Bengaluru: In the current budget, Karnataka has allocated a substantial amount of Rs. 54,374 Crore for capital expenditure. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasised the importance of efficiently utilising these funds, suggesting that all expenditures should be completed by February.
On Monday, the Chief Minister conducted a comprehensive review of the progress of capital projects across various departments. This meeting covered an array of departments, including Public Works, Water Resources, Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education, Planning (Karnataka Regional Development Board), Urban Development, Rural Development, Minor Irrigation, and Social Welfare.
Last year, the budget allocated Rs. 46,955 Crore for capital expenditure, but this year, the figure has increased to Rs. 54,374 Crore. Siddaramaiah stressed that this grant must be optimally utilised to contribute to the development of Government assets.
Acknowledging that there had been delays due to elections and budget approval, the Chief Minister urged a swift pace of expenditure to meet predetermined targets. He also highlighted the availability of Rs. 3,000 Crore for the current year, earmarked for the Rural Roads Scheme, with plans to build on the progress achieved through Rs. 2,000 Crore allocated last year by KKRDB.
Siddaramaiah underlined the need to expedite the approval and implementation of action plans, especially regarding the Rs. 1 Lakh Crore allocated for the Department of Natural Resources. Additionally, he called for a review of approved works worth Rs. 12,000 Crore that have not yet commenced in the board meeting of the Irrigation Corporations.
Furthermore, with Rs. 1,400 Crore at the disposal of the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation, the Chief Minister suggested its utilisation for procuring essential medicines and equipment. He recommended that the Kalyan Karnataka Regional Development Board and the Health Department collaborate to establish model Primary Health Centres in the Kalyan Karnataka region, aligning with Indian Public Health Standards.