Recurring delays in approval, fund release give perception of systemic inequity: Siddaramaiah to PM
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his intervention on 18 issues, including the demand to give constitutional protection to Karnataka's 56 per cent reservation policy and release of deficit grants, among others.
Siddaramaiah also highlighted that recurring delays on the part of the Union government, in approvals and fund releases to the state, have created a perception of systemic inequity.
CM sought the PM's intervention for the inclusion of Karnataka's 56 per cent reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution and inclusion of certain OBCs in the central list of ST.
He insisted on the release of revenue deficit grants, special grants to Bengaluru, and approval to the Mekedatu project, among others.
According to the chief minister's office, Siddaramaiah handed over the memorandum to the prime minister on his arrival at the city's HAL airport on his way to Adichunchanagiri in Mandya district.
"Karnataka has always taken pride in contributing to India's growth with responsibility and vision. However, recurring delays in approvals and financial releases have created a perception of systemic inequity. Addressing these concerns will reaffirm the spirit of true cooperative federalism and strengthen our shared vision for the development of India," Siddaramaiah said in the letter to Modi.
"The people of Karnataka look forward to your kind intervention in resolving these issues. I am certain that the Union Government will enable Karnataka to continue playing a transformative role in India's inclusive and sustainable development," he said.
"Our state embodies the aspirations of a progressive and inclusive India and remains steadfast in its commitment to the ideals of cooperative federalism," he said.
While Karnataka continues to be among the largest contributors to the national exchequer and a leader in economic and social development, certain long-pending issues require the Union Government's urgent attention, he said.
Pointing out that the railway coach factory at Kolar announced in the Railway Budget remains unimplemented despite the state offering 1.123 acres of land, Siddaramaiah said, reviving this project will catalyse industrial development and employment in the backward Kolar region.
He said that including the Bengaluru-Mysuru segment in the proposed high-speed rail corridor is essential for balanced regional development and enhanced connectivity. The state respectfully urges the Union government to expedite the release of committed Central assistance for the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project and to initiate the Bengaluru-Mumbai High-Speed Rail Corridor, connecting key districts of Kittur Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka.
The CM also sought the release of the pending central share of Rs 17,554 crore and resolution of policy issues, including support for retrofitting and augmentation schemes, to ensure universal access to safe drinking water under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Regarding 15th Finance Commission Grants to Gram Panchayats, he said, despite fulfilling all conditions, Karnataka is yet to receive grants of Rs 2,860 crore for FY 2025-26. "Their timely release is vital for sustaining rural infrastructure and essential services," he said.
Karnataka seeks the centre's urgent intervention for the sanction and implementation of pending National Highway projects, Siddaramaiah said, noting that the State has not received any major new NH projects in the last 12 years despite its significant contribution to the national economy.
Regarding revenue deficit grants of Rs 5,495 crore, he said, "The State requests the immediate release of the pending grants recommended by the 15th Finance Commission to address fiscal imbalances and sustain developmental initiatives."
He also demanded a special grant for Bengaluru to the tune of Rs 6,000 crore.
He urged the PM to direct the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Central Water Commission to expedite the appraisal and approval of the Mekedatu Project, envisaging 67 TMC storage for Bengaluru's drinking water, regulated releases to Tamil Nadu, and 400 MW hydropower, in line with CWMA referral and the Supreme Court's judgment dated November 13, 2025.
Siddaramaiah further urged the centre to release the announced Rs 5,300 crore Central Assistance and national project status for the Upper Bhadra Project under the PMKSY-AIBP scheme, to gazette the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II Award and declare the Upper Krishna Project (Stage-III) as a National Project.
He also urged wildlife clearance for the Kalasa Nala Diversion Project, enabling the diversion of 1.72 TMC of water for drinking purposes under the Mahadayi Tribunal Award.
Other demands mentioned in the memorandum include: provision of dedicated financial support of Rs 5,000 crore annually for the development of the Kalyana Karnataka region, in line with the spirit of Article 371(J) of the Constitution; establishing at least one public sector undertaking in each of the districts of North Karnataka; expedited forest, environmental, and wildlife clearances for the nationally significant energy storage project, which will enhance grid stability and support India's renewable energy goals; and establishment of AIIMS in Raichur.
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NEET student hangs self in Rajasthan's Sikar
Jaipur (PTI): A student preparing for the NEET examination allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in a rented room in Rajasthan's Sikar on Friday, police said.
According to the police, the student allegedly hanged himself from a ceiling fan using his sister's scarf while one sister was attending coaching classes and the other was in the bathroom.
He had appeared in the NEET UG exam 2026, which was cancelled due to paper leak, they said.
Udyog Nagar SHO Rajesh Kumar said that the deceased, identified as Pradeep Meghwal, was a resident of Kanika ki Dhani village in Jhunjhunu's Gudha Gaudji area.
He had been living in a rented room in Sikar's Jaldhari Nagar area with his two sisters while preparing for NEET over the last three years.
His elder sister later found him hanging and informed the landlord and police after bringing him down, officials said.
The SHO said the body was kept at SK Hospital mortuary, and a postmortem had not been conducted.
The student's father, Rajesh Kumar Meghwal, told police that Pradeep's NEET examination had gone well and the family was expecting him to score around 650 marks.
Former Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot expressed grief over the incident and linked it to anxiety among students after reports of irregularities and paper leaks in NEET 2026.
Pilot said repeated paper leak incidents and cancellation of examinations were affecting students' mental health and demanded a time-bound investigation and strict action against those responsible.
