Bengaluru: In its first direct interaction with the Centre in two years, the Karnataka government, led by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, participated in the NITI Aayog governing council meeting in New Delhi on Thursday. He later met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking approvals and funds for major state projects.
Key Demands Presented to Centre
Karnataka's memorandum to the PM flagged pending central grants of Rs 2,860 crore under the 15th Finance Commission for gram panchayats, Rs 26,000 crore as special assistance for Bengaluru infrastructure, and Rs 25,000 crore annually for Kalyana Karnataka under Article 371(J).
This development marks a clear departure from the stance of the Siddaramaiah-led government, which had stayed away from such meetings over the past two years, citing concerns over alleged neglect of the state's demands.
Shivakumar's Address at NITI Aayog
Addressing the NITI Aayog meeting, Shivakumar highlighted Karnataka's economic contribution and its role in national growth. He called for a development model focused on measurable outcomes and stronger Centre participation in state-led programmes, suggesting a CSR-style governance framework focused on impact-based delivery.
Urban Infrastructure Proposals
On urban infrastructure, the state sought approval for the Bengaluru Suburban Rail project, the Bengaluru–Mumbai High Speed Rail Corridor, Regional Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) links to nearby cities, and Metro Phase 3 and Phase 3A of Namma Metro under BMRCL. It also requested approval for revised cost escalation for Metro Phase 2.
Irrigation and Water Projects
On irrigation, Karnataka sought early clearance for the Mekedatu project, notification of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal II award, and financial support for the Upper Krishna Project Stage III. It said Rs 5,300 crore central assistance for the Upper Bhadra project is still pending.
Concerns Over New Rural Employment Scheme
Separately, Rural Development Minister Eshwar Khandre flagged Karnataka's position on the revised rural employment scheme VB-G RAM G, which has replaced MGNREGA, raising concerns over the changed cost-sharing pattern.
"Under MGNREGA, which was launched by the UPA government in 2006, the central government used to bear 90% of the wage cost, while state governments contributed only 10%. Under the new VB-G RAM G scheme starting from July 1, the Centre will provide funds in a 60:40 ratio, which places a greater financial burden on state governments. We want a more balanced 80:20 sharing pattern between Centre and states," he added.
CM's Stance on Centre-State Relations
The Chief Minister said, "PM Modi has publicly congratulated me after I was sworn in as the CM. He wished me a successful tenure and affirmed that the Centre will work closely with the Karnataka government to ensure the welfare and development of the people. I also want to work cordially with the Centre because I know what Karnataka needs because the world is looking at India through Bangalore. There is a need to create infrastructure in Karnataka for all sections, not just for urban mobility, but we also need to look at agriculture," he said.
Shivakumar's presence hinted that the state was choosing engagement over boycott. In 2024, Siddaramaiah skipped the meeting, saying, "We don't feel Kannadigas are heard, and hence there is no point in attending the NITI Aayog meeting." Last year, too, the state stayed away, though his speech was read out.
List of Key Demands
- Clearance for Mekedatu project
- Notification of KWDT-II award on Krishna waters
- Release of Rs 5,300 crore for Upper Bhadra project
- Forest and wildlife clearance for Kalasa and Bandura Nala projects
- Approval for irrigation modernisation and flood management works worth Rs 11,122 crore
- Approval for Bengaluru Suburban Rail project
- Clearance for Bengaluru–Mumbai High Speed Rail Corridor
- Approval for RRTS links from Bengaluru to multiple cities
- Approval for BMRCL Phase 3, Phase 3A and revised Phase 2 cost
- Release of Rs 2,860 crore Finance Commission grants to gram panchayats
- Special assistance of Rs 26,000 crore for Bengaluru
- Annual Rs 25,000 crore support for Kalyana Karnataka under Article 371(J)
- Approval for Sharavathy pumped storage project
- Clearance for pending National Highway projects
- Establishment of AIIMS in Raichur
