From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jul 3: Articulating the views of the newly formed Congress government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who led the party to victory on the strength of the "5 Guarantees" and a relentless campaign against the previous Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP rule, Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot stated in his address to the budget session of the State legislature on Monday that eradicating corruption is a major challenge.

"Corruption has become so deeply rooted in our system that, for many reasons, it has become almost institutionalized. Eradicating it is a major challenge," the governor said in his address to the joint session of the State legislature. The session witnessed the absence of a recognized Opposition leader as the BJP is yet to decide on a name.

In his address, delivered in Hindi and circulated in Kannada and English to the members, the governor declared that the Congress government would take all necessary administrative and legislative measures to combat corruption. This is also the first session of the State Legislature with U T Khader as the Assembly Speaker. He, along with Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and others, received the Governor at the Vidhana Soudha.

"Karnataka, which has made significant contributions to the country, finds itself in a state of distress. The new Congress government's priority will be to alleviate Karnataka from this economic distress," he declared. The government aims to showcase good governance as a model for the country by balancing both welfare and the state's economy.

Over the next five years, the State government will emphasize a people-centric economy. Gehlot highlighted the welfare schemes implemented by the previous Siddaramaiah-led Congress government from 2013 to 2018, particularly the Krishi Bhagya program, which helped farmers increase their agricultural income. Other schemes such as Pashu Bhagya, Ksheera Bhagya, and various others have assisted different sections of society.

The government plans to implement the Anugraha Yojana to provide compensation in case of the death of sheep, goats, cows, and buffaloes, thereby alleviating heavy losses. Gehlot also discussed at length the "Five Congress Guarantees," which have already been launched on different dates. Under the 'Anna Bhagya' scheme, the State government will provide an additional five kilograms of rice as a direct benefit transfer of money at 134 per kilogram per person into the bank accounts of poor families each month. The cash payment arrangement will continue until the additional rice quota for all poor households is ensured. The government aims to make the state hunger-free through the 'Anna Bhagya' scheme and 'Indira Canteens.'

Furthermore, the PTCL Act will be amended to provide protection to SCs and STs, and plans will be formulated to overcome regional disparities and establish industries for creating more local jobs.

Gehlot stated that the government is committed to making Bengaluru a healthy and sustainable developed city by addressing traffic congestion to the best extent possible. In order to live up to the expectations of the people, the government has adopted the words of the 12th-century social reformer Basavanna, "do as you speak," as its anthem. "Kaayakave Kailasa" or "work is worship" is the motto.

Quoting the teachings of Kannada Adikavi Pampa, poets Sarvagna and Kuvempu, social reformers Buddha, Basavanna, Narayana Guru, and the father of the Indian constitution Dr B R Ambedkar, Gehlot emphasized that narrow minds create divisions and differences between communities. The remnants of such a mindset still persist at various levels in society. The government is determined to take all necessary steps to build a peaceful and harmonious society, as expressed by Kuvempu as the "Garden of Peace for All the Sects" or "Sarva Janangada Shantiya Thota."

Former chief minister from BJP Basavaraja Bommai and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy described the governor's address as "insipid" and lacking the vision for Karnataka's growth and development from the Congress government.