Government to undertake comprehensive development of state: CM Siddaramaiah

BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who hoisted the national flag on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground here on Tuesday, made use of the opportunity to showcase his government’s achievements so far and to attack the opposition.

Addressing the gathering, the CM said that development is possible only if there is a peace in society. The people of Karnataka have proved that evil power will not last for long, and the evil forces understand this fact very well, he said.

Referring to the five guarantees of the Congress, the CM said, about 50-60 lakh women are traveling by bus daily for free under the Shakti Yojana. So far, Rs 38.54 crore women have traveled for free. “The Gruha Lakshmi scheme will be implemented from August 27. The Gruha Jyoti scheme has already been implemented from July 1 and so far, 1.49 crore customers have registered under it. Even tenants will benefit from it and Rs 13,910 crore will be spent on the scheme annually”, Siddaramaiah said.

Training his guns on the Union government, he said, “We have implemented the Anna Bhagya scheme despite the non-cooperation of the Centre. So far, 1.04 crore families have received cash directly into accounts in lieu of 5 kg of additional rice. The money will be transferred to the rest of the families soon”.

Accusing the Centre, the CM said Karnataka ranks second among the highest tax paying states in the country. “Our state pays more than Rs 4 lakh crore in taxes, duties and other tariff charges to the Centre. But are getting only Rs 50,000 crore. If we get financial resources back fairly from the Centre, Karnataka will become a very rich state. Despite this, we are following fiscal discipline and we are committed to the comprehensive development of the state”, he said.

“We fought against colonialism and imperialism and achieved freedom. Our elders fought for our freedom”, he noted.

Major Highlights of CM speech:

Priority on providing infrastructure in education and health sectors.

Allocation of Rs 650 crore for construction and repair of school rooms.

Rs 200 crore for construction of toilets in schools and colleges.

Schoolchildren to be given eggs twice in a week

Houses to the needy during the five-year term.

Tracking system for government buses and installation of panic buttons.

Upgrading Bengaluru city to international levels under ‘Brand Bengaluru’ initiative.

Addressing challenges of city traffic system, environment, solid waste management, efficient use of public spaces, health, animal health, people-friendly e-governance system, water management, and flood management.

Fifty children from the Kittur Rani Chennamma residential school in Belagavi presented rope skipping performance while the MEG and Centre personnel displayed their kalaripayattu and tent pegging skills. They also put up a motorcycle acrobatics display.