Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the state’s Budget will be tabled on July 7, drawing significant attention as the government aims to allocate funds for the implementation of all five of its poll guarantees within the financial year. While the Cabinet has yet to discuss the Budget, the Assembly session is scheduled to begin on July 3, with the Budget presentation following the discussion on the Governor’s speech.
Siddaramaiah emphasized the government’s commitment to fulfilling their manifesto promises, stating, “We are convening the Budget Session where we will table the Budget on July 7. We will make provisions for the implementation of the promises made in our manifesto.” However, he refrained from providing specific details about the budget size, explaining that he can only comment on the matter once the Budget preparatory meeting commences. Notably, the previous government presented a budget of Rs 3.08 lakh crore ahead of the elections.
Addressing the issue of revisiting the anti-cow-slaughter law, which was mentioned by Karnataka Animal Husbandry Minister K Venkatesh, Siddaramaiah stated that the matter would be discussed in the Cabinet. He highlighted the existence of the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Preservation Act of 1964, which lacked clarity and led to subsequent amendments. However, the Congress government reverted to the original 1964 Act.
“We will discuss it in the Cabinet. We have not decided anything yet,” clarified the chief minister in response to the BJP’s amendment. On the subject of the electricity tariff hike of Rs 2.89 per unit, Siddaramaiah emphasized that the decision was made by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) and not the government.
“We do not decide the hike in electricity tariff. There is the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Authority, which has made the decision. It had decided in the past. We have only implemented it,” he explained. Regarding the reopening of Indira Canteens, Siddaramaiah informed that he has instructed officials to make all necessary preparations for resuming their operations.
The upcoming Budget is of great significance, as the government faces the challenge of fulfilling its electoral promises while ensuring effective fund allocation. All eyes will be on the Budget session starting from July 3, where the Budget will be tabled on July 7. The details of the Budget, including its size and provisions for implementing the poll guarantees, will be unveiled as the government progresses with its Budget preparations.
