Mysuru, Jan 23: Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Saturday indicated that the State Budget for 2021-22 will be downsized given the financial condition as a fallout of the due to Covid-19.
Speaking to reporters here at the airport, he said that the financial situation was such that downsizing of the budget has become inevitable and the outlay was bound to be less than what it was last year.
The Chief Minister, who also holds the Finance portfolio, had tabled a budget with an outlay of Rs 2,37,893 crore last year.
However, Mr Yediyurappa pointed out that there will be no dearth of funds or resources to fight the COVID-19 pandemic while expressing hope that the requirement could be less in the new financial year.
“This is because Covid-19 was almost 90 per cent under control and hence the resources required too could be less than what was allocated last year.”
The Chief Minister had said recently that he would present the budget in March and the budget session will be held from February 28. He had also admitted that the financial position was not good due to the pandemic and floods.
Mr Yediyurappa said he will apprise himself of the situation arising out of the blast near a quarrying site in Shivamogga that led to the death of six persons on Friday. “I have already announced compensation for the victims and ordered an inquiry so as to ensure justice for all’’, he added.
In reply to a question, the Chief Minister said mining was essential but action will be initiated against illegal mining.
Those without permits have to get a licence from the authorities and regularise the mining activity failing which the deputy commissioners of the districts will have to initiate legal action.
Since many state and national highway works are being taken up across the State mining could not be stopped. All the Deputy Commissioners will be asked to verify mining in their jurisdiction, he added.
Later chief minister inaugurated 11 ft. high Akka Mahadevi statue on the outer ring road in the city.
Speaking on the occasion he said the state government will develop Sharna centres across the state and help the present-day generation to know their contributions. The government has earmarked Rs 50 crores for the same.
He said the development of Akkmahadevi's birthplace in Shivamogga will be completed within two years.
The government has already set up the Veerashaiva lingayat development authority and earmarked Rs 500 crores.
He said Akka Mahadevi was the first Kannada poetess. She sacrificed worldly affairs at a very young age and lived for the welfare of society. Her value-based vachanas talk secrets of life.
Mr Yediyurappa also inaugurated Basava Bhavan built in the first phase of Vijayanagara.
Comments
Add new comment