Karnataka Budget 2018 highlights: Siddaramaiah govt focuses on water conservation projects, agriculture

Budgetary allocation of Rs 5,849 cr for department of agriculture

With a Budgetary Allocation of Rs. 5849 crore for the Dept of Agriculture in 2018-19, the Govt of Karnataka is committed to empower farmers in the state with a host of programmes. #NavaKarnatakaBudget2018 pic.twitter.com/o5AgnpLcac

— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) February 16, 2018

Focus on water conservation projects, agriculture

Siddaramaiah, who is presenting the last budget before the assembly elections, focused on water conservation projects, farm loans, agriculture subsidies more. There is an increase in allocation for agriculture Rs. 5,849 crore this year, compared to Rs. 5080 crore last year.

Key points:

– Farmers can get Rs 10lakh loan at 3 percent interest rate.

– Rs 203 crore to be spent on marketing organic agriculture products

– Special package of Rs 24 crore announced for minor millets

Scheme announced for 70 lakh dry land farmers across state

Launching Raita Belaku to empower 70 lakh dry land farmers across Karnataka with economic independence! This will be the nation’s biggest programme in terms of area covered & no. of farmers impacted. #NavaKarnatakaBudget2018 pic.twitter.com/9u36LTa4GP

— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) February 16, 2018

Karnataka’s GSDP growth increased from 7.5% in 2016-17 to 8.5% in 2017-18: CM

"Karnataka's GSDP growth zooms from 7.5% in 2016-17 to 8.5% in 2017-18. This shows that the state's economy is in excellent shape": CM @siddaramaiah #NavaKarnatakaBudget2018

— Namma Karnataka (@NammaKarnataka_) February 16, 2018

Changes in GST regime affected tax collection: Siddaramaiah

“Frequent changes in the GST regime and glitches in the IT has affected tax collection,” The New Indian Express quoted Siddaramaiah as saying.

Our government has taken forward Karnataka’s legacy of growth: Siddaramaiah

In the past 5 years, our Govt has taken forward the state’s legacy of growth & enterprise, while also fulfilling the needs & aspirations of all our citizens. This year too, we are committed to take this forward with the #NavaKarnatakaBudget2018

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) February 16, 2018

Happy with Supreme Court judgment: Siddaramaiah

Will study judgment before offering comment: Siddaramaiah

Karnataka chief minister, while presenting the Budget, said that he will need to speak to his lawyers and study the judgment before making any remarks.

Visuals of Siddaramaiah presenting the Budget

Bengaluru: Latest visuals of #Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah at the state Assembly after SC alloted an additional 14.75 TMC ft water to the state. #CauveryVerdict. Budget for Karnataka will also be presented today. pic.twitter.com/fqFwzWvoBs

— ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2018