Karnataka Budget 2019 Highlights: Rs 6,500 Cr Allocated for Waiver of Crop Loan of Farmers, Massive Allocation for Railways

In the coalition government's second budget, HD Kumaraswamy announced an allocation of Rs 6,500 crore for the waiver of crop loan of farmers to Commercial Banks and Rs 6,150 crore to Co-operative Banks. The controversial elevated corridor project also saw a mention with the CM allocating a sum of Rs 100 crore for this purpose in the year 2019-20. The CM also set aside Rs 23,093 crore for suburban rail service, as well as the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Bengaluru Rail Infrastructure Development Entity (B-RIDE) under State and Central Government partnership.

Grant of Rs 1,000 crore allocated to construct elevated corridors in the year 2019-20. Converting 5 lakh road lights in Bengaluru into LED. To convert Commercial Street and Brigade Road into pedestrian roads. 

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy announced the re-launching of “Janapada Jathre” programme to encourage folk artists and folk arts. Rs 2 crore grant will be provided to organize the event. Meanwhile, Rs 5 Cr allocated for modernisation of Urban Haat at Mysuru. Rs 5 crore allocated for development of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout.

Karnataka announces a new scheme to provide affordable, low-interest loans to small farmers, sets aside Rs 29,000 crore for SC/ST allocation.

Karnataka CM announces Rs 10,000 per hectare financial assistance for farmers engaged in the cultivation of millets and Rs. 7,500 per hectare for paddy cultivation in coastal Karnataka.

Rs 8,015 crore set aside for Brand Bengaluru. CM says, Pomegranate and grape cultivators facing several challenges over the last few years and to address this, 150 crore Spl package announced for this.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy says state to build 854 houses in flood-hit Kodagu. He said the farm loan waiver has been carried out successfully and Rs 9,291.81 crore spent on irrigation projects.

The coalition government has submitted a Rs 2,500 crore proposal to the Centre for drought relief. About 156 taluks in the state are hit by the drought, says Kumaraswamy.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy began the budget session amid huge uproar by Opposition in the state assembly. Opposition BJP stages walkout. The leader of the Opposition Karnataka BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa led the walkout.

Congress leader Siddaramaiah said he will petition before the assembly speaker to suspend the four dissenting Congress MLAs. He said he will petition Speaker Ramesh Kumar to disqualify the four truant MLAs B Nagendra, Ramesh Jarkiholi, Mahesh Kumthalli and Umesh Jadhav for failing to turn up for the CLP meet and Budget session despite whips. Action will be initiated against them under the anti-defection law. Meanwhile, while addressing media, Yeddyurappa said the BJP will participate in the Budget session and there will be no opposition from our side. Their MLAs are not turning up, should we remain quiet?”