FM Sitharaman Refutes Karnataka Govt’s Fiscal Bias Claim, Asserts Timely Allocation of Owed Rupees

Bengaluru: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman refuted the Karnataka government’s allegations of fiscal bias during an informal discussion hosted by the Thinkers Forum in Bengaluru. She emphasized that all dues to the state have been disbursed on time and dismissed claims of Rs 5,495 crore in special grants not being allocated to Karnataka, citing the Finance Commission’s final report.

Highlighting the central government’s welfare initiatives, Sitharaman noted the nationwide reach of PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, benefiting 80 crore people monthly, including 30.5 lakh in urban Bengaluru. She also mentioned the establishment of 14.68 lakh Jan-Dhan accounts in urban Bengaluru and the disbursement of Rs 30,490 crores under the Mudra plan solely to metropolitan Bengaluru.

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Furthermore, she detailed the assistance provided through ‘Stand-up India and PM Swanidhi Yojana, benefiting street sellers in Bengaluru. Sitharaman refuted Congress’s allegations regarding PM Jeevan Jyoti Beema Yojana’s enrollment figures.

Regarding GST, Sitharaman highlighted that Karnataka’s share of Rs 1.06 crore from 2017 to 2022 has been fully disbursed, and as of March 2024, no GST compensation is due to the state. She also indirectly criticized Congress for questioning GST’s impact on growth, emphasizing its positive effects on tax revenues.