The Latest Breaking News from Karnataka

Contrary to expectations, the much hyped “Brand Bengaluru” initiative spearheaded by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also holds charge of the city, seems to have added little new for the city in the Karnataka Budget that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented on Friday, July 7.

Amidst fear of drought looming large over Karnataka, the State Budget 2023-24 presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has proposed to reintroduce the erstwhile Congress government’s flagship scheme of Krishi Bhagya that seeks to turn dry-land farming into climate resilient through rainwater conservation measures.

Karnataka government has proposed construction of a new metro line of about 37 km between Hebbal and Sarjapur at an estimated cost of ₹15,000 crore. The State government will be submitting a proposal to the Union government for approval.  

For those wondering if the five guarantees the Congress offered were solely to gain electoral victory or were a part of a more definitive longer-term strategy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s Budget provides a clear answer.

Museums became the centres of attention of the tourism sector in the Budget. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that “Karnataka Archaeological Museum and Art Gallery” will be established in Mysuru on a two-and-a-half-acre government land near Chamundi Vihar stadium to exhibit the rich art and cultural heritage of Karnataka. 

Kittur Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka regions seem to have been given a fair deal in the Budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, with several districts of the region being included for various projects apart from continuing and strengthening some old schemes and projects.

The CM has announced that a state-of-the-art skill laboratory, research centres and indoor sports facilities will be launched in different parts of the State, including in Mysuru, while the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Science will establish colleges of allied health sciences in Mysuru district.  

Karnataka Today newsletter: Budget - Liquor costlier, CM to revise tax on vehicles

According to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, “During the previous BJP regime, though huge grants were announced, there was a visible failure in formulating a proper action plan and implementing the same. Due to this, grants amounting to more than ₹2,000 crore were left unutilised by the board.”

Siddaramaiah alleged ‘gross injustice’ to Karnataka in tax devolution. 15th Finance Commission recommended only 3.65% of the divisible pool to be devolved to the State despite being one of the main contributors to the Centre’s revenue collection. Because of this, the State incurred a shortfall in tax devolution of ₹26,410…

While the budget presented by Basavaraj Bommai of the BJP before the Assembly elections did not impose any new tax, the budget presented by Siddaramaiah on July 7 has increased the Additional Excise Duty on Indian Made Liquor by 20%, and on beer by 5.71%, proposes to revise guidance value…