BENGALURU: Legislators of principal Opposition, BJP, have found another issue to haul the state government over the coals: measly allocation of funds in the budget presented on Friday for development of north Karnataka.
BJP MLAs and MLCs from Hyderabad Karnataka region expressed their displeasure about an insignificant increase of Rs 700 crore for improvement of the backward region. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has allocated Rs 3,000 crores, up from Rs 2,300 crore earmarked in the budget presented last year for developmental activities.
Mr Somanna Bevinamarada, MLC, told Deccan Chronicle that Mr Siddaramaiah has ignored development of Hyderabad Karnataka region.
He lamented the fact that the CM has not earmarked funds for Sarvajna Pradhikara, Abigara Choudaiah Pradhikara and Santa Shisunala Development Board. He alleged that the CM has not earmarked adequate funds for projects in the Krishna basin.
The CM has allocated Rs 1,000 crore for Hyderabad Karnataka regional development board, an amount similar to that earmarked in the previous budget.
Comparing the allocation for area development in 2015-16, Mr. Siddaramaiah has enhanced only Rs 55 crore this year. In 2015-16, he has allocated, Rs 1,761 crore, this year he has allocated Rs 1,816 cr for overall development program under planning and area development.
Mr. Siddarmaiah ignored the Malnad Aread Development, Bayalu Seeme Development Board and Karavali Abivrudhi Pradhikara in budget for 2016-17. He, however, has provided Rs 40 crore, Rs 35 crore and Rs 10 crore, respectively, in 2015-16 budget for these three boards.
