The 16th Budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for the financial year 2025-26 in the Legislative Assembly has betrayed the expectations of the people of the State, according to the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist), SUCI (C).
It said the Budget has failed to address the struggles of farmers and workers.
“In an attempt to gain a pro-industry label, the government has proposed amendments to drop criminal cases against employers who violate labour laws,” said B. Ravi, district secretary of SUCI (C).
He said the decision to take a loan of ₹2,500 crore from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to start new Karnataka Public Schools and a World Bank loan for higher education reforms are alarming.
“Out of the total State Budget of approximately ₹4 lakh crore, nearly ₹1 lakh crore has been allocated for debt repayment. The government has ignored suggestions to impose additional taxes on the ultra-rich to fund social welfare schemes,” said Mr. Ravi.
The SUCI said that the government has allocated ₹51,000 crore for guarantee schemes but at the same time it has set a target of ₹40,000 crore for the Excise Department while there are no adequate measures for job creation. The Yuva Nidhi scheme alone is not a solution, it added.
The SUCI also said that announcements of an increase in honorarium for Anganwadi workers, mid-day meal cooks, and guest teachers are not entirely satisfactory, and the ₹1,000 increase for ASHA workers lacks clarity.
Overall, the State Budget is nothing more than a conventional document without any significant features, noted the SUCI.
Published – March 08, 2025 07:14 pm IST
