BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to present his record 15th budget on Friday. Although the five guarantee schemes greatly restrict his manoeuvrability, the CM is likely to make all efforts to strike a fine balance between continuing social welfare schemes and giving a push to development.
The Congress government’s flagship programmes implemented in a phased manner after the party returned to power in May last year require a huge chunk of budget allocation.
The budget to be presented just around two months before the Lok Sabha elections is likely to reflect the poll necessities. The CM would take the aspirations of all communities and regions into consideration while presenting his government’s plan of action for the next financial year.
In the second budget of his second tenure as the CM, Siddaramaiah faces a big challenge of countering the perception that development has taken a backseat due to a lack of funds and the government is only focusing on the guarantee schemes. His government is accused of not taking up any big project in the last eight months.
Irrigation, drinking water projects may get large funding
Bengaluru may have some announcements in terms of infrastructure development. As Bengaluru Development Minister, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will be keen to push development works in the City. Earlier this week, in the Governor’s address to the joint sitting of the state legislature, the government gave a hint of going ahead with the ambitious tunnel road project to ease congestion in the state capital. The DyCM, who has been advocating for the project, had also sought the Centre’s assistance during his meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The Congress will also be trying to make all efforts to contain the BJP’s political dominance in the state capital as the latter holds three Lok Sabha seats in Bengaluru, while the Congress’ only Lok Sabha member from the state DK Suresh is from Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha segment.
As the Congress is trying to set a narrative against the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the CM may also announce funds for irrigation and drinking water projects, including the much talked about Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir.
While the CM may look beyond the guarantee schemes, mobilizing funds for big projects will be a Herculean task, and the state has also accused the Centre of not doing justice in tax devolution and Central grants.
The Congress had even taken the fight to the national capital to drive home a point that the state that stands second in the country in tax collections, stands in the 10th position in getting its share of tax. In the budget, the CM is expected to throw more light on how the alleged disparity in the devolution of taxes is impacting the state and its ability to take up new works.
Farm sector
While the CM may go for initiatives to take the administration closer to people as that does not require much financial allocation, the farm sector will also be hoping for some relief.
The state government that has announced Rs 2,000 financial assistance for farmers in drought-hit taluks, has accused the Centre of not providing funds under NDRF for drought relief measures.
Siddaramaiah had earlier announced that the size of the 2024-25 budget would be around Rs 3.8 lakh crore, which is around Rs 50,000 crore more compared to his previous budget.
Sources said the chief minister is likely to announce extension of the Bengaluru Metro Rail up to Tumakuru and an integrated township project at Vasantanarasapura near Tumakuru. While other surces said Siddaramaiah may also announce new districts.
DKS: New direction to state’s progress
Hubballi: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday said the budget will give a new direction to the progress of the state. It will witness the same determination that the government showed in the implementation of its five guarantees | P4