Stany Bela

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 6: The JDS-Congress coalition’s maiden budget announced by chief minister (CM) H D Kumaraswamy on July 5 has evoked mixed response from the citizens of the coastal districts. The opposition has criticized the CM for giving more importance to districts which got him seats and ignoring north Karnataka, coastal Karnataka and Malnad regions. However, some people hailed the budget as pro-farmers by saying it aims to enhance skill development in the state.

Economic experts and businessmen from Mangaluru have mixed opinions about the budget:

Jayanth Nayak, Professor of Economics

In his first budget, Kumaraswamy has given priority to projects which will help him gain popularity among the people. Majority of decisions were taken based on his election manifesto. But actually, election manifestos always depend on how a political party or candidate impresses the voter. With this budget, Congress-JD(S) tried to satisfy people who voted them to power. But in reality, government has not shown any interest in solving the issues which actually people wanted. No programmes are introduced to improve areas that affect an individual’s basic needs. So government should think on it and in coming days it should re-evaluate the projects and programmes.

Collin Fernandes, Auditor

This budget lacks a clear vision. Government has allotted money to satisfy people. But there is big question mark on its implementation of programmes and projects which are declared in this budget. The entire budget lacks proper study on projects and consultation from experts. Without proper prior discussion and study, budgets cannot make any impact on common people. The programmes become public declarations for publicity only.

S P Chengappa, JDS spokesperson

This budget is unique and farmer friendly. By the declaration of many programmes, like loan waiver for farmers, it brings them relief from their burdens. The satisfaction of farmers will reflect all other sectors and there is no chance to complain. Kumaraswamy has retained the popular and important programmes which are implemented by the previous Congress government. At the same time, price hikes in fuel and other things only aim to balance the shortage of money. Before the election, BJP organised protests and said farmers loans should be waived immediately. When we waive the loan they are saying it is wrong. This shows their real attitude on farmers.

BJP is alleging that the budget is a revenge on people of coastal districts. The government has declared various schemes for government schools and under this scheme the schools of coastal districts are also included. Of course there was some demands form fisherman community. Coming days we will bring a delegation to CM’s chamber and ask more projects as the form of 'fill in the blanks' in the budget process.

Ganesh Prabhu, Businessman

This is not a budget for people of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Indirectly, Congress and JD(S) took revenge on us for not electing their candidates in recent elections. There is nothing to discuss on this budget. Kumaraswamy allotted all funds to other parts of Karnataka. This proves that the government has completely neglected the coastal region.