Allocation to key sectors reduced

Allocation of  funds to the key sectors of urban development, industry and water supply has come down in the revised budget (plan outlay) presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, compared with the budget presented by Jagadish Shettar in February.

Siddaramaiah has given priority to agriculture and irrigation sectors by increasing allocations (13 pc and 18 pc, respectively). Shettar had allocated 11 per cent to irrigation and 17 per cent to irrigation, and for urban development, industry and water supply, his allocation was 11 per cent, two per cent and five per cent, respectively.

Though the plan size has been enhanced from Rs 46,450 crore (Shettar’s budget) to Rs 48,685 crore for the fiscal, Siddaramaiah has allocated only 10 per cent to urban development, one per cent to industry and four per cent to water supply in the revised plan outlay.

‘Promises fulfilled’

Siddaramaiah claimed that 60 of the 160 promises made in the Congress election manifesto have been incorporated in the revised budget 2013-14.

Addressing reporters after the presentation of the budget, he said he was committed to fulfilling promises made in the manifesto. Priority has been given to irrigation by allocating Rs 9,812 crore. The party’s promise to spend Rs 50,000 crore for irrigation in five years will be fulfilled, he said. Steps will be taken to increase the height of Almatti dam. Modernisation of the existing irrigation projects will be taken up in the Cauvery basin area.

He defended the move to borrow Rs 22,396 crore this fiscal, saying the State finances were in a poor condition and the revenue surplus position had touched the rock bottom. But the government will ensure that borrowed money will be spent only for the creation of assets, he added.

Asked about steps proposed in the budget to contain prices of essential commodities, he said he had announced schemes which would increase food production and improve the purchasing capacity of people.

On funds for religious institutions, he said he had decided not to give money to any religious bodies. “There is no need for it. Money will be given to only backward classes religious institutions which are running student hostels and educational institutions,” he said.

He said he had no intention to criticise the previous government in the budget. But he had no choice but to state the facts. “I have only explained the factual position on the State finances. I have not criticised for the sake of criticism. Shettar (former chief minister) should understand the facts,” he said.