Won't let any impediment affect recovery of economy post-COVID: CM Bommai
Bengaluru, Mar 16: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Wednesday said his government would not let any impediment hit the speedy economic recovery post-COVID in the State.
"You all know what kind of situation was created due to COVID-19 in the last two years. The effect was not just limited to health sector but impacted every sphere of our life and put a brake on our economic development," Bommai said while participating in a discussion on the budget for 2022-23.
He said Karnataka was quick to recoup from the COVID effect once the infections came under control.
Reading out the achievements of his 'Amrit' schemes as part of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' (platinum jubilee of Indian independence) which were launched on August 15, 2021, and various pro-people policies including health, education, transport, industrial development, infrastructure, skill development, nutrition, woman and child welfare, and agriculture schemes, Bommai said he would firmly move to achieve the goals set by his government.
Regarding the Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah's concern over the increasing borrowings, Bommai said in the last two years the revenues were not up to the mark due to COVID-19.
In 2020-21, there was a reduction of Rs 11,444 crore in the commercial tax, Rs 2,079 crore in motor vehicles-related revenue, Rs 1,500 crore in the stamp and registration and Rs 540 crore in other revenues, the Chief Minister said. He said there was reduction of Rs 6,897 crore of the central aid.
"Overall, there was a reduction of Rs 21,835 crore in the revenue in 2020-21. While on the one hand there was reduction in revenue, on the other hand the spending on health increased due to COVID-19," said Bommai
The Chief Minister explained that limiting the fiscal deficit to three per cent was ideal in normal circumstances and not in an abnormal situation caused by the pandemic.
He said the borrowings of Karnataka doubled when Siddaramiaah was Chief Minister.
"From the time we got independence to 2013-14, the total borrowings were Rs 1.38 lakh crore but from 2013-14 to 2018-19 when Siddaramaiah was the Chief Minister who also held finance portfolio, the total borrowings increased to Rs 2.96 lakh crore. This was 107 per cent increase in borrowings in just five years," said Bommai.
He said this happened despite there was not any emergency like COVID-19 and the situation was normal and the economy was booming.
"In 2019-20, the borrowing increased to Rs 3.27 lakh. In just four years, the borrowings saw an increase of 58 per cent despite all these problems (COVID and floods)," he pointed out.
Bommai refuted the charge that the Central grant to Karnataka has reduced and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been generously giving financial grant to the State.
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Mangaluru airport issues advisory to passengers, heightens security measures
Mangaluru: In response to recent cross-border attacks by Pakistan and rising tensions along the international boundary, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has directed airports across India to enhance security protocols. As part of this nationwide alert, Mangaluru International Airport has intensified surveillance, and introduced secondary ladder point checks (LPSC).
Explaining about the new protocol, Jaideep Shenoy, Public Relations Officer at Mangaluru International Airport, said that the secondary ladder point security check involves a second round of frisking. Passengers will first undergo standard checks by the CISF at the security checkpoint. Before boarding the aircraft, either via a boarding bridge or a bus, they will be subjected to an additional frisking by airline staff at the gate. Shenoy emphasized that the LPSC is a standard security measure implemented at all airports.
He also urged travelers to stay updated by checking the airport’s official social media channels for accurate and timely information.
In light of circulating reports regarding restrictions on visitor entry, Shenoy clarified that the entry of visitors into the terminal has always been restricted. Visitors may accompany passengers up to the departure gates or receive them at the arrival gates, as per existing rules.
In an advisory issued on Friday, Mangaluru International Airport urged passengers to arrive well in advance of their scheduled departures to accommodate extended security checks, and to cooperate with airport and security personnel.
The airport authorities also urged people not to share any unverified information.
#MangaluruAirport is fully operational, with your safety and comfort as our top priority. Stay informed and plan ahead to ensure a smooth journey.
— Mangaluru Airport (@mlrairport) May 9, 2025
Here’s everything you need to know before you fly, from security guidelines to handy dos and don’ts.
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