Karnataka to Publish White Paper on Central Scheme Allocations

Quick Summary:

• Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced plans to release a White Paper on allocations made by the Central Government for centrally-sponsored and other schemes.
• The move aims to create public awareness regarding Central financial contributions, as demanded by state MLAs during a legislative debate.
• Siddaramaiah alleged that the Central Government progressively reduced its share in project costs-from 75% previously to around 40%-42% under the current Modi government.
• he cited reductions in Central funding for projects like Namma Metro, where Karnataka’s financial burden increased due to lower contributions from Delhi.
• Comparing BJP claims of increased central funding to Karnataka, he pointed out that rises are proportional to the overall growth in the Union budget size, which expanded considerably as 2014-15 but should be analyzed as percentage-based contributions.
• BJP leader R. Ashok countered these claims, accusing Siddaramaiah’s government of reducing allocations for growth corporations benefitting marginalized communities. Examples included cuts in budgets for Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Development Corporation (₹100 crore reduced to ₹56.25 crore) and D. Devaraj Urs Backward Classes Development Corporation (₹190 crore cut down to ₹125 crore).

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The announcement of a White Paper by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah underscores ongoing tensions between state and central governments over fiscal accountability and resource-sharing mechanisms. His argument reflects concerns about erosion of federal principles if states bear increasing financial burdens while depending less on national support.

Siddaramaiah’s focus on percentage-based analysis rather than absolute figures brings attention to nuanced layers behind publicized data-raising questions about whether increases in allocations truly address proportional disparities tied with budget expansion.

On another front,BJP opposition has highlighted significant cuts by Congress-led state governance toward key development programs targeting backward classes,shedding light on potential mismatches between fiscal policies and social welfare priorities.

While both sides have valid arguments rooted in their perspectives-one focusing on federal responsibilities and another scrutinizing localized policy efficiency-the upcoming White Paper could provide transparency essential for informed debates concerning Karnataka’s fiscal landscape relative to societal needs.

Read more: The Hindu