Karnataka Budget 2024: CM Siddaramaiah Announces Slew Of Sops For Minorities

In a bid to uplift the minority community in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah allocated a substantial Rs. 393 crore in the 2024-25 state budget. This marks a significant increase in support compared to previous years and focuses on various aspects of education, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and cultural preservation.

Key Initiatives:

Education:

• 50 Morarji Desai residential schools: These new schools with a capacity of 50 students each will offer quality education to underprivileged children from minority communities.
• 100 metric hostels: These hostels will provide accommodation and support for students pursuing higher education.
• 100 Moulana Azad schools: These schools will focus on providing quality education for students from Muslim communities.
• Fee subsidy for nursing courses: To encourage careers in healthcare, the government will restart a scheme that charges fees for minority students pursuing nursing courses while providing a subsidy.

Entrepreneurship:

Loans for minority entrepreneurs: Loans up to Rs. 10 crore with a 6% subsidy will be offered to support minority entrepreneurs in establishing businesses.

Community Development:

• Rs. 10 crore grant for women's self-help groups: This initiative aims to empower women from minority communities by supporting their entrepreneurial ventures.
• Rs. 100 crore grant for waqf property protection: This ensures the preservation of important religious sites belonging to the Muslim community.
• Rs. 10 crore grant for Mangalore Hajj Bhavan: This grant will facilitate the construction of a dedicated facility for pilgrims undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage.

Religious Development:

• Rs. 200 crore for Christian community development: This allocation will support various initiatives focused on the well-being of the Christian community.
• Rs. 10 crore for Mangalore Hajj Bhavan construction: This additional grant supports the construction of the Hajj Bhavan.
• Rs. 50 crore for Jain religious places: This fund will support the conservation and development of Jain religious sites in the state.