Priority given to women in Karnataka budget: Minister

Kundapura, Karnataka, Apr 6 (UNI) Karnataka Minister for Medical Education Dr V S Acharya today said that the state budget presented by the coalition government this year was the first ever gender based budget that provided funds for several schemes to help women in all sections of society.

Speaking after inaugurating +Nava Kundotsav+, an exhibition-cum-sale of the products produced by Self Help Groups (SHGs), promoted by Navodaya Gram Vikas Charitable Trust (NGVCT), here, he said that the government had fulfilled promise by announcing the extension of loans to SHGs at four per cent interest, besides the decision to ban lottery and arrack in the State.

He said that Deputy Chief Minister B S Yadiyurappa, who also holds the Finance Portfolio, in his 'transformation budget' increased the allocation of funds for education and health sector.

Though the government would incur about Rs 2500 cr revenue loss due to ban on arrack and lottery, it was hopeful to make it good by plugging leakage in other areas. The government had also allocated Rs 6000 crore this year for education which was Rs 1000 crore more than last year's allocation, while Rs 2000 crore had been allocated to health, he added.

UNI