The Karnataka government, on Tuesday, presented a substantial supplementary budget demand of Rs 6,280 crore before the legislative assembly for approval. This additional financial outlay is aimed at meeting urgent expenses and demands that have emerged from various state departments since the main budget was passed.
Breaking Down the Financial Allocation
To fund this supplementary budget, the state has laid out a clear financial plan. Out of the total Rs 6,280 crore, Rs 2,240 crore is expected to come as central assistance. The state exchequer will directly bear Rs 3,421 crore, while the remaining amount will be drawn from the government's reserve funds.
A major chunk of this additional spending is dedicated to two critical areas: road development projects across the state and providing much-needed financial assistance to sugarcane farmers. For road infrastructure, the government has allocated Rs 434 crore from the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).
Key Allocations for Agriculture and Survey Reimbursement
In a significant move for the agrarian community, the state has set aside Rs 300 crore to aid sugarcane growers. This assistance will be provided at a rate of Rs 50 per quintal for cane supplied to sugar factories within Karnataka.
Another notable provision is the reimbursement to various boards and corporations that spent nearly Rs 350 crore on the extensive socio-economic and educational survey, often referred to as the caste survey. The D Devaraj Urs Welfare Corporation spent the most at Rs 150 crore, followed by the Lingayat and Vokkaliga Development Corporations at Rs 70 crore each, costs which the government now plans to cover.
Operational Costs, Travel, and Event Funding
The supplementary budget also seeks approval for several operational and travel-related expenditures. This includes Rs 6.4 crore already spent, and potential future costs, for helicopter travel by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot.
Furthermore, Rs 11.6 crore has been allocated for purchasing 71 vehicles. These vehicles, which include 12 minibuses, are intended for use by various departments, personnel attached to the Chief Minister's office, and officials of the Karnataka Lokayukta.
The ongoing Belagavi legislature session itself has incurred costs, with Rs 14.5 crore proposed for its expenses and an additional Rs 2 crore for coverage of the legislative proceedings. Travel expenses for the Speaker and Council Chairman to attend the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) conference, amounting to Rs 1 crore each, are included, along with Rs 3.6 crore for the 11th CPA conference.
Diverse Projects and International Engagement
The budget document outlines several other important allocations:
- Rs 14 crore for the Bengaluru Smart Energy-Efficient Power Distribution Project, to be adjusted against funds from the Asian Development Bank.
- Rs 23.5 crore for Mysuru Dasara celebrations and Rs 50 lakh for Tumakuru Dasara.
- Rs 10 crore has been earmarked for a future Karnataka delegation's visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, highlighting the state's focus on global economic engagement.
The presentation of this supplementary budget underscores the state government's responsive approach to emerging financial needs, prioritizing agricultural support, infrastructure development, and the smooth functioning of governance and cultural events.
