First-time BJP MLAs seek Rs 100 cr special grant from Karnataka Chief Minister
First-time BJP MLAs in Karnataka urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to approve a special grant of Rs 100 crore each for their individual constituencies.
In a formal request. made during the ongoing legislative session in Belagavi, they highlighted the lack of significant funding since they were elected a year and seven months ago in May 2023.
The MLAs, while petitioning for the funds, cited pressing issues such as rain and agricultural damage, coastal erosion, and infrastructure repairs, including hospitals, schools, roads, and electricity. They emphasised the need of Rs 50 crore each for fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25 to meet public demands and kickstart essential development projects in their areas.
Rs 6,000 CR DEVELOPMENT FUND UNVEILED
Meanwhile, sources in the Karnataka Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said that Siddaramaiah was set to announce a Rs 6,000 crore development fund.
According to the CMO sources, the framework for the development fund was already in the pipeline and was earmarked for boosting infrastructure and rural development across the state.
The announcement by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected tomorrow, December 18, on the floor of the assembly.
Sources said that the funds allocation included Rs 2,000 crore set apart exclusively for rural development initiatives, while Rs 4,000 crore have been labelled for Public Works Department (PWD) projects. This would focus on improving roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure facilities.
The Rs 2,000 crore will be distributed among all MLAs to address constituency-specific development projects, the source said.
The news of the massive development fund came at a time when the Congress-led Karnataka government was grappling with speculations about financial crunch.
GUARANTEES CAUSE OF FINANCIAL STRAIN?
Recently, a Congress MLA expressed his frustration over the insufficient development funds allocated to his constituency. This raised questions regarding the Chief Minister’s repeated assurances that the state was not short on funds.
The speculations regarding the state’s finances have been making rounds since the Congress government came to power. Critics and political watchers alleged that the Congress’s freebies put a strain on the state exchequer.
Even Chief Minister Siddaramaiah admitted to India Today that the five guarantees implemented by his government were causing a burden.