Updated July 28, 2024, 15:12 IST
After the budget was announced on July 23, opposition leaders accused the Modi 3.0 government of ignoring opposition-ruled states and focusing only on states like Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. Here’s what Nirmala Sitharaman had to say on the same in Bengaluru:
Is the budget focused only on Bihar and Andhra Pradesh? Here’s what Nirmala Sitharaman said (Image credit: iStock)
Budget Allocations 2024: The budget was announced on July 23. However, after the announcement, opposition leaders have criticised the government for ignoring opposition-ruled states and focusing only on Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.
Responding to these doubts and allegations, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed concerns over Budget 2024 and stressed that the budget takes into account the needs of each state. Speaking in Bengaluru, Sitharaman denied allegations that some states were being neglected and termed such allegations as misinformation.
What did Nirmala Sitharaman say about budget allocations?
Outlining the key aspects of the budget, Sitharaman focused on support to youth, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and agricultural research and development.
Karnataka State Funding and Revenue Sharing
She also clarified the financial allocation and revenue sharing to Karnataka and refuted allegations that the Central government was withholding funds from the state.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in Bengaluru: “It is wrong to say that the central government has not given its fair share to Karnataka,” Sitharaman said, adding that the current state government is spreading misinformation. She pointed out that under the previous UPA government (2004-2014), Karnataka received a tax revenue of Rs 817.10 crore, but under the NDA government, the figure has increased to Rs 2958.18 crore. Moreover, subsidies have increased from Rs 607.79 crore under the UPA government to Rs 2369.55 crore under PM Modi’s leadership.
Development of PM Mitra Mega Textile Industrial Park Sitharaman also mentioned allocating Rs 2,000 crore to develop PM Mitra Mega Textile Industrial Park in Kalaburgi, Karnataka.
Large clusters for vegetable production She highlighted plans to set up large clusters for vegetable production around Bengaluru, which would help the city especially in times of logistical challenges.
