he budget outlines CM Basavaraj Bommai’s vision of NavaKarnataka for NavaBharata and gives wings to aspirations of all sections of society. As described by PM Narendra Modi this is Kartavya Kaal or time for duty and CM Bommai’s Budget will take the nectar of developement to all, said Health and Medical Education Minister Dr.K.Sudhakar.

The budget has focussed on every sector be it agriculture, education, health, industry and empowerment. The increase in interest-free loans to farmers from 3 lakhs to 5 lakhs, Rs.100 crore for transportation of school children, allocation of 9,698 crores for development of Bengaluru, Rs.6000 per year for women will go a long way in enhancing ease of living for all sections of the society. It is commendable that despite election year, CM has not compromised on fiscal discipline by announcing populist schemes. CM has struck a fine balance between financial prudence and welfare and has consolidated the growth momentum through this budget Dr.Sudhakar said.

The health sector has got a lot of emphasis on budget. The announcement to establish critical care blocks in Bagalkote, Yadgiri, Ramanagar and other district hospitals, Rs.25 crore for expansion of Brain Helath initiative across the state, enhancement of dialysis service to 1 lakh cycles, ‘vatsalya’ scheme for screening of children under 6 years, establishment of labs in 129 taluk and district centres, Rs.720 crore for Aspirational Blocks will go a long way in further strengthening healcare infrastructure in the state, said Dr.Sudhakar.

Sidlaghatta is home to Asia’s second largest Silk market. CM in his budget has announced that a high-tech silk cocoon market will be built at a cost of Rs.75 crore. This will immensely benefit the farmers of Kolar and Chikkaballapur. Budget has allocated Rs.10 crore for 32 new reeling units, Rs.12 crore for shredders and many progressive initiatives for silk sector. I thank CM for the renewed thrust on the silk sector, said Dr.Sudhakar.

To assist grape farmers, Rs.100 crore has been allocated to undertake various programs under Karnataka Wine Board. I am grateful to CM for this as this will greatly aid grape farmers of Chikkaballapura. CM has laid out a vision to make KC Valley project water useful for irrigation through tertiary processing measures. The setting up of the international standard hi-tech flower market in Chikkaballapur fulfills a long standing demand of our flower growers, said Dr.Sudhakar.