No Major Law & Order Concerns; Karnataka Model Under Global Review: Governor
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Synopsis
Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot reported no serious law and order issues in the state over the past 19 months, commending the government's economic management. He noted that the Karnataka model is being scrutinized by economists globally, highlighting its successes in welfare and development.
Key Takeaways
- Law and order in Karnataka remains stable.
- Karnataka model gaining international attention.
- Welfare schemes have significantly reduced farmer suicides.
- State's economy projected to become $1 trillion.
- Budget session discussions focus on economic strategies.
Bengaluru, March 3 (NationPress) Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot remarked on Monday that there have been no significant law and order issues in the state over the past 19 months. He also commended the state government's management of the economy and various guarantee schemes. He mentioned that the Karnataka model is under examination by numerous economists and academic institutions worldwide.
This statement was made during his address at the joint session of the Assembly on the inaugural day of the Budget Session.
“Police stations are operating in a community-friendly manner. Recently, the incidence of cybercrimes has escalated nationwide. The state police are actively promoting awareness and swiftly tracking down offenders, resulting in a decline in these incidents,” the Governor noted.
The government's assertions are expected to be scrutinized, especially since the main opposition party, the BJP, has persistently criticized the handling of police station assaults and accused the government of political favoritism.
The Governor highlighted, “Legal actions have been initiated to reclaim Rs 14,300 crore worth of forest land allocated to the now-defunct HMT in Peenya plantation, aiming to preserve it as a green space.”
He further expressed, “I am proud to declare that my government has accelerated the state's development and is solidifying the financial framework. As Mahatma Gandhi articulated, we are dedicated to utilizing governance as a means to alleviate the suffering of the most marginalized.”
“Many anticipated that Karnataka would fall behind in its development and that the state's financial system would decline due to the ambitious welfare initiatives launched by the government. However, the Karnataka government has disproven those predictions, achieving significant progress in every sector,” he asserted.
He added, “Karnataka's revenue is on the rise. There is an unprecedented influx of private capital into the state. The implementation of welfare programs is effectively reducing inequality. Karnataka ranks second in foreign direct investment and is witnessing a favorable growth rate in GST.”
He also noted that the state has experienced substantial rainfall, with an expected agricultural yield of approximately 149 lakh tonnes from the Kharif and Rabi seasons.
“The incidence of farmer family suicides in Karnataka has significantly decreased due to the welfare initiatives undertaken by the state government. Since assuming office, Rs 70,000 crore has been transferred to citizens under five guarantee schemes,” the Governor emphasized.
“The government is allocating over Rs 90,000 crore annually on welfare initiatives,” he reiterated.
“The Karnataka model is gaining international attention, with many economists and universities studying it. Oxford University has referred to this model as ‘a beacon of hope’ and a ‘blueprint for global governance’ in its Human Rights Hub. The head of the United Nations has personally visited Karnataka to understand this model and has commended our initiatives,” the Governor highlighted.
Comprehensive and strategic measures are being implemented to transform Karnataka into a $1 trillion economy.
“Karnataka is allocating 15.01 percent of its 2024-25 budget to capital expenditure, exceeding that of progressive states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala,” he noted.
“The groundwork has begun for a second airport in Bengaluru, with land acquisition for the airport near Karwar Naval base already in motion,” he stated.
An additional 15,000 acres of land has been designated as reserved forest to enhance the state's forest coverage.
Over the past 20 months, approximately 5,000 acres of forest land have been reclaimed from encroachment across Karnataka, including 117 acres in Bengaluru, according to the Governor.
The 15-day budget session kicked off on Monday, with discussions focused on the viability of guarantee schemes and concerns regarding the state government's plan to incur a Rs 1 lakh crore loan in the 2025-26 budget.
CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar warmly received Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot at the entrance of the Vidhana Soudha, offering him a grand welcome with red-carpet treatment.
Speaker U.T. Khader and Chairman of the Council Basavaraj Horatti presented him with bouquets and escorted him into the House for the joint session.
CM Siddaramaiah is scheduled to unveil his 16th state budget on March 7, marking the highest number of budget presentations by any leader in Karnataka.
Conversely, the budget session is anticipated to be dynamic, with the opposition BJP and JD(S) gearing up to challenge the Congress-led government on various issues.
The projected budget for 2025-26 is estimated to be Rs 4 lakh crore.
