Pramesh S Jain & Dr.Thomas (Special Correspondent)
M
y dear brothers and sisters of Karnataka,
1. My heartiest greetings to you all on the occasion of 77th Independence Day.
2. We are now enjoying the fruits of rich sacrifices and martyrdom of thousands of bravehearts. I offer my humble tributes to all of them.
3. As we live in independent India, we must make conscious efforts to understand the true meaning of Independence from external forces lest sacrifices and martyrdom of our freedom fighters will have no meaning.Freedom fighters considered independence for India greater than their lives.Therefore they participated in the freedom movement and sacrificed everything.The nation must remember their sacrifices with all humility.
4. Citizens of Karnataka are convinced that peace in society is inevitable for development and hence have rejected deliberate efforts of negative forces.
5. Our elders put up a strong fight against colonialism and imperialism as they presumed that the country’s independence would be sufficient for development. This, in fact,was true.We achieved independence. However, modern policies of liberalization had their cascading effects all over the world as the gulf between the rich and the poor widened.In our society, only about 10% of people have established their ownership over 78% of resources.The British administration looted the country’s resources during the colonial era.However, today only a few people have accumulated wealth. Does this situation lead us to development? In a poem, Jnanpith awardee poet Kuvempu questions:
6. In this background,we are implementing policies that are aimed at ensuring social justice in terms of accumulation of resources and their redistribution.This is the idea behind the introduction of five guarantee schemes such as Shakti,Gruha Jyothi,Anna Bhagya, Gruha Lakshmi and Yuva Nidhi.We strongly believe in the premise of economist Amartya Sen that “development is real freedom” and hence have introduced the five guarantee schemes.
7. The British administration mercilessly curbed local production techniques and achieved monopoly on the markets.This had devastating effects on the country’s economy.When they quit India, they left behind unemployment,heavy loans and hunger in the country. The situation improved due to visionary policies of Mahatma Gandhi,Dr.B.R.Ambedkar and Jawaharlal Nehru.Today,India has emerged as a strong force in the world, thanks to these leaders and their visionary efforts.
8. We are working under the guidance of ‘Gandhiji’s Talisman’.Whenever implementing a scheme, whether it benefits the last person and whether social justice has been achieved are the guiding principles of our administration.
9. People were in distress due to price rise, unemployment, corruption and discrimination due to caste and religion.Per capita income in several districts has not increased when compared to our previous tenure and there has been an increase in poverty. Considering this,our government followed Universal Basic Income policy and introduced the five guarantee schemes to boost the economic and social energy of the people.
10. On day one after assuming power, the first ever cabinet meeting accorded in principle approval for the implementation of the five guarantee schemes. Implementation of these schemes began in just three weeks after coming to power.Benefits of the government schemes are now delivered directly to the beneficiaries.
11. The ‘Shakti’ scheme which provides free travel for women and transgenders in select state-run buses across Karnataka has led to empowerment of women and the state.About 50-60 lakh women are enjoying the benefits daily.National and international media have extensively covered the stories on the scheme and have appreciated our move.The ‘Shakti’ scheme has infused new blood in the state’s economy.So far, women have travelled for free in 38.54 crore trips.
12. The second guarantee, “Gruha Jyothi” is the flagship program of Government of Karnataka, which provides free electricity up to 200 units for every household of Karnataka.The scheme introduced from July 1 will benefit consumers from August bill cycle. It is helping over 2 crore electricity consumers monthly. So far 1.49 crore people have enrolled and availed free electricity.The facility has been extended to tenants as well. The government is spending Rs. 13910 crore annually for this.
13. Our Government has introduced the Anna Bhagya scheme for hunger free Karnataka.Despite deliberate non-cooperation by the Centre,our government is taking steps to supply 5 kg grains additionally.The government has decided to disburse money till the tender process is over to supply 5 kg grains additionally and 1.04 crore families are benefitted at present. Steps to disburse money to the remaining beneficiaries will be undertaken.
14.Schemes offering Direct Transfer of money will help reduce poverty and hence the government has implemented Gruha Lakshmi Scheme.The registration process for the benefit is underway. The scheme will be launched on 27th August and Rs. 2000 monthly financial assistance will be transferred to the accounts of women who are heads of their households.About 1.08 crore beneficiaries have already enrolled for the benefit.
15. Yuvanidhi is the scheme to support youth who are unable to get jobs immediately after they complete degree or diploma. Under the Yuva Nidhi Scheme, the government will provide unemployment allowance of Rs.3000 per month to unemployed graduates and Rs. 1500 per month for diploma pass-outs until they get a job or for a maximum of 2 years. The scheme will be in force six months after the 2022-23 academic year concludes.
16. The guarantee schemes will surely herald a new dawn in the life of poor and lower middle class families.The government is implementing the guarantee schemes cutting across barriers of caste, religion, class and creed.
17. Some vested interests are engaged in false propaganda about the guarantee schemes.Our government does not discriminate between the physical and social development.On an average about 1.30 crore poor families will participate in the development process that we are trying to create. These families will enjoy benefits without any intervention of middlemen and comprehensive women empowerment will be realised.This will demonstrate the Karnataka Model of Development.Our government is committed to spend more resources as against the previous governments to ensure basic amenities.The state’s revenue collection is also strong.
18.Dr. B.R. Ambedkar said,”Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social democracy. What does social democracy mean? It means a way of life which recognizes liberty,equality and fraternity as the principles of life.For political democracy to be strong social democracy in its foundation must also be strong”.Our government has stressed this principle of Dr.B.R.Ambedkar for creating an equal society.
19.There was a threat of drought as the monsoon delayed in June.A few parts of the state faced floods due to heavy rains in July.The government is prepared to face drought and flood as well as other natural calamities.Efforts are on to prevent the damages caused by these calamities.
20.Steps are being taken to relaunch successful programs in our previous tenure like Krishi Bhagya, Anugraha Yojane,Vidyasiri and disbursal of scholarship to students belonging to minority sections.These were halted in the last few years.
21.Our Government has given utmost priority to ensure wellbeing and welfare of deprived communities.Our government has given priority to the overall development of backward classes,scheduled castes, scheduled tribes,minorities,women,labourers,farmers and other oppressed communities.The Government has made amendment to section 5 of the PTCL Act, to the effect that ‘limitation of time’ shall not be considered as a ground to admit or deny an application made by any ‘interested person’ who has suffered from the illegal transfer of the granted land.
22.The government is taking steps to do away with section 7 (D) of the Karnataka Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan (Planning, Allocation and Utilisation of Financial Resources) Act 2013, and prevent usage of SCSP and TSP grants to other purposes in the name of “deemed expenditure”.
23.Steps will be taken to lend loans so that victims of acid attacks can take up self-employment, besides ensuring housing facilities from Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation.
24.Under the Swawlambi Sarathi Scheme, the government is providing subsidies for buying electric vehicles to the unemployed youth of SC, ST, backward class and minority communities.
25.The government has increased the limit of contract works from Rs 50 lakh to Rs one crore which are to be awarded to the members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.The intention is to strengthen the downtrodden sections.There will be reservation to contractors belonging to category-1 and category-2A of backward classes in civil works.
26.Our government has given top priority in development of infrastructure in education and health sector.An amount of Rs.650 crore has been earmarked for the construction and repair of classrooms and Rs. 200 crore for building toilets in schools and colleges. We have decided to supply eggs twice a week to children studying in government schools.
27.The government has plans to provide housing facilities to the shelterless people in five years. Government buses will have tracking facilities soon. These buses will be fitted with panic buttons. We are introducing new buses wherever needed.
28.We have prepared a comprehensive action plan for overall development of areas affected by mining activities.
29.In order to improve rural economy by boosting dairy activities,milk procurement price is increased by Rs.3 per litre to support dairy farmers.We are also taking all necessary steps to strengthen agriculture sector.
30.Steps are being taken to upgrade dialysis centres in all taluk hospitals.Measures are being taken to offer MRI/CT scanning facilities at all district hospitals.We are committed to offer quality and free medical and diagnostic services to poor patients.We are preparing action plan to simplify the State’s healthcare system.
31.We are mooting the “Brand Bengaluru” initiative.The objective is to transform Bengaluru to international standards.Much focus has been laid to ensure smooth traffic flow,management of solid wastes,proper utilisation of public places, proper health of livestock and citizens, introduction of citizen-friendly e-administration, water security and management of challenges arising out of natural calamities.
32.Our government is much concerned for the welfare of working classes and migrant labourers and hence measures are being taken to relaunch Indira Canteens which were stopped for various reasons.An amount of Rs 100 crore has been allocated for the purpose.The government has decided to pay an amount of Rs 5 to Rs.10 additionally per plate meal considering increase in prices of essential goods.However, there won’t be any change in the prices charged for customers for food supplied at these canteens. Quality food will be served at affordable prices.
33.We will develop suburban townships in Devanahalli, Nelamangala, Hoskote, Doddaballapur and Magadi. These areas will have proper connectivity with road and rail networks to help those visiting Bengaluru outskirts for various purposes daily.The idea is to decongest Bengaluru city.
34.We will preserve and revive lakes and other water bodies so that pure drinking water is supplied to citizens in urban areas.The government will come up with a Rs.3,400 crore action plan.
35.Total stretch of Metro train network in Bengaluru at present 69.66 kms.About 6.1 lakh passengers are using the metro train facilities daily.By September 2023, Baiyappanahalli-Krishnarajapuram line and Kengeri-Challaghatta line expansion will be operational and by December, Nagasandra-Madavara expansion and the new line connecting R.V. Road and Bommanahalli will be operational. By 2026, Namma Metro will have 175.55-km network in Bengaluru. Today, Bengaluru’s Metro network stands second in the country.
36.Government has decided to provide welfare and social security benefits to about 80 lakh labourers in the unorganised sector especially in transport sector who are deprived of welfare and social security facilities.
37.New housing layouts have been planned in Hassan, Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagaluru,Ballari,Kalaburagi, Mangaluru and Belagavi to offer sites at affordable prices. Urban Development Authorities will develop these layouts.
38. It’s 30 years since Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act 1993 was introduced and the amendment of the 73rd Schedule of the Indian Constitution was made.Karnataka has been the front-runner in decentralisation of power. Our government is committed to strengthen the local administration through Panchayat Raj institutions and to overall rural development.
39.The government will follow different methods so that citizens in urban and rural areas lead a comfortable life.We will offer skill development training in rural areas, besides offering loans. Self-help groups and joint priority groups will be formed to boost entrepreneurship.Norms to start new industries will be simplified. There will be separate teams for the purpose at every taluk headquarters.
40.The government will support initiatives to add value to agricultural and horticultural produces so that there will be more employment opportunities in rural areas. There will be more support to set up food processing units.These measures will increase income of farmers leading to economic activities in villages.
41.We dream of transforming Karnataka into the number one state in Asia in terms of modern technology. We want the state to be the number one manufacturing hub in Asia too.In the last 10 years, the industrial sector of the state has registered 9.3% growth rate.We have set a goal of achieving 15% and 16% growth rate in the coming days. This requires an investment of about Rs. 1.4 lakh crore every year and generation of 14 lakh new jobs.
42.The government has attracted considerable investments from Foxconn Technology Group,Tata Technologies and other companies.We are in constant dialouge with major players in Aerospace and Defence, automobile,electric vehicle manufacturing and electronics sectors and startups.
43.More focus will be laid on aerospace and defense, electronic components, core industries and warehousing and logistics sectors to boost GDP.
44.There is much focus these days on future mobility, green hydrogen, drones, industrial robots, semiconductors AR/VR, med tech and space tech. Hence, the government will give top priority to these sectors.
45.These initiatives across focus sectors would be complemented by key strategic initiatives such as: Revamping of Industrial Policy to
make it more progressive, world class industrial infrastructure,Digital Service Delivery, Best-in-class investment promotion agency, ensuring future-ready talent pipeline in Karnataka and by fostering collaboration and implementing forward-thinking policies.
46.The government wants to create more employment opportunities outside Bengaluru.There will be more focus on sustainable development.Million plus cities such as Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi,Kalaburagi and Ballari will have industrial townships which will serve as suburban areas. Industrialisation will be the focal point of these cities. Civic amenities and other facilities including education and health will be offered locally.Sustainable development will be the mantra of these cities.
47.The budget presented by our government gives priority for the development of airports,ports and road networks.Pending railway projects will be taken up on priority for speedy completion.The pace of construction of airports will be accelerated.
48.Roads connecting industrial areas, inter-state roads and those leading to tourist destinations will be developed in stages with private-public partnership based on Hybrid Annuity model.
49.Expressway will come up between Humnabad-Kalaburagi and Challakere National Highway under private-public partnership.This will boost connectivity between Bengaluru and areas of Kalyana Karnataka region.
50.The government is totally committed to utilising every drop of water allocated to the state by the honourable Supreme Court.We will garner resources for the purpose and will spend them effectively and judiciously.
51.We have given top priority to address the problem of regional imbalance.We will implement projects for comprehensive development of Kalyana Karnataka, Kittur Karnataka regions and coastal Karnataka.
52.Development of tourist destinations is on top of our agenda as this sector boosts employment and economic development.In this context,we will provide basic amenities at these places.
53.Section 95 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act has been amended and the process has been simplified, so that owners of the agricultural lands may submit self-declaration for the use of their lands for non-agricultural purposes.
54.Maintaining law and order and peace and harmony in society has been our first priority.The government will not tolerate acts of spreading of false news in social media,disturbing social harmony and acts in the name of moral policing and communal goondaism.We follow what Jnanpith awardee poet Kuvempu propagated in his poetry: “Sarva Janangada Shantiya thota.” I request the people of the State, especially the youth not to yield to provocation of vested interests and uphold the principle of harmonious life.
55.Our government considers youth as the valuable asset of the state.We will come up with clear projects to address the problem of unemployment.We have taken steps against drug abuse.Strict action will be taken against drug trafficking.We will launch campaigns and interactions with the youth against the drug menace.
56.Former prime minister late Rajiv Gandhi implemented policies that created revolution in the communication sector to end corruption menace.The Manmohan Singh led UPA government introduced the Aadhaar system to utilise unlimited possibilities that technology offered.Facilities are now delivered directly to beneficiaries, thanks to Aadhaar.Our government is using the same method to implement the guarantee schemes.We are transferring over Rs.50,000 crore annually directly to beneficiary accounts without the intervention of any middlemen.There is absolutely no scope for corruption.
57.Corruption is being institutionalised. We have vowed to end this in phases. The government has taken various measures to end corruption. Orders have been issued to probe corruption in the implementation of various schemes. We are determined to take stern action against the errant.
58.We are living in an strange era. On the one hand, science and technology are paving the way to lead a comfortable life.There are new opportunities and possibilities.On the other hand, communication technology has transformed the world into a village. Human beings are becoming more selfish and the rate of violence is increasing.Artificial Intelligence is deeply penetrating into our lives.We should ensure that AI doesn’t affect the self-respect of human beings and their job opportunities.We are making efforts in this direction.
59.The country has been facing a crisis in the last few years. Hatred, violence,suspicion,revenge and intolerance are growing.Rather, there are efforts to fuel these traits. Some sections of the society are producing these traits and are projecting that these have acceptance too.There is a need to defeat these efforts as they are aimed to create negativity.As a civilised society we will doom if such efforts are not thwarted.Only peace and harmony can ensure development.Any society marred by violence, chaos, lack of law and order situation nurtures poverty.Lakhs of young talented and skilled youths are leaving the country and its citizenship.Our institutions of higher learning and universities should create highly talented and skilled students with a scientific bent of mind.
60. Our government is committed to protect our land, language and identity.We are following the development model based on humanity. It is the model which was propagated by Buddha, Mahatma Gandhi, social reformer Basavanna, Dr.B.R. Ambedkar, Kuvempu and other humanitarians. This is called the Karnataka Model of Development.
61. Celebrated Kannada poet M. Gopalakrishna Adiga writes,
“ಅನ್ನವನು ಕೊಡು ಮೊದಲು, ಬಟ್ಟೆಯನು ಕೊಡು ಉಡಲು,
ಕಟ್ಟಿಕೊಡು ಮನೆಗಳನು
– – – – – – – – – –
ಇದು ಮೊದಲು, ಆಮೇಲೆ ಉಳಿದುದೆಲ್ಲ.”
This has inspired our guarantee schemes.
62.On the eve of India becoming Independent, Jawaharlal Nehru,the first prime minister of India and the architect of modern India,on August 14, 1947 delivered his address, which is popularly known as “Tryst with destiny”.In his address, he said,That future is not one of ease or resting but of incessant striving so that we might fulfill the pledges we have so often taken and the one we shall take today.The service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity”.We are also working hard to realise the dreams of Nehru.
63. Karnataka is the 2nd highest tax paying State in the country. We are paying over Rs. 4 lakh crore in form of taxes and duties to the Centre.However, we are just getting Rs. 50,000 crore in return from the Centre. Karnataka will be the richest state if we get what actually we deserve naturally.Despite this challenging situation, we are complying with fiscal discipline. We are committed to a comprehensive development of the state. True patriots are aware of our efforts.
64. People of Karnataka have stood against the efforts of divide and rule policy. ‘All inclusive’ is our policy and hence people have chosen us for power. This promise of strengthening the new Karnataka Development Model which ensures inclusive growth and yearns for development of everyone, is the most important promise that
I make on the occasion of Independence Day.
65. As Pandit Nehru remarked, let us work with unity. Let us herald a new dawn of development. Let peace, happiness and harmony thrive in our land. Let us be grateful to our army who are protecting us, to youth who are increasing the land’s wealth; to the farmers who are producing food for us.Let us inspire and encourage labourers, scientists and technocrats.Let us make committed efforts and build a strong Karnataka and strong India. India belongs to all. It is a country where there is unity in diversity.We must remember this every moment.Finally,let what the ancient Kannada poet Pampa said, “Human race is one” become the slogan for everyone.I wish you all the very best
