The Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government stopped funding prior government directives in all departments, including boards and businesses, on Monday. The government also stopped all unstarted projects. Siddaramaiah became Karnataka’s chief minister days before.
Siddaramaiah became chief minister Saturday (May 20). He approved all five promises in Congress’ manifesto before the assembly election hours after becoming chief minister.
“Before the elections, we gave 5 guarantees to the country,” he tweeted. I took oath as state chief minister today because the people trusted us and gave the party a complete majority. In the first cabinet meeting, we granted in-principle assent to all our assurances and proceeded as promised.”
Siddaramaiah has halted payment of all Bommai government directives.
In its manifesto, the Karnataka Congress promised 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti), Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family (Gruha Lakshmi), 10 kilograms of rice free to every member of a BPL household (Anna Bhagya), Rs 3,000 every month for unemployed graduate youth and Rs 1,500 for unemployed diploma holders (both 18-25) for two years (YuvaNidhi), and free travel for women in public transport buses (Shakti).
Siddaramaiah said the administration estimated fulfilling electoral pledges will cost Rs 50,000 crore a year. Siddaramaiah stated, “I don’t think it’s impossible for our government to raise Rs 50,000 crore a year (for the five guarantees)” given Karnataka’s 3.1 lakh crore budget.
The chief minister stated his government will implement all guarantee initiatives without entangling the state in debt or bankrupting it. “When we are paying Rs 56,000 crore (annually) as interest on our loan, can’t we spend Rs 50,000 crore for our people?”
The chief minister said today that he would no longer receive flowers or shawls from respectful individuals. “For personal and public occasions. Gifting books shows affection and respect. Keep your love and affection on me.”
