Karnataka Budget 2024-25: Expectations of twin coastal districts

The Karnataka budget session 2024 will begin on Monday. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is also the Finance Minister, will present the budget on February 16. When any budget is presented, it is natural to be curious about what projects and grants will be available for us.

In this background, here is a list of comprehensive the expectations of the coastal area.

Mangaluru needs a strong stimulus plan

Mangluru: So far, all the state governments have given small contributions to the district. The main objection of the coastal residents is that there is no project that can give a big boost here compared to other districts of the state.

Dakshina Kannada is a district that can make rapid progress in the state and is a major contributor to the state’s GDP. A big boost to the overall economy here could reap equally good rewards, but no government is daring enough to do so.

What are the expectations?

• Fulfillment of promises made in the previous manifesto, particularly the establishment of a separate development authority for the coast with a substantial allocation of Rs 2,500 crore. The Siddaramaiah government had said in its manifesto that it would set up a separate development authority for the coast during the Prajadhwani Yatra. But it was not done in the last budget.
• The textile park, which was one of the poll guarantees has not yet come up in Mangaluru. Congress had promised to establish a textile park that would create employment for 1 lakh people has not yet been implemented. There’s curiosity if the promise will be fulfilled this time.
• Urgent action on dredging activities to facilitate smooth navigation for fishermen, addressing a critical need for the coastal community. The biggest demand of the fishermen is for adequate dredging at Alive Bagilu, the mouth of the river, to allow the movement of boats. At least this time a maximum amount should be set aside for dredging.
• So far, this government has not made any promise about giving kumki rights, which could benefit millions of farmers.
• Enforcement of proposed initiatives like the establishment of waterway services and development of infrastructure along rivers to enhance connectivity and promote trade. In the previous budget, it was announced to start barge services in the Falguni and Netravati rivers, and the establishment of Mangaluru-Karwar-Goa-Mumbai waterway, etc. has not been implemented so far.
• Rubber growers, who are generally neglected, have demanded that it would be better if they get a support price from the state government at least this time.
• IT Park in Mangaluru has been in demand for many years. There is a lot of opportunity for IT and allied sectors in the city, but there is an allegation that companies are not coming here due to a lack of a suitable “environment”. So the previous government also said that it will build an IT park here, but it has not come to fruition. Concerns have been raised about whether it will happen this time.

“Dakshina Kannada has a large number of talented young people, 10 thousand engineers and 30 thousand other graduates are created every year. The government should give priority to Mangaluru in IT and related fields under the Beyond Bangalore project.” – Praveen Kalbavi, President, CII, Mangaluru

“The authority established for the development of the coast should be empowered. It is in a very poor condition. Schemes are necessary to provide decent employment opportunities for the human resources here, otherwise, the flight of the talent pool will continue. Tourism in the district is also neglected, it should be given a boost.” – Prof GV Joshi, Economist

Udupi District: Encourage tourism, agriculture, fishing

Udupi: Udupi district, which includes rich beaches, foothills of Western Ghats, famous religious areas along with agriculture, fisheries, has kept many expectations in the current state budget.

There is a demand that the state government should announce a package for the development of small beaches including Malpe, Maravanthe, Byndoor Someshwar, Kapu, Padubidri beach and set aside a certain amount of funds for implementing a permanent plan to prevent sea erosion.

• Development of tourism circuits to enhance accessibility to popular destinations such as Srikshetra Kollur, known for its ancient temples, and the scenic Uchila, famous for its waterfalls. These circuits would facilitate easy access to beaches, religious sites, and other attractions, boosting tourism in the region.
• Infrastructural improvements in industrial areas like Shivalli and Meiaru, as well as the proposal for an agricultural college in Brahmavar, highlight the district’s potential for economic diversification and job creation.
• Resolution of regulatory hurdles for the completion of vital projects like the Varahi dam, which promises to address water scarcity issues, and the approval of proposals for urban development and disaster response infrastructure.
• Special grants for the development of ports such as Malpe and Gangolli, known for their fishing communities and picturesque locales, coupled with financial support for fisherwomen through cooperative banks, would uplift the fishing community and stimulate economic growth.
• Fishing diesel quota should be increased from 1.50 lakh kilo liter to 2 lakh kilo liter. Interest-free loans of up to 3 lakhs should be given to fisher women through cooperative banks.
• Deemed forest issue should be cleared to facilitate completion of Varahi project as soon as possible. 330 crore proposal for UGD of Udupi city should be approved.
• A police training academy should be established in the district. A State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) should be started in the district.
• Brahmavara sugar factory should be revived or developed as an industrial area. Firefighting unit should be started in Manipal.
• Special grant should be earmarked for the development of Malpe, Gangolli port.

“A special package should be announced for the development of small industries. Electricity tariff for industries was increased from 5% to 9% – This should be reduced. Grants should be released with emphasis on infrastructure development of industrial areas.” – Harish Kunder, President, District Small Industries Association, Udupi