Congress Ministers, legislators to stage protest in New Delhi against injustice by Centre in devolution of taxes, drought relief
The Hindu
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claims that Karnataka has incurred a loss of ₹1.87 lakh crore during the 15th Finance Commission period (2020-21 to 2025-26) owing to reduction in devolution of taxes, special grants, and non-distribution of funds collected by the Centre under cess on petrol and diesel, and surcharge.
Ministers and legislators of the ruling Congress in Karnataka have decided to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on February 7 against alleged step-motherly treatment by the BJP government at the Centre in devolution of taxes, non-release of drought relief, and denial of clearances for irrigation projects in the State.
On February 5, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that Karnataka had incurred a loss of ₹1.87 lakh crore during the 15th Finance Commission period owing to reduction in devolution of taxes, special grants, and non-distribution of funds collected by the Centre under cess on petrol and diesel, and surcharge.
“A huge injustice was done to Karnataka in the 15th Finance Commission (2020-21 to 2025-26) compared to the 14th Commission (2014-15 to 2019-20). Our protest is not against the BJP, and it is not political. Our protest is to draw the attention of the Central Government and the country,” said the Chief Minister, who also holds the finance portfolio.
For the first time, the Congress government in Karnataka is staging a protest in Delhi against the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.
The amount allotted to Karnataka from the total collection of taxes, including grants, reduced from 4.71% to 3.64% from the 14th Finance Commission to the 15th Finance Commission. As a result, the State had lost ₹73,593 crore during the 15th Finance Commission, the Chief Minister said.
After Maharashtra, Karnataka ranks second in collection of taxes. The State contributes ₹4.30 lakh crore per year from all types of taxes, but, in turn, the State has been receiving only 12-13% of its share from the Centre, the Chief Minister said.
In 2023-24, the State received ₹50,257 crore from the Centre, including ₹13,005 crore under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes, he said.
Bengaluru commuters demand platform screen doors for safety, but high costs and engineering challenges hinder implementation on existing metro routes.
Madras HC to hear appeals on December 12 regarding the lighting of Mahadeepam at Thirupparankundram temple.
N. Ram warns that hate politics threatens India’s democracy, urging the South to remain a bastion against these forces.
Nanjil Sampath joins Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, revitalizing his political career after six years away from party politics.
D.K. Shivakumar announces that five Blue Line stations will open once construction is completed, enhancing Bengaluru's airport connectivity.
Russia begins fuel shipments for Kudankulam's third reactor, enhancing efficiency and extending operational cycles for the nuclear power project.
Supreme Court urges governments to simplify administration, warning that excessive rules may lead to judicial review and citizen burdens.
Trinamool MP Shatabdi Roy's remarks on Bangla-speaking deportations spark protests in Lok Sabha, igniting a heated political debate.
Sunali Khatun returns to India with her son after six months in Bangladesh, following Supreme Court intervention.
Warangal will be developed on the lines of Hyderabad, says Revanth
Three-tier security measures and traffic restrictions are in place for the India-South Africa ODI match in Vizag.
A seven-year-old girl dies from severe dengue shock syndrome in Bengaluru, highlighting the challenges faced by migrant families in healthcare access.
DGP reviews security arrangements for Global Summit