Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jul 18: The state budget has provided impetus to the hopes the coastal district nurses, towards making giant strides in all fields and carving out a niche for itself at the national-level.

Formation of the Integrated Coastal Karnataka Development Authority has kindled hope of the people here, of speeding up the pace of development of the region. The 'Saubhagya Sanjeevini' scheme, a dream project of the Third State Finance Commission chairman A G Kodgi, which aims at linking 13 rivers of the twin districts to augment water supply, optimum usage of fresh water, irrigation and overall development, has got a boost with the earmarking of one crore rupees for conducting in-depth studies about the feasibility of this scheme, during the year.

A total of Rs 12 crore has been set apart for the third phase of Malpe port. Mono train surveys in Mysore, Mangalore and Udupi gets two crore rupees. The district offices complex of the district, proposed to be set up at End Point Manipal, gets nine crore rupees.

The fishermen too have not been neglected. The quantum of subsidized diesel for which the fishing boats are eligible annually, has been increased from 70,000 kilo litres to 75,000 kilo litres. Along with this 2,500 houses are proposed to be constructed under the 'Matsyashraya' scheme for the fishermen. They also get loans at 3% interest. The fact that ten crore rupees has been earmarked for the development of damaged fisheries roads, will also prove to be a boost for the fishing activities.

The handloom sector which has been neglected, pushing weavers to penury, is set to get rejuvenated with the new textiles policy announced for six industrial regions of the state. The dairying activity, which has been one of the main activities in the twin-districts, is set to get a boost with the announcement of a subsidy of two rupees per litre of milk supplied by the farmers. Subsidy of two thousand rupees for digging organic manure pits and scheme for development of tanks and other water bodies, will also help the districts immensely.

In addition to Rs 40 crore set aside for the proposed drinking water vented dam in Mangalore, another Rs 50 crore has been given to Mangalore City Corporation by way of special grant. Stress is laid on the tourism development schemes with private partnership.

While many have termed the budget as a balanced budget, some have expressed the opinion that it is city-centric. Many also came up with criticisms about not mentioning issues like waiver of electricity bill dues of farmers, waiver of loans, issuance of rice at two rupees per kg to the poor etc., Apprehensions have also been expressed, that increasing the retirement age of the state government employees will further aggravate the unemployment problem. The fact that higher education was not given prominence also came under fire in some quarters. Liberalized licensing norms for liquor shops have been received with a sense of cynicism.