Karnataka finances sound, says Gowda

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 15: Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda on Monday said the State’s finances were sound as the government mopped up Rs 58,541 crore revenue during 2010-2011 as compared to Rs 49,156 crore during 2009-2010.

In his first Independence Day address here, Mr. Gowda, who became the ruling BJP’s second Chief Minister in the State on August 4 after B S Yeddyurappa stepped down following his indictment by a Lokayukta report on illegal mining, said revenue receipts of the State increased to Rs 58,541 crore in 201—2011, a growth of 18 per cent.

He said the State government spent a record Rs 31,750 crore, while the target of plan expenditure for 2010—2011 was fixed at Rs 31,050 crore.

“The Planning Commission, Reserve Bank of India, and 13th Finance Commission have commended our efforts in resource mobilisation, fiscal management and increasing the plan expenditure,” he said.

Talking about tax collections, Mr. Gowda said commercial tax grew at 27 per cent in 2010-2011 and motor vehicles tax grew by 37 per cent. Moreover, the stamp duty collection went up to 36 per cent and excise tax by 19 per cent, he said.

Referring to agriculture, he said the State has received good rains, except in Chitradurga, Tumkur and Gadag districts, which received less than the average rainfall.

“The government will initiate relief works if the situation worsens in these areas,” he said.

On 'Namma Metro', Gowda said as Reach-I of the project between Byappanahalli-Mahatama Gandhi road was ready for operations, he requested the Central Government to grant approval for the Phase-II metro project.

"During my visit to Delhi, I have extended invitation to PM Manmohn Singh to expedite clearances and inaugurate 'Namma Metro' project," he said.

Indicating the importance given by the state government on the development of urban areas, Gowda said the state government has improved basic infrastructure in 211 towns and cities including Bangalore.

Gowda also said his priority was to implement the plan and programmes already announced, instead of making new announcements.

"Investment of over Rs 5 lakh crore through Global Investors Meet, issuing of Bhagyalakshmi bonds to more than 11 lakh girl children of BPL families ... are some of our government's achievements," he added.

Citing examples of focussing on achieving all-round development, Gowda said the state government will hold the first-ever global agri-business meet to woo private investments for agriculture development. "The second Global Investors meet is also on the anvil," he added.

Gowda also said he has urged the Central Government to bring in amendment to Article 371-D of the constitution to give special status to Hyderabad-Karnataka region.

On law and order, he said the incidence of communal clashes and crimes have come down drastically during the last three years when compared to previous regimes.

Links

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article2359027.ece

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/karnataka-finances-sound-says-cm/788380.html

http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5367547

http://www.newspolitan.com/india/politics/2011/08/15/india-report-Karnataka-finances-sound--says-CM

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/karnataka-finances-are-sound-says-gowda/175872-37-64.html