Despite unfair tax share, drought challenges, K'taka sees economic growth: Dinesh Gundu Rao

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao addressed various concerns regarding economic development and government expenditure.

Despite the perceived unfairness in tax distribution by the central government, coupled with challenges like drought and economic mismanagement during the previous BJP government’s tenure, economic growth has shown improvement since the Congress government assumed power in the state. The recent state budget serves as a rebuttal to the BJP’s accusations, he said.

He pointed out that the state budget prioritizes poverty alleviation and infrastructure development while maintaining fiscal responsibility within acceptable standards.

The minister lamented the lack of cooperation from the central government in distributing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) share and criticized their reluctance to grant states autonomy in tax collection. Despite these obstacles, Rao highlighted the state’s commitment to implementing social security schemes and allocating substantial funds for important projects, including those benefiting minority communities and fishermen.

He said, “Under the BJP government’s rule, financial irregularities emerged due to the discretionary tendering by the chief minister” which he claimed would take 5-6 years to rectify.

Gundu Rao also clarified misconceptions regarding the allocation of funds by the Religious Endowment Department, stating that recent amendments prevent the diversion of temple funds to non-Hindu religious centers

“BJP’s claim that funds are allocated to other religions by the Religious Endowment Department is false. It was previously permitted under rules established by the BJP government. Under the recent amended regulations by the Congress government the allocation of funds from the Religious Endowment Department to non-Hindu religious centers is prohibited,” he said.

Moving forward, Rao outlined plans to address vacancies in the Health Department by recruiting pharmacists, lab technicians, and doctors on a contractual basis. He assured the public of upcoming improvements in healthcare services, including the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat-Arogya Karnataka scheme to cover additional health issues.

The press conference was attended by various officials and leaders, including Legislative Council member Harish Kumar, and Mamata Gatti, among others.