Karnataka Budget 2024 Highlights: 44-km Elevated Corridor By 2025, Satellite Townships For 7 Cities
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented his 15th budget, revealing a total outlay of Rs 3.71 lakh crore for the state this year. He also projected Karnataka's economy to grow at a rate of 6.6% in FY 2025.
Siddaramaiah has earmarked Rs 52,000 crore for the implementation of five guarantee schemes of Shakti, Gruha Jyoti, Gruha Lakshmi, Yuva Nidhi and Anna Bhagya in 2024-25.
The CM's Budget speech witnessed sloganeering and a walkout by members of the Opposition, as CM Siddaramaiah came down heavily on the Union government.
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New Direction for the Nation in Upcoming Budget: DK Shivakumar
With the Lok Sabha elections on the horizon, citizens across the state are looking forward with anticipation to the budget announcement scheduled for today. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has assured the public that their expectations are grounded in reality, stating that the budget will chart a new course.
Plans to Split Belgaum and Tumkur into New Districts Revealed in the Latest Budget
Rumors have surfaced indicating the government's intention to bifurcate the state's largest districts, Belgaum and Tumkur, into two separate entities. These speculations are expected to be addressed in the budget announcement made by Siddaramaiah today.
Former Karnataka health and medical education minister Dr K Sudhakar has expressed dissatisfaction with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's recently presented state budget, describing it as 'tedious and uninspiring'. He criticized the budget for overlooking the districts of Chikkaballapur, Kolar, and Bangalore Rural, deeming it a major disappointment for their residents.
BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra lambasted the recent budget unveiled by Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister and State Finance Minister, branding it as detrimental to the agricultural sector and stagnating in terms of state development. He expressed concerns that this budget might regress the state's progress by two decades.
"ಸುಳ್ಳುಗಳನ್ನೇ ತುಂಬಿಸಿರುವ ರೈತ ವಿರೋಧಿ ಜನ ವಿರೋಧಿ ಬೋಗಸ್ ಬಜೆಟ್"
— Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) February 16, 2024
ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯನವರು ಇಂದು ಮಂಡಿಸಿದ ಬಜೆಟ್ ರೈತವಿರೋಧಿ, ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ದೃಷ್ಟಿಯಿಂದ ಪ್ರಗತಿ ಶೂನ್ಯ ಬಜೆಟ್ ಅನ್ನು ಖಂಡಿಸಿ ಸದನ ಬಹಿಷ್ಕರಿಸಿ, ವಿಧಾನ ಸೌಧದ ಎದುರು ನಮ್ಮ ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಜೆಡಿಎಸ್ ಪಕ್ಷದ ಶಾಸಕರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಪ್ರತಿಭಟನೆ ನಡೆಸಲಾಯಿತು.… pic.twitter.com/WDfP0S26uy
Revitalization of Water Projects in Varuna Constituency
The Kaveri Irrigation Corporation has embarked on a large-scale enhancement and modernization project encompassing the Visvesvaraya Canal Network including the Hebbakavadi, Nidaghatta, Turganur, and Madavamantri Canals within Malavalli Taluk. Additionally, the project aims to modernize Kempmannunala in Maddur Taluk, Maradur in Hunasur Taluk, and Hegganur Lake as part of the Kanakapura initiative to augment the Sriranga Drinking Water Project with pipeline solutions. The operations also extend to enhancing the Varuna assembly constituency’s canal systems, the Mathadahalli drinking water project in Gubbia, and the Arkavati ventures near Ramanagara. This comprehensive undertaking is projected to cost approximately Rs 2,000 crore, with funding allocations being made in the current financial framework.
Irrigation and Water Development Initiatives in Koppal and Raichur
In an effort to enhance water availability for both drinking and irrigation purposes, the government has embarked on a significant initiative focussing on the Yalaburga-Kukanur taluk of Koppal district and the Maski taluk of Raichur district. This endeavor involves the replenishment of 38 lakes in the Koppal district, aimed at bolstering drinking water supply and inter water development, with a budget allocation of Rs 970 crore for the ongoing year. Additionally, a substantial investment of Rs 990 crore is directed towards establishing irrigation facilities by diverting water from the Narayanpura right bank canal to Pamanakallur and other regions within the Raichur district.
Anna Suvidha Scheme Unveiled for Elders
In a significant announcement made during the budget presentation, the government has rolled out the Anna Suvidha scheme, targeting senior citizens aged 80 and above. This initiative is poised to deliver food grains directly to the homes of the elderly, ensuring they have access to essential nutrition without the need to venture out. Furthermore, Siddaramaiah has committed to the development of housing complexes specifically designed for migrant construction workers. These facilities are slated for construction across 10 districts, aiming to provide better living conditions for this workforce segment.
Free Laboratory Services to the Underprivileged
In an effort to assist the economically disadvantaged populace of Bangalore, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has proclaimed in the latest budget the allocation of 20 crores toward the creation of 430 laboratories, ensuring no-cost laboratory services for those in need.
Provision of Two-Wheelers to Enhance Mobility for the Specially-Abled
In a significant move to aid mobility for the specially-abled, 1,500 two-wheelers are slated for distribution. This initiative aims to support the independence and transportation needs of special needs individuals. Additionally, the establishment of four centers dedicated to the care of the homeless mentally challenged is on the agenda. An allocation of 2 crores has been designated for the development of these four compliance centers. Siddaramaiah, shedding light on this initiative, confirmed that the necessary grants for this purpose have been arranged.
Enhancing Healthcare and Safety in District Hospitals
The healthcare sector in the state is set to receive a significant boost with the expansion of STEMI (acute heart disease) treatment to all taluk hospitals, based on the Hub and Spoke model, within the next two years. In addition, a financial allocation of Rs 32 crore will be dedicated to the acquisition of Thrombolytic Drugs, essential for managing STEMI and Stroke cases. Addressing safety concerns, a comprehensive fire fighting system will be implemented across 13 district hospitals, entailing an investment of Rs.6 crore, to mitigate the risk of fire accidents.
Enhanced Support Initiatives Announced for Former Devadasis
The government has announced significant improvements to the welfare schemes for former devadasis, aiming to uplift their living standards. The enhancements include a hike in the monthly stipend from Rs.1500 to Rs.2000. Additionally, through the State Women Development Corporation, a bespoke package will be extended to cater to their specific needs. Addressing the pressing issue of homelessness, the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation will provide housing assistance to those possessing plots but lacking homes. To ensure that these measures are accurately targeted, a comprehensive collection of data regarding their social and economic conditions will be undertaken, followed by a re-survey for effective rehabilitation.
Funding Allocated for Religious Community Developments in Budget Announcements
In a recent budget announcement, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unveiled a significant allocation of funds aimed at bolstering the development and conservation of waqf properties, with a dedicated Rs 100 crore set aside for this purpose. Additionally, the budget detailed a Rs 50 crore grant specifically targeted at the Jain community's development, alongside a substantial Rs 200 crore investment designated for the Christian community’s advancement.
Anganwadi Workers to Receive Over 75,000 Smartphones for Enhanced Service Delivery
In a significant move aimed at bolstering the efficiency and outreach of Anganwadi services, a funding of 90 crores has been allocated to equip Anganwadi workers and supervisors with 75,938 smart phones. This initiative is designed to streamline the operations and facilitate the array of services offered through these community-based centres.
Funding Boost for Healthcare Infrastructure
In the financial year 2024-25, the healthcare sector is set to receive a significant investment with a Rs 400 crore allocation towards the construction of medical colleges and procurement of necessary equipment. Additionally, a sum of Rs 130 crore has been earmarked for the development of super specialty hospitals.
The highly anticipated Karnataka budget has unveiled initiatives to expedite the suburban rail project, which is set to span four corridors in Bangalore. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced the swift operationalization of two significant corridors, Chikkabanavara-Byiyappanahalli, in the near future.
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