Karnataka Assembly passes vote on account budget

The Karnataka State Assembly today passed the vote on account budget for 2014-15. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also holds finance portfolio, asserted that proposals outlined in the Budget lay thrust on social justice and inclusive growth and the fiscal deficit has been maintained below three per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).

The fiscal deficit which was 2.90 per cent of GSDP in 2013-14 was expected to touch 2.92 per cent during 2014-15, which is below three per cent limit set by the Centre, he said while replying to discussion on the budget in the state assembly.

He termed the Budget as "revolutionary" that fulfils promises held out in Congress election manifesto.

"Out of 165 promises made in the election manifesto, 65 have already been fulfilled and another 30 more promises will be realised this year," he said. Also as many as 272 government orders have been issued with relation to the party's election manifesto, Siddaramaiah added.

Siddaramaiah assured members that the government would address problems faced by coconut, sugarcane and groundnut growers.

The government is gearing up to tackle the drought situation prevalent in some parts of the state, he said. Opposition BJP members led by its leader Jagadish Shettar staged a walkout unsatisfied by the reply.

The House later approved the vote-on-account Budget. Siddaramaiah had sought a vote-on-account for four months commencing from April 1, 2014.