Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Mar 7: The 16th budget presented by the Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiha has sparked controversies in the state. BJP has alleged the budget of being minority centric and not inclusive. On the other hand, legislators from Udupi district have termed the budget as not providing required funds for development activities.
Udupi district has received only a handful of new projects in the fiscal policy of 2025-26. To highlight, a multilevel parking facility at Malpe port, shoreline management plan, PPP model textile park in Karkala, establishment and improvement of highway hubs for promoting education, tourism, adventure and water sports, Rs 3 cr for the development of Udupi district playground, Measures to prevent landslides in coastal and Malnad districts such as Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Hassan, Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru districts at a cost of Rs 200 cr.
A major demand of the people of Udupi district of a government medical college, agricultural college and sea ambulance for Malpe port have not been sanctioned in the 2025-26 budget.
People friendly budget: Lakshmi Hebbalkar, minister for Women and Child Development
Minister for Women and Child Development Lakshmi Hebbalkar described the budget as people-friendly and crucial for the state's progress. The budget allocates Rs 94,084 cr for women-oriented programs and Rs 62,033 cr for child development initiatives. The Gruha Lakshmi scheme, aimed at empowering women by providing financial aid for household expenses, has been allocated Rs 28,608 crore. In a significant move, 37 lac Anganwadi workers will receive a Rs 1,000 monthly honorarium increase, while helpers will get Rs 750 more. To enhance Anganwadi infrastructure, Rs 175 cr has been set aside for upgrading 17,454 centers, and Rs 10 cr has been allocated for land purchase in urban areas. The government has also taken a step toward supporting children with disabilities by upgrading residential schools for special children in Mysuru and Belagavi with Rs 5 cr each, while schools for hearing-impaired children in Ballari and visually impaired children in Hubballi have been elevated to high school level. The minister commended the budget for prioritizing multiple sectors and ensuring overall development.
Coastal Karnataka overlooked in State budget: Yashpal Suvarna
Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna has strongly criticized the Karnataka state budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, labeling it as neglectful towards the Coastal Karnataka region. He accused the state government of failing to allocate necessary funds for the development of fisheries and ports, ignoring the long-pending demands for a government medical college in Udupi and an agricultural college in Brahmavar.
Suvarna further pointed out that no financial provision was made for the completion of Udupi District Hospital, increasing disaster relief funds, implementing permanent solutions for coastal erosion, or allocating funds to the Narayana Guru Development Corporation. He expressed disappointment that CM Siddaramaiah’s 16th budget failed to meet public expectations.
A development-oriented, people-centric budget : Ramesh Kanchan, president Udupi taluk guarantee implementation committee
However, countering these criticisms, Udupi Block Congress president and president of Udupi taluk guarantee implementation committee Ramesh Kanchan defended the budget, calling it inclusive and well-balanced. He highlighted the government’s allocation of Rs 51,000 cr for guarantee schemes, proving the opposition’s claims baseless. According to Kanchan, CM Siddaramaiah’s budget includes significant projects for the coastal region, such as a multi-level parking facility in Malpe, the implementation of a fisheries policy, the development of coastal roads, and Rs 200 cr for coastal erosion prevention.
The budget also provides for setting up ‘Akka Cafes’ across the state, increasing honorarium for Anganwadi workers, and raising wages for guest lecturers and mid-day meal staff. Furthermore, 100 primary schools will be upgraded to high schools, and 50 high schools will be elevated to pre-university colleges. The government has also earmarked Rs 1,500 cr to distribute eggs and bananas to schoolchildren with support from the Azim Premji Foundation.
Government's commitment to support fisheries and allied industries is commendable: Congress leader Prasadraj Kanchan
A significant boost has been given to the fisheries sector, with an allocation of Rs 3,977 cr. Expressing gratitude towards the Chief Minister, industry representatives have appreciated the government’s commitment to supporting fisheries and allied industries.
In a visionary move to support future generations and industries, the government has announced the establishment of Industry 4.0 labs. These labs aim to usher in an industrial revolution by equipping businesses with cutting-edge technology and fostering innovation.
To encourage local-level innovation and entrepreneurship, the government has allocated Rs 200 cr per year. This initiative is expected to create five lakh new employment opportunities, reinforcing the government’s long-term strategy for economic growth and industrial development.
Congress leader Prasad Raj Kanchan has praised the government’s foresight, stating that these measures will play a crucial role in shaping Karnataka’s industrial and economic landscape in the coming years.
Discontent among coastal legislators
Several MLAs from Coastal Karnataka have expressed dissatisfaction with the budget. Kapu MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty termed it a ‘disappointing budget’ that failed to meet public expectations. He accused the government of not ensuring an equitable distribution of tax revenue and neglecting the tourism sector in Udupi.
Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole criticized the budget as anti-fishermen, stating that it failed to introduce any schemes for the fisheries sector, which significantly contributes to the state’s economy. He lamented that crucial projects such as the construction of sluice gates and irrigation schemes were ignored.
Clear example of Anti Hindu Policies: Sunil Kumar, Karkala MLA
Former minister and Karkala MLA V. Sunil Kumar accused CM Siddaramaiah of pushing Karnataka into financial distress with an enormous debt burden of Rs 1.16 lac cr. He alleged that while the state government frequently blames the Centre, it has failed to implement long-term economic policies. The lack of funds for the Konkan Railway project and coastal tourism development further exemplifies the budget’s inadequacies, he added.
The budget has also drawn criticism for introducing a reservation policy favoring the Muslim community in government contracts worth up to Rs 2 cr and procurement contracts up to Rs 1 cr. V Sunil Kumar called this a clear example of “anti-Hindu policies,” arguing that it extends the government’s preferential treatment of minorities even further.
Unorganized workers left out: CITU
Trade unions have also expressed disappointment over the budget’s failure to address the welfare of unorganized workers. Suresh Kallagar, district secretary of CITU, criticized the government for not allocating the Rs 500 cr requested for social security schemes benefiting unorganized labourers such as tailors, street vendors, construction workers, and domestic helpers. He warned that failure to address these concerns could lead to mass protests.
MP Kota Srinivas Poojary expresses disappointment
Udupi - Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary voiced dissatisfaction, arguing that the budget overlooked the needs of backward communities. Despite past promises, no corporation has been established for backward communities, and hostel facilities for backward-class students remain inadequate. He accused Siddaramaiah of failing to provide meaningful support to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and backward classes.
This is a divisive budget - BJP district president Kishore Kumar Kundapura
Chief minister presented a budget in the legislative assembly today that is unconstitutional. While claiming to be secular, he has introduced a vote-bank budget that favors one section over another, further dividing society. On one hand, Rs 1,16,170 cr is borrowed to distribute freebies, while on the other hand, Rs 4,700 cr from the same borrowed money is allocated specifically for Muslims under the name of minorities. This is a setback for overall development. In total, a deficit of Rs 16,000 cr has been created through this vote-bank budget, resulting in zero development. The people of the state will face difficulties in the future accused Kishore Kumar Kundapura, BJP Udupi district president.