In a troubling sign of fiscal irresponsibility, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah convened department-wise meetings ahead of the budget presentation for 2025-26, signaling a disconcerting trajectory for Karnataka’s finances. The state government is reportedly poised to unveil a staggering budget of Rs 4 lakh crore on March 7. However, this ambitious budget has the ominous undertone of significantly increasing the state’s debt load.
The government initially announced a total expenditure of Rs 3.71 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2024-25 but later presented a budget of Rs 3.68 lakh crore, along with supplementary estimates totaling over Rs 13,000 crore. As it prepares to unveil its 2025-26 budget, concerns grow that Karnataka’s debt may swell by an alarming Rs 1.50 lakh crore. With current debt levels already reaching Rs 6.65 lakh crore, the proposed budget signifies a dangerous approach to fiscal management by the Congress government, which appears more focused on political expediency than sustainable development.
The opposition argues that despite the massive allocations, the Siddaramaiah administration has failed to deliver on its promises. The previous budget allocated Rs 52,000 crore for five guarantee schemes intended to uplift marginalized communities, yet reports of ineffective implementation are rampant. Development works are reportedly lagging, and citizen grievances have reached a boiling point, raising legitimate questions about the government’s competency. The Congress government’s inability to balance its ambitious promises with practical execution highlights a glaring disconnect between its financial planning and the actual needs of the populace.
As opposition voices grow louder, the Congress government’s reliance on borrowing to finance its lofty goals will further burden the state’s economy. This kind of fiscal manoeuvring not only threatens Karnataka’s financial stability but also undermines citizens’ trust in their leaders. The state’s mounting debt raises alarm bells as it becomes increasingly clear that the government is mortgaging the future for short-term political gains.
During the recent departmental meetings, Siddaramaiah reviewed financial and physical targets in the last budget and gathered a litany of demands for the upcoming fiscal year. However, considering the government’s troubling track record, one cannot help but wonder if these demands are realistic. Each department seems to be clamouring for funding, yet with the looming debt crisis, the sustainability of these demands is in serious question.
The state and its citizens deserve a budget that serves as a political tool for the Congress government and fosters genuine economic growth and accountability. If Siddaramaiah’s administration continues on this reckless path of overspending and excessive borrowing, the consequences may be dire—ultimately costing taxpayers more than they can afford.
As we await the budget presentation, the citizens of Karnataka need to hold their government accountable for its promises and actions. The Congress government must prioritize fiscal responsibility and transparency in managing the state’s finances or risk plunging Karnataka into an unsustainable debt crisis that could haunt future generations.
Congress Government’s Housing Crisis: A Failure to Deliver on Promise
The Congress government’s failure to effectively manage the Housing Department has plunged it into a financial crisis, jeopardizing the completion of 6,24,101 houses, including those under the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Housing Scheme. With an urgent need to finalize these projects by the end of the 2025-26 fiscal year, the Housing Department has resorted to utilizing the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Sub-Plan Fund (SCCP/STP) as a last-ditch effort to meet its obligations.
Despite the ambitious plans, the government has been unable to collect the expected contributions from beneficiaries of the housing schemes, which has now reached a critical point. The Housing Department requests Rs 6,871 crore from the SCCP and STP funds under the Social Welfare Department to address this shortfall. Confidential documents (DOH 25 HFA 2025) provided to the Cabinet reveal the extent of this crisis and highlight the Congress government’s inability to execute its housing agenda efficiently.
The situation is further complicated by payment delays to contractors constructing these vital homes. Because the government is slow to release funds, contractors are losing interest in completing their projects, leading to stagnation in construction and a growing number of arbitration cases over unpaid dues. This inept management raises serious questions about the Congress government’s dedication to fulfilling its commitments to the people of Karnataka.
Moreover, the government has not been able to secure timely loan approvals for beneficiaries, exacerbating the delays in housing projects. The Housing Department has expressed that the banks are not disbursing loans on time, undermining efforts to provide necessary financial support to those reliant on these housing schemes. A mere Rs 673 crore has been collected from beneficiaries against a targeted collection of Rs 7,544 crore, showcasing a remarkable failure to engage with and facilitate the community’s needs.
The Congress government, facing mounting pressure, has indicated that it may need to fully fund the beneficiary contributions for marginalized groups, including those from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, through the Social Welfare Department. This admission underscores the severity of the housing crisis and the government’s lack of foresight in managing its resources and commitments.
Current reports indicate that the administration struggles to meet its housing targets, with construction timelines slipping further away. Despite repeated promises, the Congress government seems unable to provide a coordinated and effective response to the housing needs of its constituents. There are alarming reports of housing works becoming increasingly challenging to complete on schedule, causing frustration and despair among the beneficiaries who have been left waiting for homes.
The plight of the beneficiaries under the various housing schemes is evident, with thousands still awaiting support. The numbers reveal that under various schemes, there are 6,24,101 beneficiaries, including a significant representation from the SC/ST communities. Yet, the Congress government’s mismanagement has endangered these crucial projects at a time when affordable housing is more critical than ever.
As discussions about the crisis occurred among Housing Department officials, including consultations with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa, the overarching question remains: will the Congress government step up, take responsibility, and deliver on its housing promises? The inaction and lack of accountability displayed thus far suggest a shocking disregard for the welfare of the most vulnerable in society.
This is not just a failure of policy but a betrayal of the trust that the people of Karnataka placed in their elected representatives. The time for half-measures and empty promises is over; the Congress government must decisively right the wrongs and ensure that all beneficiaries receive the support and housing they desperately need.
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