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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has firmly refuted claims of misinformation regarding the allocation of funds to states in the 2024 Union Budget. She emphasized that the budget was crafted with every state's considerations in mind, and dismissed allegations of specific states being ignored. During a press interaction in Bengaluru, Sitharaman highlighted key budget announcements, emphasizing a focus on youth, MSMEs, agricultural research and development, and various other sectors. She addressed concerns raised in Karnataka regarding the state's budget share, stating that the central government has consistently provided substantial financial support.
Sitharaman refuted claims of the central government withholding dues to Karnataka, stating that such information is incorrect. She presented figures to demonstrate the significant increase in funds allocated to Karnataka under the current National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government compared to the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime. She pointed out that the tax share provided to Karnataka between 2004 and 2014 under the UPA amounted to Rs 81.71 crore, while under the NDA, this figure rose to Rs 2,95,818 crore. Similarly, grants-in-aid under the UPA from 2004 to 2014 totaled Rs 60,779 crore, while under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in the last decade, the amount reached Rs 2,36,955 crore.
Sitharaman further clarified that Karnataka has been allocated a PM Mitra mega textile park in Kalaburgi, with a dedicated fund of Rs 200 crore. She also outlined plans for large-scale vegetable production clusters, strategically located to benefit Bengaluru and enhance logistical efficiency. This emphasis on agricultural development aligns with the budget's commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and supporting rural economies. Sitharaman's clarifications aim to address concerns and ensure transparency regarding the budget allocation process, highlighting the government's commitment to equitable distribution of funds across all states.
Source: FM Sitharaman Lashes Out On Budget Allocation Misinformation, Says No State Ignored