Karnataka development model studied by economists, universities worldwide: Governor Gehlot
Bengaluru, Mar 3 (PTI): Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Monday said the state government is developing a unique model of Karnataka in development, one that is being studied by economists and universities worldwide.
Addressing the joint session of the state legislature at Vidhana Soudha here, he emphasised that the Karnataka model of development focuses on building a people-centered approach to economic, social, and cultural governance.
Through the Governor's customary speech, the government has tried to defend its welfare schemes, financial position, and also said that there is no serious law and order problem in the state; the very issues on which the opposition has been critical of the government.
Opposition BJP criticised the Governor's address as a "pure lie". It said the development has come to a "standstill" in Karnataka, but the address prepared by the government says that the state is on the path of progress.
The Governor said, "....the Government is shaping a unique model of Karnataka in development.The Karnataka model of development means creating a people-centric economic, social and cultural governance. Green energy, women empowerment, etc. are also included in this."
Pointing out that the Karnataka model is being extensively studied by global experts, the Governor said, "Oxford University has described this model as 'Shining a Light in the Darkness' and 'A BluePrint for the World' in its Human Rights Hub blog. The head of the United Nations has personally visited the state to learn about this model and openly praised our programmes."
Defending the guarantee schemes, Gehlot said many predicted that Karnataka would lag behind in development and the financial system of the state would deteriorate due to the ambitious welfare schemes launched by the government. "The government has proven these predictions to be false," he asserted.
Noting that the state has recorded good achievements in every sector, the Governor said that Karnataka's income is increasing, and private capital is flowing into the state in record numbers.
The severity of inequality is decreasing due to the efficient implementation of welfare programmes, he said. "The state is second in foreign direct investment. The growth rate of GST is good."
He also pointed out that the number of suicides among farmer families in the state has reduced significantly due to the welfare programmes of the government.
The Governor noted that our elders, through Babasaheb Ambedkar, have given this country a very humane Constitution to ensure that society does not go towards Social Darwinism. The Constitution mandates the reduction of inequality and a fair distribution of income among the people.
"In this regard, guarantee schemes have been implemented. Resources of more than Rs 52,000 crore are being provided for this annually. Rs 70,000 crore have been transferred directly to the bank accounts of the people for 5 guarantee schemes from the time my government has come to power," he said.
Gehlot highlighted that more than Rs 90,000 crore is being spent annually on welfare programmes, benefiting more than 1.25 crore families through direct cash transfer schemes, subsidies and incentives provided by various departments.
In his speech, the Governor emphasised that comprehensive and effective efforts are being made to transform Karnataka into a USD 1 trillion economy, focusing on healthcare, education, sanitation and sustainable agriculture for the people.
The government has managed the state well fiscally by promoting the economic growth in 2024-25. The state's revenue collection in the first three quarters of the financial year 2024-25 has reached Rs 1,81,908 crore, he said.
Compared to the previous year, the state's revenue receipts have grown by 13 per cent till the end of December. "Karnataka is the 2nd largest state in the country in terms of total GST tax collected by the states, and the State's GST collection has grown by 12 per cent year-on-year till the end of December, he added.
No serious law and order problems have arisen in the state in the last 19 months. Police stations are working in a people-friendly manner, the Governor said.
In recent times, cybercrime cases have been increasing in the entire country. "The state police department is constantly working to create awareness and quickly identify the criminals, so these cases are also decreasing," he said.
The government is committed to starting the pending irrigation projects in the state within the time limit, Gehlot further said, "Some projects require the approval of the central government and we are putting pressure on the Centre."
Criticising the government, BJP state president B Y Vijayendra said, "If you listen to the Governor's address (you will know that) this government has wasted the Governor's time. The address starts by saying that the state government has succeeded in ensuring speedy development in the state. The government made the Governor's address a pure lie."
The Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, R Ashoka, slammed the government and said, "This is a zero government because there is zero development in the state."
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Nothing wrong in MLAs aspiring for ministerial position: K'taka HM Parameshwara
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Bengaluru (PTI): Amid a group of ruling Congress MLAs camping in Delhi with a cabinet rejig demand for their inclusion, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday said there was nothing wrong in legislators aspiring for ministerial positions.
He asserted that experienced MLAs were capable of handling such responsibilities.
His remarks came a day after senior and first-time MLAs stepped up lobbying efforts in the national capital with the party high command, seeking a cabinet reshuffle and greater representation.
"There is nothing wrong in them asking for it (ministerial position)," Parameshwara, a senior Congress leader, said
He added that the MLAs, some of who have been elected thrice, are capable to take up the ministerial positions.
He maintained that the final call on any cabinet reshuffle rests with the party high command.
"Our Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah), the high command, and our party (state) president (DK Shivakumar) decide about reshuffle. These three sit together and take a decision," he said.
The minister also indicated that the established procedure for cabinet formation was likely being followed.
"Earlier too, when I was the (state Congress) president, during cabinet formation, the Pradesh Congress Committee president, the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader, and our in-charge general secretaries would take decisions that would then be presented before our AICC president, approval would be obtained, and then it would be announced," he said.
He added that even today the same procedure is followed.
Responding to questions on whether senior ministers would make way for newcomers, Parameshwara said they would abide by the party's decision.
"If the high command decides then we have to accept it. There is no question of not accepting it," he said.
Stressing on party discipline, he added, "Whether it is me, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, or Energy Minister K J George, we all are seniors. If they (high command) decide that we should be replaced and make changes, then there is no question of us opposing it."
Clarifying that discussions were limited to a possible cabinet reshuffle, he said decisions on leadership matters were entirely in the hands of the high command.
He said the discussions were limited only to the Cabinet rejig and not changing the party state president, a post being held by Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar for the past six years.
"Right now we are discussing cabinet reshuffle, not about the party president. All such matters are left to the high command," he said.
Recalling his own appointment as state Congress president in the past, Parameshwara said he had not lobbied for the post. "When I was made president, I did not lobby for it. Our leader Sonia Gandhi took the decision. It came as a surprise to me. I had not asked for it," he said.
On Sunday, several senior MLAs travelled to Delhi to press for a cabinet reshuffle, while first-time legislators renewed their demand for representation, seeking at least five berths in the Siddaramaiah-led ministry.
The push for a rejig comes amid internal rumblings within the ruling party and speculation over leadership issues, even as the high command is yet to take a final call.
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