People of Karnataka are in a rejoicing mode after the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government presented a budget on July 17. In a demonstration of commitment to fulfilling promises made at the time of elections, the first BJP government in Karnataka led by Chief Minister-cum-Finance Minister, B.S. Yeddyurappa presented a please-all budget consisting allocations for both rural and urban sectors.
In a surprise move that should bring smiles on the faces of the families of around six lakh state government employees, a white safari suit-clad B.S. Yeddyurappa, announced raising the retirement age of the staff from 58 to 60 years.
Reiterating his commitment to improving the economic condition of farmers, weavers, fishermen and other weaker sections, the Chief Minister said the budget would lay a strong foundation for building a prosperous Karnataka in the next five years, so that ?Vision 2020?, aimed at turning Karnataka into a fully developed state by 2020, can be achieved.
Free power supply to irrigation pumpsets up to 10 hp will be made available to farmers from August 1 and the farm loan interest rates have been reduced by one per cent from the prevailing four per cent. In another important announcement for the benefit of farm sector, the government has announced a one-time payment of Rs.1,000 a family (small farmer) to purchase seeds and other farm inputs. This is expected to benefit nearly 50 lakh farmers. Milk producers will be paid incentive of Rs.2 a litre, however there will not be increase in the price of milk to consumers.
Bengaluru'sdevelopment dreams got a big boost when the new BJP government proposed an increased allocation of funds and large share of the pie goes to the capital. It obviously took into consideration newly added areas to Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The BBMP, which is facing a resource crunch, has got Rs. 300 crore as financial support. The proposed Nada Prabhu Kempe Gowda Layout, where 60,000 residential sites will be formed, is expected to help those who wish to get sites from the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) to own their dream homes. The CM has ensured speedy implementation of the proposed high speed rail link to new international airport at Devanahalli. He has also announced the appointment of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) as the advisor to the project, which will be taken up on Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis. The proposed Cauvery Stage 4, phase 2 drinking water project, estimated to cost Rs. 3,400 crore will also be implemented. To provide seamless connectivity for south Bangaloreans and residents of Electronic City to Bengaluru International Airport, BDA will undertake an improvement drive for the 31-km signal-free stretch and a zero tolerance road on outer ring road from Hebbal to Silk Board junction. Rs. 700 crore has been earmarked for the metro rail project. Last year, the allocation was only Rs. 172 crore. This step is expected to help the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) to move on a fast track. A big boost has been given to the city'shealth care sector also with the announcement of setting up of a general hospital at a cost of Rs. 8 crore and construction of an emergency trauma care ward at Rs. 25 crore.
