Appeal to the centre for adequate funds for Karnataka in the 16th Finance Commission

₹80,000 crore loss in central allocation to Karnataka: CM

Bengaluru Express
Raichur, June 24:
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly urged the Central Government to ensure fair allocation of funds to Karnataka under the 16th Finance Commission, highlighting that Karnataka has suffered a loss of around Rs.80,000 crore in allocations when compared to the 14th Finance Commission.

Addressing the media in Raichur today, the Chief Minister criticized BJP MPs from Karnataka, stating that “not a single BJP MP has raised their voice on this serious injustice to the state.”

Despite being an influential minister close to the Prime Minister, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has failed to ensure the release of Rs.11,495 crore that was recommended as a special grant to Karnataka by the Finance Commission. “He has no moral right to talk about Karnataka’s interests when this rightful grant is yet to be released,” CM Siddaramaiah said.

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Demand for release of special grants to Kalyana Karnataka*

The CM reiterated the state’s demand for a special grant from the Centre for the development of Kalyana Karnataka region. Karnataka already allocates ₹5,000 crore annually for the region’s growth, and it is only fair that the Union Government also contributes, he asserted.

He added that the government will also examine the proposal for creating a dedicated Ministry for Kalyana Karnataka to strengthen development efforts further.

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Efforts to address teacher shortage

Responding to media questions regarding decline in SSLC results in Kalyana Karnataka due to teacher shortages, the Chief Minister informed that orders for recruitment of teachers have already been issued and the government is committed to improving SSLC and PUC results through necessary interventions.

H.K.Patil’s letter regarding Illegal Mining: Request for Special Court

Reacting to Minister H.K. Patil’s letter on illegal mining, CM Siddaramaiah acknowledged the recommendation for establishing a special court to expedite investigations and recover dues from illegal mining cases.

He recalled that the Santosh Hegde Lokayukta report on illegal mining remains inadequately addressed and referred to his own role in raising this issue in the Assembly, including participation in the Bellary padayatra against illegal mining in the past.

Concerns of MLAs on Development Works*

Regarding the concerns raised by Congress MLA Raju Kage about the lack of development activities in his constituency, the CM assured that he will hold discussions with the MLA and that special grants will be prioritized for constituencies in need.

On MLA Belur Gopalakrishna’s reported statement in response to the Housing Minister, CM Siddaramaiah said he will gather further details and informed that MLA B.R. Patil is scheduled to meet him on June 25 to discuss issues related to the Housing Department.

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