In the realm of Bengaluru, the former Head of the State, Basavaraj Bommai, expressed his perspective on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who not only unveiled his 15th fiscal plan without emphasizing developmental concerns but also allocated resources towards welfare initiatives under the guise of assurances.
Addressing the legislative assembly on the state budget, Bommai asserted that the anticipation was palpable regarding how the Chief Minister would navigate the complexities of the 15th Budget. Siddaramaiah had articulated that the preceding administration had prioritized food security, and his current regime maintained an equal focus on this crucial aspect.
The federal administration had been distributing five kilograms of rice without charge. The rice received by the citizens of Karnataka was bestowed by the union government,” he remarked. Drawing a distinction between Siddaramaiah-1 and Siddaramaiah 2.0, the former CM highlighted his tenure as the finance minister in 1994, characterized by a deficit budget.
During that period, he curtailed the plan size, presented the budget, and instigated financial discipline. However, according to Bommai, Siddaramaiah 2.0 should have procured resources for welfare programs while upholding five commitments without compromising capital expenditure,” he supplemented. The BJP leader further scrutinized Siddaramaiah’s assertion of collecting Rs 1.75 lakh crore last year, contending that the actual collection amounted to Rs 1.61 lakh crore through taxes.
This translated to a shortfall of Rs 14,000 crore in capital revenue. The preceding BJP administration aimed for Rs 1.64 lakh crore from diverse taxes, falling short of resource mobilization. The current government has targeted tax collection of Rs 1.89 lakh crore, yet no revenue has materialized. Bommai queried the feasibility of state development under such financial management.
The erstwhile CM of Karnataka underscored that only 56 percent of the allocated funds to departments had been expended. The BJP government earmarked Rs 19,000 crore for irrigation compared to the present government’s Rs 16,000 crore. Each legislator, initially granted Rs 2 crore, now receives a mere Rs 35 lakh. The allocation per legislator previously stood at Rs 25 crore.
“The Congress government elevated the loan limit to 2.9 percent, poised to exceed three percent in the next cycle. Financial management has been lackluster, failing to ensure social justice. Clarity is imperative from the government regarding the pension scheme for state employees and the readiness to implement the OPS,” he declared.
Bommai criticized the state government for attributing its errors to the central government concerning fund disbursement, deeming the state’s financial stance precarious. The impending days might cast blame on the government if unforeseen challenges arise.