Karnataka: Cut in central support to state plan decried in Guv's address

Lack of clarity on the central allocation and revised sharing pattern in centrally sponsored programmes has affected implementation of developmental schemes, Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala said today.

"Karnataka is known to be one of the most fiscally  prudent states. The devolution pool to the state has increased under the 14th finance commission from 32 per cent to 42 per cent and there has been an increase in Karnataka's share within it," Vala said in his address to the joint session of the state legislature.

The Governor, however, said there has been a cut in the central support to state plan and other central grants.

"This has led to a net reduction in actual transfer of resources to the state. Further, lack of clarity on the central allocation and the revised sharing pattern in many centrally sponsored schemes has affected the implementation of developmental schemes," Vala said.

In spite of this, the government has protected the most essential schemes by using state funds, he said, as he outlined the policies and programmes of the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah.

The legislature session that began today with the Governor's address will last till March 5, with Opposition BJP and JDS all set to haul the government over the coals over an array of issues, including spike in farmers suicides.

Emphasising on his government's commitment to maintain law and order and to ensure communal harmony, Vala listed out the steps taken in this regard that include strengthening the police force and improve policing.

"Over 9000 police personnel and other staff have been recruited. Fifteen new police stations, ten women police stations and two police sub-divisions have been sanctioned," he said.

The Governor also said that the government's priority is to improve the quality of service delivery and governance.

Speaking on the agrarian sector, he said despite adverse weather conditions this year and the effect of drought in 136 taluks during kharif and 62 taluks during rabi, the state is likely to achieve a food grain production of 110 lakh tones.

Listing out various programmes and schemes by the government to support farmers and agriculture, he said "My government is committed to provide adequate credit support to farmers."