Karnataka development model hailed globally: CM Siddaramaiah on I-Day

BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hoisted the Tricolour on the occasion of 79th Independence Day at the Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Parade Ground on Friday. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and other ministers were also in in attendance.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the Karnataka model of development brought in by the Congress government have been hailed globally along with the guarantee schemes. He also alleged that the Union government is discriminating against the state in distribution of resources.

#WATCH | Bengaluru: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah hoisted the Tricolour on the occasion of 79th Independence Day. pic.twitter.com/eZPscXqfuC

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2025

The CM said, “As we all have observed, our new generation is facing tremendous challenges due to the proliferation of mobile phones and the internet. They are getting trapped in depression, anxiety, anger and hatred. To overcome this social issue, we need to find new ways to address it. We have launched a programme called ‘Mobile Bidi—Pustaka Hidi’ (Leave mobile, hold books) and ‘Odu Karnataka’ (Read Karnataka) to encourage reading habits among children”.

He further said that the country will always remember those who lost their lives in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent conflict between India and Pakistan. “The country will respectfully honour their bravery”, the CM said.

CM Siddaramaiah further said, “According to studies by prominent institutions, 80 per cent of the wealth is concentrated in the hands of the richest, and 10 per cent of people pay only 3 per cent of GST, whereas the remaining 90 per cent of people who work hard to make ends meet pay 97 per cent of GST. This raises questions about the sustainability of such an economy and how to fulfill the promises of the Constitution”.

The CM added, “With the aim of finding answers to these big questions, we have introduced guarantee schemes and other welfare programmes. Karnataka is now at the top in terms of per capita income, with a growth rate of 101 per cent in the last 10 years. The per capita income has increased from Rs 1,01,858 in 2013-14 to Rs. 2,04,605 in 2024-25”.

The CM also highlighted the state’s progress in the industrial sector, foreign investment, and tourism. “Karnataka is one of the leading states in the country in terms of industrial growth, contributing 23.6 per cent to the state’s GSDP. We are also the second-largest recipient of foreign investment in the country. We have introduced a new tourism policy to create infrastructure and job opportunities for the people”, CM said.

CM Siddaramaiah announced, “This year, we are establishing 500 Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) at a cost of Rs 2,500 crore. We are providing nutritious food to 53 lakh children, including Ragi malt, milk, eggs or bananas, and midday meals. We have also increased the honorarium for guest teachers and cooks. We are prioritizing teacher recruitment and upgrading colleges and polytechnics at a cost of Rs 2,500 crore. We are also establishing 13 new technical education institutions”.

Both the CM and Deputy CM later felicitated the parade commanders from various units with awards, recognizing their contributions to the impressive march-past.