Will Karnataka's Guarantee Schemes Stop After Lok Sabha Polls 2024?

Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Arvind Bellad, stated on Thursday that the Karnataka government's five guarantees would be discontinued after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in April-May. He highlighted that the Finance Department had already identified the financial challenges the State would face due to the implementation of these guarantees.

During his discussion on the State Budget for 2024-25, Bellad mentioned that the Finance Department had proposed to exclude seven categories of people from the benefits of these guarantees. These categories include anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, government outsourcing and contract workers, guest teachers, and gram panchayat assistants.

Furthermore, Bellad noted that the department had recommended the exclusion of income tax payers, women filing GST returns, landholders with more than five acres of dry land, individuals with an annual income of Rs 1.2 lakh, four-wheel owners, government employees, and pensioners.

Regarding the government's revenue from liquor sales, Bellad stated that the government aimed to collect Rs 38,525 crore in 2024-25. He highlighted that nearly 85% of the poor population consumes liquor, paying substantial taxes, which would be utilized to implement the five guarantee schemes.

Bellad also mentioned that there are 18 different taxes imposed on various liquor brands. On average, the government collects Rs 32,500 in taxes from the poor, which would contribute to funding the guarantee schemes.

Lastly, Bellad raised concerns about the budget allocation of only Rs 24 lakh for Dr. Gangubai Hanagal Gurukula in Hubbali, which is on the brink of closure. He noted that teachers at the gurukula had been leaving due to non-payment of salaries.