Karnataka Budget 2023: CM Siddaramaiah Announces Replacement of NEP with State Education Policy
Bangalore: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unveiled the state’s first budget under the Congress government, emphasizing relief measures for inflation-affected citizens through guarantee schemes. The budget introduces five guarantees that aim to provide over Rs 52,000 crore to more than one crore families, following the concept of Universal Basic Income, which the Chief Minister claims is being implemented for the first time in India.
In his budget speech, CM Siddaramaiah announced the replacement of the National Education Policy (NEP) with a State Education Policy in Karnataka. Additionally, he highlighted various health schemes, including the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in all district and taluk hospitals in memory of late actor Dr Puneet Rajkumar. Significant allocation of Rs. 70,427 crore has been made for women-oriented schemes.
Regarding the contentious Mekedatu project, the Chief Minister assured that necessary steps would be taken to obtain clearance for the project, emphasizing the identification of land for compensatory afforestation and prioritizing land acquisition. He also credited the free bus travel scheme, known as the Shakthi scheme, for increasing tourism at religious and heritage sites in the state. CM Siddaramaiah stated that basic infrastructure facilities would be developed at these sites to enhance the visitor experience.
Furthermore, the budget outlined provisions for tourism development in Karnataka. An allocation of Rs. 75 crore has been dedicated to the comprehensive development of tourist destinations in the Kalyana Karnataka Region, including popular sites like Hampi, Mailara, Ganagapura, and the forts of Malakheda, Bidar, Raichur, and Kalaburagi. A Coastal Beach Tourism Task Force will be established to promote coastal tourism in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts, with a detailed plan for comprehensive coastal development.
In addition, the budget highlights the phased development of 16 museums in the state, aiming to make them more attractive and interactive. Museums in Kalaburagi, Gadag, and Bengaluru are set to be developed this fiscal year, while the Ananda Mahal building in Vijayapura will be transformed into a museum.
Overall, the Karnataka budget presents a comprehensive plan that addresses key areas such as relief measures, education policy, health schemes, and tourism development. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to welfare, education, and the promotion of tourism in the state.