Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai’s please-all, pre-poll funds is focused at pushing the Hindutva agenda of the BJP by asserting that the state authorities will construct a “majestic” Ram Temple like the one in Ayodhya and reclaim Brand Bangalore. It additionally provides particular consideration to farmers and ladies.
The Bommai authorities introduced a “revenue-surplus” budget with no tax hikes, breaking the trend of revenue-deficit budgets for the past two years. The previous two budgets did not comply with the Karnataka Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2002.
Bommai said, that for the first time, the budget outlay has crossed the Rs 3 lakh-crore mark. The Karnataka budget has been pegged at Rs 3,09,182 crore, an increase from Rs 2,65,720 lakh crore in last year’s budget. He stressed that it’s for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic that the revenue receipts are estimated to be more than revenue expenditure by Rs 402 crore.
“As a result of our government implementing several progressive policies and fiscal consolidation measures and exhibiting fiscal discipline with steadfast commitment, it has been possible to steer the state economy on the path of progress again,” the CM mentioned.
Setting the tone for the elections, he had said it would be a “budget for the voiceless”, with special focus on farmers, women, and the working class.
The Big Hindutva Push
The big Hindutva push from Bommai came in the form of an announcement that a “majestic” Ram Mandir would be constructed at Ramadevara Betta of Ramanagara district.
News18 has learnt that the Ram Temple will be built along the lines of the one in Ayodhya and will be developed as the ‘Ayodhya of South India’.
The Chief Minister announced a budget allocation of Rs 425 crore for the renovation of temples and mutts under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. Another Rs 1,000 crore, spread over two years, has been allocated for the development of temples and mutts under department.
“In the next two years, there will be a comprehensive development and renovation of various temples and mutts across the state,” Bommai said.
In the previous budget as well, Bommai had given priority to developing Anjanadri Betta in Koppal district, which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, as well as special packages for Hindu temples, cow protection and cash assistance to pilgrims undertaking the Kashi Yatra. He also laid special stress on cow protection through his Punyakoti Scheme, to encourage people to adopt cows and fund their rearing.
Focus on Brand Bangalore
Brand Bengaluru had suffered a beating after floods last year ravaged the city.
Giving special focus to the capital city, Bommai said: “To mitigate ill-effects of climate change and control floods in Bengaluru, a project with the assistance of World Bank at Rs 3,000 crore will be implemented.”
The funds additionally promised Rs 1,813 crore to develop 195 km of drainage and culverts in the metropolis, which might assist in efficient draining of rainwater in case the metropolis faces unprecedented rainfall prefer it did final yr.
The delay in tasks like the suburban rail and Namma Metro additionally dented the BJP authorities and Bengaluru’s picture. To deal with the challenge of visitors congestion that has come to harm the picture of the IT capital of India, Bommai mentioned the state authorities will present Rs 1,000 crore in the present yr to implement the Suburban Railway Project in Bengaluru.
He additionally proposed to develop 75 necessary junctions with the highest visitors congestion at Rs 150 crore.
Other Bengaluru-specific tasks embody the 5 km elevated highway from Tin Factory to Medahalli at the price of Rs 350 crore, built-in flyover from Yeshwantpur Railway Station to Mathikere, 120km of roads to be white-topped at Rs 1,000 crore in addition to one other Rs 300 crore to be allotted to restore roads in 110 villages.
Farmer-Friendly Announcement
With an eye fixed on elections, CM Bommai additionally introduced that loans to the tune of Rs 25,000 crore might be distributed to greater than 30 lakh farmers. He additionally introduced a rise in the restrict of interest-free short-term loans to be given to farmers from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh from the coming monetary yr.
“This would help farms get hassle-free and need-based loans,” mentioned Bommai whereas presenting the 2023-24 funds.
The CM additionally introduced a further subsidy of Rs 10,000 in the yr 2023-24 underneath a brand new scheme known as ‘Bhoo Siri’ for Kisan bank card holders. This would facilitate the farmers throughout exigencies to buy seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and different farm inputs.
Benefitting over 50 lakh farmers in the state, Bommai’s funds mentioned that the state would contribute Rs 2,500 and NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) would give Rs 7,500 in the direction of the subsidy.
The 2023-24 funds additionally introduced an allocation of Rs 180 crore underneath the Jeevan Jyoti insurance coverage scheme, which might profit over 56 lakh farmers.
Political analyst A Narayana, nonetheless, mentioned the funds introduced by Bommai has “absolutely no meaning” because it could possibly be learn as “a kind of manifesto of the current dispensation” as the state heads to polls.
“It is what happens in June that we should be worried about as this budget is only a vote on account. This has to be viewed merely as a statement of intent by this government rather than a budget proposal,” he instructed News18.
Women Power
Bommai’s funds additionally introduced Rs 500 per head per thirty days monetary help by means of the ‘Shrama Shakthi’ scheme which might assist landless ladies farm labourers by means of direct profit switch (DBT).
He additionally introduced that 250 ‘She Toilets’ can be constructed in closely populated markets and mega business complexes in Bengaluru.
The funds introduced free bus passes to all ladies working in the organised sector in addition to to all lady college students of the state. A brand new bus scheme known as Makala Bus might be launched for college and school college students and would function with over 1,000 schedules throughout Karnataka.
Other Schemes
With the frequent man on his radar, Bommai additionally introduced reduction for lower-income teams and salaried workers as he raised the restrict for tax exemption. He mentioned his authorities proposed to simplify the Professions Tax Act and “raise the tax exemption limit from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per month for salaried or wage-earning employees”.
Karnataka can also be set to launch free teaching for Agniveers in the Indian Army for 10,000 youth from SC, ST, and minority communities.
Under the ‘CM Vidya Shakti Scheme’, Bommai mentioned kids who graduate from excessive colleges can proceed their schooling and avail free schooling in authorities pre-university and authorities diploma faculties underneath this scheme.
Bommai additionally introduced Karasamadhana Scheme for GST and excise tax arrears and penalties by waiving it off if paid earlier than June 30.
Calling it an election funds, political analyst Sandeep Shastri highlighted three necessary sections — the center class with a concentrate on Bangalore; ladies and farmers; and going again to the core Hindutva agenda of the celebration.
“If you look at the BJP campaign in Karnataka, there is very little reference to four years of governance and what has been done by them. There has been very little focus on the government’s achievements which raises the question of whether they are worried about possible anti-incumbency,” mentioned Shastri.
Shastri added that if this was the case, the funds doesn’t assume any significance and it will solely make an impression if the voter thinks the Bommai authorities has carried out reforms.
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