Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Mar 7: U T Khader announced that a special workshop for members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) on the importance of the budget session and financial management will be held on March 9 at 4 pm at Lalit Ashok Hall in Bengaluru.
Addressing a press conference at the Circuit House in the city on Saturday, Khader said the workshop will be conducted by chief minister Siddaramaiah. The session will focus on key aspects such as revenue collection, the economic system, issues related to financial management, classification and distribution of grants, and their effective utilization.
Khader said that Siddaramaiah, who presented the state budget for the 17th time, possesses vast experience and knowledge in financial management. Through the workshop, MLAs will have the opportunity to gain clarity on various financial matters and resolve their doubts. He clarified that the workshop is not meant to discuss the budget speech, but to provide practical knowledge about financial management and fund allocation.
“Today’s MLAs may become finance ministers in the future. Therefore, it is important for them to understand how financial management and distribution of funds work,” Khader said, adding that this is the first time such a workshop is being organized, and all MLAs have been requested to attend without fail.
Responding to a question on allegations that some MLAs are not receiving adequate funds, Khader said he would not comment on the issue. However, he noted that he has observed MLAs inaugurating projects and laying foundation stones in different places through the media, though the source of funding for such works is unclear. “Everyone has their own opinion, and as the Speaker, I will not respond to it,” he said.
On criticism that the state budget relies heavily on loans, Khader remarked that criticism is a natural part of a democratic system, from the village council to Parliament. He added that such matters can be debated during the one-month legislative session.
Speaking about development demands, Khader highlighted the need for new police stations in Sajipa, Ira, Chelur and Kurnadu in Bantwal taluk, particularly after the division of the Ullal constituency. He said police stations are necessary not only for maintaining law and order but also for administrative services such as passport verification.
Regarding infrastructure projects, he said Rs 10 crore has already been spent on the riverside road project from Kallapu to Sajipapadu along the old bank of the Netravati River, and an additional Rs 50 crore has been sanctioned for further work.
Khader also stated that a Shramik School has been sanctioned in Ullal. Additionally, the state government has approved 10 Skill Development Centres at a cost of Rs 60 crore each, and there is a demand to establish one of these centres in Dakshina Kannada district. He emphasized that such centres would greatly benefit youth by providing practical training and employment-oriented skills.
“There is a big difference between theoretical learning and practical experience. While around 30 to 40% of engineering graduates remain unemployed, the number of unemployed among ITI-trained candidates is around 10%. Therefore, practical skill training is essential,” he said.
Khader also pointed out that there is currently no adequate provision for coastal development in the budget. He expressed hope that this issue could be considered in the supplementary budget during the session.
Responding to a question about the demand to establish units of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research and Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Mangaluru, Khader said the request had been made but was not included in the budget. He added that the matter would be taken up with the concerned minister.
He further noted that the establishment of Puttur Medical College had been announced in the previous budget. In the current budget, approval has been given for a 300-bed hospital to complement the medical college. The concerned department will prepare a detailed plan and submit the required financial proposal to the finance department, after which the project implementation process will begin. Khader also appreciated the efforts of local MLAs in pushing for the project.