Coastal region’s aspirations through ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ initiative not visible in the Budget, says KCCI

Acknowledging Karnataka Budget’s emphasis on infrastructure development and technology-led growth amid fiscal constraints, the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Mangaluru, on Friday said the budget falls short on targeted support for Dakshina Kannada and coastal regions.

Acknowledging Karnataka Budget’s emphasis on infrastructure development and technology-led growth amid fiscal constraints, the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Mangaluru, on Friday said the budget falls short on targeted support for Dakshina Kannada and coastal regions.

In a statement here, KCCI President P. B. Ahmed Mudassar said, overall the expectation and aspirations the region through the “Beyond Bengaluru“ initiative was not visible and the benefits were largely indirect through spill-over effects.

The demands made by the Chamber through its pre-Budget memorandum, including specific incentives for Mangaluru Port modernisation, coastal highway expansion, or horticulture processing units were not considered while presenting the Budget. At the same time, state’s GST revenue shortfalls continue to impact the local trade.

Also concerns of MSMEs, including lack of dedicated credit guarantees, export subsidies, power tariff relief to counter increasing operational costs etc., were not addressed, Mr. Mudassar said.

Key measures

P. B. Ahmed Mudassar, President, Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry | Photo Credit: SPECIAL AARANGEMENT