We are ending up as losers for following financial discipline: Karnataka Minister
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Thursday said the state is ending up as losers for following financial discipline.
The minister, who presented the Karnataka Appropriation Bill of Rs 6,279.87 crore, reminded the Centre not to overexploit Karnataka, which is a "golden goose".
During the discussion on the bill, which was later passed by the House, the Leader of Opposition BJP R Ashoka pointed out that the revenue deficit was 2.95 per cent, which was touching the border line of financial crisis.
Gowda, who presented the bill in the House on behalf of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, dismissed the fear saying that the revenue deficit was well within three per cent as prescribed by the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act.
The minister noted that many states in the country indulged in "indiscriminate borrowings" as they overlooked the FRBM Act.
He pointed out that those who respect the FRBM Act, mainly the southern states, are punished, while those ignoring it are rewarded by the Centre.
"We are ending up as losers for following the financial discipline," the minister said, adding that most of the southern states are the victims of this discrimination.
The government said the money is needed for defraying the several charges, which will come in the course of payment.
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Karnataka Home Minister Parameshwara hints at extending legislative session
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday indicated that the legislative session may be extended by two or three days.
The session was convened on January 22, which, as per the schedule, would go on till January 31. However, the government is considering extending it further.
"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said in the Congress Legislative Party meeting yesterday (Wednesday) that the government will request Speaker U T Khader to convene a Business Advisory Council (BAC). There a decision will be taken," Parameshwara told reporters.
"It will be decided in the BAS whether the session should conclude on Saturday or be extended till February one or two," he added.
The minister said the chief minister or ministers cannot decide on extending the session since it is Khader’s prerogative.
