Bengaluru, Feb 14 (NationPress) R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to allocate a minimum of Rs 15,000 crore in the forthcoming Budget. This funding is essential for implementing the recommendations of the Prof. Govinda Rao Committee aimed at addressing the regional disparities within the state.

In a press release issued on Saturday, Ashoka stated, "The Congress party has held power in the state for an extended period, and Siddaramaiah has presented the most Budgets. Thus, they bear direct responsibility for the existing regional disparities."

He insisted that the Budget must earmark sufficient resources to rectify this "oversight."

Ashoka warned the government against making "exaggerated" claims by merging allocations meant for various departments or institutions and presenting them as funds to tackle disparities.

He emphasized that funds allocated to organizations like the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board and other development boards or corporations should not factor into this calculation.

He asserted that a distinct and dedicated allocation must be set aside specifically for the purpose of eliminating regional inequality. Without this, the populace may perceive a disconnect between the government's promises and its actions, he cautioned.

Ashoka claimed that the percentage of backward taluks identified by the Prof. D.M. Nanjundappa Committee has not decreased over the past two decades. Alarmingly, it has risen from 65% to 72.8%.

He challenged Congress leaders to stop feigning concern for backward regions. As they currently hold the reins of power, Siddaramaiah should set a record by allocating the highest-ever funds for addressing regional disparity.

While the government boasts of Karnataka's ranking as second among large states in terms of Net State Domestic Product (NSDP), it must also tackle the root causes of regional disparity.

To effectively implement the 11 recommendations made by the Prof. Govinda Rao Committee for the all-encompassing development of backward regions, he proposed the establishment of a 'Regional Disparity Redressal Monitoring Unit.' This unit would oversee the allocation, utilization, and progress of funds.

Ashoka further suggested that timelines should be established for projects and schemes, with strict adherence to avoid delays. He stated that without time-bound implementation, achieving progress within a designated timeframe would be unattainable. The Budget should also outline stringent actions against those who violate guidelines or misuse special funds.

He noted a rising demand from the public for reform in the functioning of the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board.

The current practice of formulating projects based on the preferences of elected representatives should be revised. New guidelines must be developed based on expert advice, with projects tailored according to actual needs and executed within a set timeline.

Ashoka stressed that priority should be given to the Govinda Rao Committee's recommendations regarding reforms in the Planning Department.

He pointed out that one of the key suggestions from the Govinda Rao Committee explicitly states that additional allocations should be made in the Budget beyond the regular allocation.

Funds must be strictly distributed based on levels of backwardness, Ashoka insisted.