Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah
Credit: DH Photo
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said that the state government’s five guarantee schemes were firmly aligned with the Constitution.
In a statement on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, Siddaramaiah said the Constitution guided every policy decision of his government. Referring to Article 39, the CM said the State had a constitutional obligation to ensure the right to livelihood and a dignified life for every citizen.
Citing Article 15(3), he said the Constitution empowered governments to make special provisions for women and children, providing the basis for schemes such as Gruha Lakshmi and Shakti.
“Our guarantee schemes are not charity. They are our constitutional responsibility,” said Siddaramaiah, arguing that poverty was “not a crime, but the result of unequal distribution of wealth and opportunities.” Both CM and his deputy DK Shivakumar cautioned against efforts to weaken constitutional institutions.