, significantly boosting public transport capacity and service reach across Karnataka. Siddaramaiah noted that Karnataka now leads the country in terms of per capita income, which has seen a 101% increase over the past decade. The government's investment in welfare measures, including the Guarantee Schemes, amounts to over Rs 1.12 lakh crore. In a bid to comprehend living conditions accurately, the state has initiated a social and educational survey of the backward classes through the Backward Classes Commission. Siddaramaiah stressed that only accurate data can inform transformative policies and future schemes, particularly those addressing special representation and justice. The Chief Minister also honored the memory of those who sacrificed their lives in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the ensuing conflict with Pakistan, paying homage to their courage and sacrifice.

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