Karnataka Cabinet Meeting: Decision Awaited on Implementation of Election Promises
01-06-2023 : In a highly anticipated State Cabinet meeting, the ruling Congress in Karnataka will decide on the implementation of five guarantees promised during the Assembly elections. These guarantees were a key part of the party’s campaign, and now it is time for Congress to deliver on its promises after securing an absolute majority in the elections.
The five guarantees include providing 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti), giving Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family (Gruha Lakshmi), distributing 10 kg of rice free of cost to every member of below poverty line (BPL) households (Anna Bhagya), granting Rs 3,000 per month to unemployed graduate youth and Rs 1,500 to unemployed diploma holders (both in the age group of 18-25) for two years (YuvaNidhi), and ensuring free travel for women in public transport buses (Shakti).
Ahead of the meeting, Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa confirmed that the guarantees had been extensively discussed. He assured the provision of 10 kg of rice to BPL families but mentioned that the implementation of the guarantees would be carried out in a phased manner. Muniyappa explained that for the Anna Bhagya scheme, the state government would approach the Centre and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to provide rice. If refused, the government would procure rice through alternative means.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who took office on May 20, had previously expressed the government’s commitment to implementing the guarantees. He sought time until the next Cabinet meeting to finalize the details, including financial implications. Siddaramaiah stated that despite any financial burdens, the government would fulfill the five guarantee schemes, which are estimated to cost around Rs 50,000 crore.
While the Congress faces high expectations to fulfill its promises, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is closely monitoring the situation. The BJP has accused Congress of making false promises and believes that the guarantees if implemented, will push the state towards financial bankruptcy.
The State Cabinet meeting will play a crucial role in determining the fate of these guarantees. The Congress’s commitment to fulfilling its promises reflects its determination to meet the expectations of the people who placed their trust in the party. The implementation of these guarantees will not only shape the government’s performance but also influence public perception of its ability to deliver on its commitments.
