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Siddaramaiah presents Nava Karnataka Budget 2018: Key highlights

coastaldigest.com news network
February 16, 2018

Bengaluru, Feb 16: Faced with ballooning expenditure on the one hand and sluggish economic growth on the other, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday presented the last budget of his current tenures on Friday. Personally this is Siddaramaiah’s 13th budget.

Here are the key highlights from the Nava Karnataka Budget 2018: 

With a Budgetary Allocation of Rs 5,849 crore for the Department of Agriculture in 2018-19, the Government of Karnataka is committed to empower farmers in the state with a host of programmes. 

• Rs 845 crore earmarked for Karnataka Raitha Suraksha Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bhima Yojna
• Rs 600 crore earmarked for Krishi Bhagya
• Rs 50 crore earmarked fir area under Organic Farming to be extended by 1.5 lakh hectares
• New Agriculture College to be set up in Chamrajanagar
• Rs 24 crore allotted to increase Millet Farming to 60,000 hectares.

Launching of Raita Belaku to empower 70 lakh dry land farmers across Karnataka with economic independence. This will be the nation’s biggest programme in terms of area covered and number of farmers impacted.

• Dry land farmers to get guaranteed annual income between Rs 5,000-Rs 10,000 per hectare 
• 70 lakh dry land farmers to benefit
• Biggest national programme in terms of area covered (64 lakh hectares) and number of farmers impacted
• 3,500 crores allocated.

In a major thrust to higher education for girls, Government of Karnataka will provide free education to girls studying in pre-university course (PUC), degree and post-graduate (PG) courses in govt colleges, with a budgetary allocation of Rs 95 crore for 2018-19. 3.7 lakh girl students to benefit.

Giving a major thrust to education across Karnatak the budget announced:

• 100 Karnataka Public Schools (Upto 12th standard) at Gram Panchayat Level to be set up at a cost of Rs 5 crore
• Science Centres to be established in all Government High Schools and PU Colleges at a cost of Rs 7.5 crore
• To set up Basava Study Centre in Mysuru University at a cost of Rs 2 crore
• Government Schools completing 100 years to be developed as Heritage Schools.

In the budget tabled, Siddramaiah said that Karnataka becomes the first state to launch Universal Health Coverage, the much awaited ‘Aarogya Karnataka’ scheme will be launched in February 2018. It will provide primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare to all citizens.

Along with launching 'Aarogya Karnataka', Nava Karnataka Budget 2018 gives a major thrust to health and wellness across the state. 

• 9,000 Sub Centres across Karnataka to be upgraded as Health and Wellness Centres
• 1,000 Bed Strength to be added in Bengaluru Medical College and Research Institute
• Hospital Building to be constructed in Gadag, Koppal and Chamrajnagar Medical Colleges
• All District and Taluk Hospitals to be certified under National Accreditation Board for Hospitals to improve Quality Services.

The Siddaramaiah government said it is committed to build an equitable and socially just Karnataka. For ensuring social justice Karnatak government allocated:

• Grant of Rs 300 Crore for the development of Soliga, Junukuruba, Kadukuruba and other Communities
• Reservation of 25 per cent of seats for Backward Classes and Minority of Students in SC/ST Post-Matric Hostel
• Subsidy in the form of Share Capital for 100 Eligible SC/ST Co-operatives Societies
• Loan and Subsidy on priority to 680 Manual Scavengers identified in Rural and Urban for Land Purchase.

In the Budget 2018-19 Karnatak government said it is committed towards building an inclusive and empowered citizenry. In its allocation under inclusive society with opportunities for all it proposed:

• 250 Urban Anganwadis to be set up at cost of Rs 17.5 crore
• 100 Mobile Anganwadis and Creches to be set up at work places benefiting labourers, at a cost of Rs 10 crore
• Loans under Udyogini Scheme increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh
• 4 per cent Reservation in Grade A and B jobs for differently-abled people. 

In the Budget, Siddaramaiah termed skilled Karnataka, the new Karnataka. It said:

• 120 government ITIs to get computer lab facility at a cost of Rs 10 crore under PPP (Public Private Partnership)
• 2.5 lakh people to be trained by Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood
• DISHA Scheme to be extended to all districts to train 1 Lakh Entrepreneurs at a cost of Rs 2 crore.

In the budget, the Karnataka government proposed to ensure the empowerment of disenfranchised and backward classes through a host of progressive programmes which include:

• Various Development Works will be taken up at Sangolli and Nandgada at a budget of Rs 267 crore
• Suchi Sambhrama Kits extended to Post Matric Hostel Students
• Enhancement of Creamy Layer Income Limit from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh for Availing Reservation for Backward Classes
• Provision of Rs 10 lakh Loan at  6 per cent interest for self-employment to unemployed Backward Class Graduates.

Fostering Equality

• A new scheme to provide loan and subsidy under the professional incentive scheme of Minority Development Corporation at a cost of Rs 30 crore
• Allocation of Rs 200 crore for the development of Christian community
• Implementation of Start-up Loan Facility scheme for women at a cost of Rs 15 crore through Minority Development Corporation
• Opening of 25 New Moraji Desai Residential School.

Connecting Bengaluru - Namma Metro

The Karnataka Budget said Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Namma Metro Phase 3 will be launched soon, taking the total length to 266 kilometers. Upon completion, Namma Metro will become a ring rail network in the city. 

Namma Metro Phase 3 DPR to be launched for 105.55 kilometers. Once completed, Metro Network to stretch to 266 Kilometers.

Transforming Bengaluru

Presenting the budget Siddaramaiah said his government is committed to the comprehensive development of the world’s most dynamic city, Namma Bengaluru. 

• All Arterial and Sub Arterial Roads of Bengaluru to be white topped over 5 years; 150 kilometers in 2018-19
• 40 Lakes to be developed in 2018-19
• 250 kilometers of footpath to be developed
• 110 villages included BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) to be developed
• Rs 2,500 crore allocated for Bengaluru Development.
• Suburban Rail Reality for Bengaluru

Special Purpose Vehicle for Suburban Rail in Bengaluru to be set up. Project worth Rs 17,000 crore to be implemented in partnership with Ministry of Railways.

Creating a Logistics Network

• New Logistics policy will be announced to create a Multi-Modal Transportation Network
• Logistics Park to be set up on 400 acres of land near Bengaluru and 50 acres near Hubbali.

Towards Digital Karnataka

• E-Kshana launched to issue Caste, Income and Residence Certificate
• Moulya App launched to know the guidance value of any immovable property
• Development of Samyojane App to obtain citizen services of the department
• Development of Dishank App to obtain Survey Number and Map of spot where citizen stands.

In the next five years, the police department will see a 25 per cent rise in the number of women workforce. Toilets will be constructed in all the police stations. The women police stations in district headquarters will be upgraded as one-stop service centres. Cyber forensic laboratories will be established in order to prevent cyber crimes. Nirbhaya Kendras will be established in all the police commissioner’s offices.

The Karnataka budget also proposed free bus passes for students. In order to promote more women drivers under BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation), 1,000 women will be provided training. KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) to get 10 double-decker buses for inter-city operations.

Road safety

In order to reduce road accidents in Karnataka, a grant of Rs 150 crore has been allocated for Road Safety Works under various schemes.

Building Dynamic Ecosystem

• Karnataka Innovation Authority to be set up under the chairmanship of Chief Minister
• Centre for Excellence in Design to be set up to design products and enterprises
• Legal innovation framework to be set up to ensure no legal impediments in new and emerging technologies
• Skill upgradation programme for women in IT sector, who come back to work after long break/maternity leave. 

Towards smoke free kitchens

• Mukhyamantri Anila Bhagya Yojana to benefit 30 lakh people at a cost of Rs 1,350 crore
• Gas connection along with two gas stoves and refill cylinders to be provided free of cost.

Also Read: 

Sops galore for backward classes, dalits, minorities in Karnataka budget 2018-19

CM announces free LGP gas connections for 30 lakh poor; health scheme for all

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News Network
December 2,2025

Puttur: The long-cherished dream of a government medical college in Puttur has moved a decisive step closer to reality, with the Karnataka State Finance Department granting its official approval for the construction of a new 300-bed hospital.

Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai announced the crucial development to reporters on Monday, confirming that the official communication from the finance department was issued on November 27. This 300-bed facility is intended to be the cornerstone for the establishment of the government medical college, a project announced in the state budget.

Fast-Track Implementation

The MLA outlined an aggressive timeline for the project:

•    A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the hospital is expected to be ready within 45 days.

•    The tender process for the construction will be completed within two months.

Following the completion of the tender process, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the project.

"Setting up a medical college in Puttur is a historical decision by the Congress government in Karnataka," Rai stated. The project has an estimated budget allocation of Rs 1,000 crore for the medical college.

Focus on Medical Education Department

The MLA highlighted a key strategic move: requesting the government to implement the hospital construction through the Medical Education Department instead of the Health and Family Welfare Department. This is intended to streamline the entire process of establishing the full medical college, ensuring the facilities—including labs, operation theatres, and other necessary infrastructure—adhere to the strict guidelines set by the Medical Council of India (MCI). The proposed site for the project is in Bannur.

Rai also took the opportunity to address political criticism, stating that the government has fulfilled its promise despite "apprehensions" and "mocking and criticising" from opposition parties who had failed to take similar initiatives when they were in power. "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has kept his word," he added.

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News Network
November 27,2025

imrankhan.jpg

Authorities at Pakistan’s high-security Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Wednesday dismissed speculation about the condition of imprisoned former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, rejecting rumours that he had been moved out of the facility or was in danger. Officials said Khan was in “good health” and described the viral death claims as “baseless.”

“There is no truth to reports about his transfer from Adiala Jail,” the Rawalpindi prison administration said in a statement, according to Geo News. “He is fully healthy and receiving complete medical attention.”

Amid swirling rumours on social media, Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), urged the federal government to issue an official clarification and demanded that authorities allow his family to meet him immediately, Dawn reported.

The frenzy began after Khan’s three sisters called for an impartial probe into what they described as a “brutal” police assault on them and other PTI supporters outside Adiala Jail last week. Soon after, several social media handles circulated unverified claims alleging that Khan had been “killed” inside the prison.

The rumours intensified when a handle named “Afghanistan Times” claimed that “credible sources” had confirmed Khan’s “murder” and that his body had been moved out of the jail — allegations that have not been verified by any credible agency.

Imran Khan, PTI’s patron-in-chief, has been lodged in the Rawalpindi prison since August 2023 in multiple cases. For over a month, an undeclared restriction has prevented family members and senior PTI leaders from meeting him. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has reportedly been denied access despite making seven attempts.

In a letter to Punjab Police Chief Usman Anwar, Khan’s sisters — Noreen Niazi, Aleema Khan, and Dr. Uzma Khan — said they were “peacefully protesting” outside the jail when police allegedly launched an unprovoked assault after streetlights were switched off.

“At 71, I was seized by my hair, thrown to the ground and dragged across the road,” Noreen Niazi said, alleging that other women present were also slapped and manhandled.

Adiala Jail officials reiterated that speculation over Imran Khan’s health was unfounded and insisted that his well-being was being ensured, Geo News reported.

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News Network
December 3,2025

indigo.jpg

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, is battling one of its worst operational disruptions in recent years, with hundreds of delays and cancellations throwing domestic travel into chaos.

Government data on Tuesday showed its on-time performance plunging to 35%, an unusual dip for a carrier long associated with punctuality.

By Wednesday afternoon, airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad had collectively reported close to 200 cancellations, stranding travellers across the country.

Crew Shortage After New Duty Norms

A major trigger behind the meltdown is a severe crew shortage, especially among pilots, following the rollout of revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms last month.

The rules mandate longer rest hours and more humane rosters — a shift IndiGo has struggled to incorporate across its vast network.

Sources said several flights were grounded due to lack of cabin crew, while some delays stretched upwards of eight hours.

With IndiGo controlling over 60% of India’s domestic aviation market, the ripple effect has impacted airports nationwide.

IndiGo Issues Apology, Lists “Compounding Factors”

In a statement, IndiGo acknowledged the large-scale disruption:

“We sincerely apologise to customers. A series of unforeseen operational challenges — technology glitches, winter schedule changes, adverse weather, system congestion and updated FDTL norms — created a compounding impact that could not have been anticipated.”

To stabilise operations, the airline has begun calibrated schedule adjustments for the next 48 hours, aiming to restore punctuality. Affected passengers are being offered refunds or alternate travel arrangements, IndiGo said.

What the FDTL Rules Require

The FDTL norms, designed to reduce pilot fatigue, cap duty and flying hours as follows:
•    Maximum 8 hours of flying per day
•    35 hours per week
•    125 hours per month
•    1,000 hours per year

Crew must also receive rest equalling twice the flight duration, with a minimum 10-hour rest period in any 24-hour window.

The DGCA introduced these limits to enhance flight safety.

Hyderabad: 33 Flights Cancelled, Long Queues Reported

Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport saw heavy early-morning crowds as 33 IndiGo flights (arrivals and departures) were cancelled.

The airport clarified on X that operations were normal, advising passengers to contact IndiGo directly for latest flight status.

Cancellations included flights to and from Visakhapatnam, Goa, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Madurai, Hubli, Bhopal and Bhubaneswar.

Bengaluru: 42 Flights Disrupted

Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport recorded 42 cancellations — 22 arrivals and 20 departures — affecting routes to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa, Kolkata and Lucknow.

Passengers Vent on Social Media

Irate travellers took to X to share their experiences. One passenger stranded in Hyderabad wrote: “I have been here since 3 a.m. and missed an important meeting.”

Another said: “My flight was pushed from 1:55 PM to 2:55 PM and now 4:35 PM. I was informed only three minutes before entering the airport.”

Delhi Airport Hit by Tech Glitch

At Delhi Airport, the disruption deepened due to a slowdown in the Amadeus system — used for reservations, check-ins and departure control.

The technical issue led to longer queues and sluggish processing, adding to delays already worsened by staff shortages.

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