Karnataka Chief Minister Touts State's Economic and Welfare Achievements
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared on Saturday that his government has established unprecedented records in welfare delivery and economic expansion, positioning Karnataka as one of the foremost states in gross domestic product (GDP) across India. The announcement came during the inauguration of the government's 1,000-day celebration event and a program to distribute title deeds to one lakh beneficiaries in Haveri.
Pro-People Policies Drive Economic Leadership
Siddaramaiah emphasized that it is the administration's pro-people approach that has enabled Karnataka to emerge as a leading state in GDP. "The state is also moving at record speed in GST tax collection," he stated, highlighting the dual achievements in economic metrics and revenue generation.
The Chief Minister provided detailed figures to substantiate these claims:
- Direct benefits worth Rs 1.2 lakh crore have been distributed to citizens through various guarantee schemes implemented by the state government.
- Title deeds have been provided to 2.2 lakh families, with an additional one lakh beneficiaries receiving them during the recent event.
- Out of 590 promises made by the government, 243 have been fulfilled, with commitments to complete the remainder during the current term.
Allegations of Financial Injustice from the Centre
Siddaramaiah cited opinions from renowned economists including Amartya Sen and Abhijit Banerjee, along with studies conducted by newspapers and universities, to support the effectiveness of the guarantee schemes. He asserted that these accomplishments have been achieved despite what he described as financial injustice perpetrated by the central government.
The Chief Minister specified several areas where he believes Karnataka has been shortchanged:
- Shortfalls in GST compensation have resulted in estimated losses between Rs 12,000 crore and Rs 15,000 crore for the state.
- Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, approximately Rs 15,000 crore remains unreleased, which Siddaramaiah claims could fund numerous development projects across Karnataka.
"We are not getting our rightful share," Siddaramaiah lamented, arguing that additional central funds would accelerate development initiatives throughout the state.
Commitment to Inclusive Development and Future Plans
With the government completing two years and nine months in office, Siddaramaiah reiterated its strong belief in inclusive development encompassing all castes, religions, and linguistic communities. The administration remains dedicated to reducing inequality and ensuring comprehensive progress for all residents of Karnataka.
Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar echoed these sentiments, noting that Karnataka has undergone significant transformations over the past 1,000 days. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to:
- Fulfilling all remaining promises
- Controlling price inflation
- Implementing guarantee schemes effectively
Shivakumar also revealed that Karnataka's guarantee model is now being adopted by other states, demonstrating its success and replicability. Looking ahead to future elections, he expressed confidence that Congress would increase its seat count from 136 to 141 constituencies, reflecting public approval of the government's performance.
The event in Haveri served as both a celebration of milestones achieved and a platform to outline the administration's ongoing dedication to economic growth, welfare distribution, and equitable development for all Karnataka citizens.
