[1]Bangalore: Presenting his government’s maiden budget with an emphasis on a slew of welfare schemes, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah announced an allocation of Rs 18,923 crore to education, followed by Rs 9286 crores for urban development. This is his eighth budget. Earlier, he had presented five budgets for the Janata Dal government and two for the Congress-JD(S) coalition.
Reiterating the Congress government's empahsis on education he announced four new Medical Colleges for the state and said SSLC/PUC exam management system will be restructured.
In the wake of increasing crime rate, 10 fast track courts will be set up to try crimes against women.
To imrpove infrastructure in the capital city Bangalore Rs 150 crore is allotted for elevated road between Jayadeva Hospital and Silk Board. Also, Sarjapur and Bannerghata roads will be widened at a cost of Rs 300 crores.
There will be no change in VAT. Cess on diesel is reduced by 51 paisa/ litre from Rs 16.75 to Rs 15.65. There is some good news for cab owners. Maxi cabs will get 50 % concession on road tax. Watching movies in A/C theatres will become more expensive as Service tax on A/C theatres is increased from Rs 1.5 to Rs 3.
Sector-wise allocation included Water Resources Rs 9363 crores; health and Family Welafare Rs 5421 crore; Energy Rs 10, 312 crores and Agriculture and Horticulture Rs 4378 crore.
Other key announcements
Arkavathy Layout sites to be allotted by March, 2014.
Rs 4150 crores JNNURM projects in Bangalore and Mysore.
To develop International Convention Centre at Devanahalli.
M G Road and Brigade roads to get wi-fi.
Bangalore Suburban Rail Corporation to be set up soon.
Indian Institute of Public Health to come up in Bangalore.
All RTO offices in Bangalore to be computerised.
Four more RTO offices in Bangalore.
Rs 250 crores allotted for developing infrastructure in 110 villages that has been added to BBMP.
1.6 lakh saplings to be planted at a cost of Rs 20 crores.
New parking policy in City Corporations including Bangalore.
Rs 100 crores for Christian community in the state.
Rs 100 crores to develop lakes and remove encroachers.
Mythri Scheme: Rs 500 monthly pension for transgenders.
Rs 100 crores earmarked for skywalk for citizens.
Interest-free loans for farmers up to two lakhs. Subsidised loan between 2 lakh to 10 lakh to farmers.
Rs 100 crore for weavers.
Textile park at Yadgir, Granite park at Chamaraja Nagar, Rs 10 crore for the aerospace park; Rs 50 crore aid for SC/ST and regliogious bodies.
Support price for Milk producers increased from Rs 2 to Rs 4.
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