Union Minister for Food, Consumer Affairs, and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi has criticized the 17th Budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Karnataka. Joshi highlighted the Budget’s large size of Rs 4.48 lakh crore, record state debt, and fiscal deficit, suggesting it caters more to “vote bank” interests than economic progress. He expressed concern that the Budget seems to favor specific societal sections, including minorities.
Joshi pointed out that despite the substantial Budget size, it lacks a clear economic policy and appears more like a political address than a document guided by sound economic principles. The Budget reveals a fiscal deficit of Rs 97,449 crore and a revenue deficit of Rs 29,957 crore, with the state burdened by a debt of Rs 1.32 lakh crore, according to Joshi.
The Minister criticized the absence of allocation in the Budget for the “VB-G RAM G” scheme, which provides employment opportunities and aids in urban and rural development. He accused the government of an anti-development stance. Joshi further noted the Budget’s deficiency in structural proposals for economic growth or infrastructure development, labeling it a “guarantee-driven debt trap” Budget influenced by appeasement politics and “vote bank” considerations.
Joshi highlighted the rise in overall debt to Rs 8.24 lakh crore, a record in the state’s financial history, despite a limited fiscal deficit to 2.95% of the state GDP. He accused the Siddaramaiah government of deflecting its fiscal mismanagement onto the Union government. The Budget, according to Joshi, lacks substance despite its emphasis on social equality and continues to favor minority communities, with significant allocations for minority colonies and students.
The Minister criticized the Budget for neglecting sectors like health and agriculture while focusing on projects like Indira Canteen and specific cities, leaving regions like North Karnataka behind. He also questioned the lack of financial provision for irrigation projects and accused the government of evading responsibility. Joshi concluded that the Budget lacks direction and vision, serving as a debt-driven and vote bank-oriented initiative.
