Karnataka Govt To Stop Guarantee Schemes? Dy CM DK Shivakumar’s BIG Remark After Congress MLA Sparks Buzz

The Karnataka government, under financial strain, is facing challenges in balancing its ambitious five guarantee schemes with the state’s fiscal health. These schemes were a central part of the Congress party’s campaign promise and include the following:

The Five Guarantees

1. Griha Jyoti: Free electricity up to 200 units for households.
2. Griha Lakshmi: ₹2,000 monthly assistance to women heads of BPL and APL families.
3. Anna Bhagya Yojana: 10 kg of free rice for Antyodaya and BPL cardholders.
4. Shakti Scheme: Free bus travel for women.
5. Yuvanidhi: Unemployment allowance for youth.

Financial Strain

• These initiatives have placed significant pressure on the state’s finances, impacting other essential programs like housing projects.
• Congress MLA HR Gaviyappa expressed concerns, suggesting dropping two schemes, including the Shakti Scheme, to fund housing projects. His comments highlight internal discussions about the sustainability of these guarantees.

Congress Leadership’s Response

• Deputy CM DK Shivakumar dismissed Gaviyappa’s suggestion, reiterating the party’s commitment to fulfilling all five guarantees. He emphasized that questioning these promises is unacceptable and hinted at issuing a show-cause notice to Gaviyappa.
• Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had previously advised party leaders to ensure that promises are aligned with financial realities, indicating awareness of the challenges these guarantees pose.

Implications

• The state government is exploring ways to mobilize additional funds to support the guarantees while maintaining other welfare schemes.
• Tensions within the party suggest that while the guarantees are politically significant, their economic feasibility remains a contentious issue.

Key Takeaways

The Karnataka government is walking a tightrope, balancing its electoral promises with fiscal responsibility. The leadership’s firm stance on continuing the guarantees underscores their political importance, but internal dissent and financial challenges may prompt strategic adjustments in the future.