Siddaramaiah: Pro-people policiesdriving Karnataka’s GDP

Haveri: Chief minister Siddaramaiah said Saturday his govt had set records in welfare delivery and economic growth, enabling Karnataka to emerge as one of the leading states in gross domestic product (GDP) in the country."It is our pro-people govt that has made Karnataka one of the leading states in GDP in the country. The state is also moving at record speed in GST tax collection," he said, after inaugurating the govt's 1,000-day celebrations and a programme to distribute title deeds to one lakh beneficiaries.
He said the state govt had provided direct benefits worth Rs 1.2 lakh crore through its guarantee schemes so far.Citing opinions expressed by economists, including Amartya Sen and Abhijit Banerjee, as well as studies by newspapers and universities on guarantees, Siddaramaiah claimed that these achievements had been accomplished despite what he termed injustice by the Centre.He said the central govt had caused financial injustice to the state and claimed that shortfalls in GST compensation had resulted in a loss of Rs 12,000-15,000 crore. "We are not getting our rightful share. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, Rs 15,000 crore is yet to be released. If this grant is provided, many development works can be taken up across the state," he said.Siddaramaiah said his govt had completed two years and nine months in office and it strongly believed in the inclusive development of people of all castes, religions and languages and was committed to reducing inequality."Out of the 590 promises made, we have fulfilled 243. The remaining promises will also be fulfilled during the rest of the term," he claimed."We are now distributing title deeds to one lakh beneficiaries for the second time through the revenue department. So far, we have created a record by distributing title deeds to 2.2 lakh families," he said.Deputy chief minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar said the state had witnessed major changes over the past 1,000 days and reiterated the govt's commitment to fulfilling promises, controlling price rise, and implementing guarantees. He said Karnataka's guarantee model is now being followed in other states.He said Congress, which had won 136 seats in the last election, would win 141 constituencies in the next.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and quotes !