Karnataka budget unrealistic, says Oppn

Jagadish Shettar, Opposition leader in the Karnataka Assembly, today described the state Budget as a "populist" one presented with an eye on the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

"It is a populist budget based on unrealistic revenue growth and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has presented it on February 14 with an eye on ensuing Lok Sabha elections," he said on the floor of the House during budget debate.

The former Chief Minister said the budget also lacked specific thrust on industrial development.

Shettar said the revenue mobilisation efforts of the state have not met the Budget Estimates because of lowering of revised estimates of the state to Rs 8,500 crore. "This will result in the continuation of higher borrowals," he said.

Shettar said the budget has failed to meet people's expectations, keeping in mind his experience of presenting eight budgets before.

He said the government had not given any due importance on employment generatioon and not suggested innovative ways to improve tax collection.

Shettar said the government had just spent 57 per cent of the funds allocated in the current financial year and cast doubts over spending 43 per cent of remaining funds in next three months.

"During BJP rule, the expenses were in the range of 72 to 82 per cent," he added.
He also criticised for reducing allocation for implementation of D M Nanjundappa Committee's recommendations for reducing regional imbalance.