A concerning turn of events has plagued Karnataka as the state Government’s relentless pursuit of freebie schemes has taken precedence over crucial development initiatives, leaving the progress of Karnataka in shambles. The Congress party’s pre-poll promises are now confirmed to drain the Government’s exchequer due to the overwhelming burden, impacting the much-needed development projects.
With the euphoria of gaining votes and public trust during the elections, Karnataka now grapples with the consequences of its unsustainable approach.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, D. K. Shivakumar in a recent revelation, has brought to light the state’s development impasse due to the implementation of the five-pre-poll freebie guarantees made by the Congress party. Shivakumar disclosed that a staggering Rs. 40,000 Crore has been allocated for fulfilling these promises during the current financial year, leaving limited room for crucial development activities.
The plight of the state’s development came to the forefront when eleven Congress MLAs submitted a letter expressing their frustration over the lack of responsiveness from ministers regarding work in their constituencies. However, Shivakumar countered the claims, stating that prior briefings were held for the MLAs, apprising them of the financial constraints faced by the state Government due to the substantial budget allocation for the freebie promises.
This financial crunch has also affected critical areas such as Irrigation and Public Works Department, further impacting the state’s progress. This lack of funds to develop the state further was very much expected the day Congress announced all its regressive freebie promises just to attain power.
Moreover, the BJP is having a field day following Shivakumar’s statement. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi branded Congress as power-hungry and lacking vision and responsibility. Amit Malviya, a BJP leader Tweeted, “Congress will ruin Karnataka. There is no sign of the 5 guarantees being implemented… and now no development too. MLAs will have no face.”
The desire for assuming power in the state had driven the Congress to launch a multitude of populist schemes aimed at appeasing the common people. However, as the euphoria of these freebies settles, the stark reality emerges, the funds that should have been allocated to boost development are now dwindling.
Instead of focusing on long-term sustainable growth, the Government has been entangled in fulfilling immediate gratifications, leaving little room for essential infrastructure projects and initiatives.
The consequences of these populist schemes are evident as the state’s development takes a back seat. Critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure will suffer the consequences of insufficient funding, leading to a decline in overall public welfare. Roads and public utilities remain neglected, hampering the state’s growth prospects and stifling economic progress.
Furthermore, the state’s development woes are exacerbated as these populist schemes fail to address the root causes of socio-economic challenges. Rather than empowering the populace to achieve self-sufficiency, the government’s approach fosters a culture of dependency, hindering the potential for genuine progress. All this while the tax paying population gets nothing.
As the state grapples with the consequences of its ill-fated priorities, it becomes evident that a course correction is urgently required. Reallocating resources from unsustainable populist schemes to strategic development initiatives is essential for the state to overcome its current challenges and foster lasting progress.
Coming to think of it, with such a high budget for freebies every year and the Deputy CM claiming development isn’t possible this year, it is certain that development will not be prioritised as long as freebie schemes are active.