'Don't stop funds for our schemes'

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Reacting to reports that the newlyfor med Congress Government headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is contemplating stopping funds for certain programmes launched by the previous BJP government and is reportedly planing to divert funds from other departments, former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai has urged his successor not to take such steps just to mobilise resources for the implementation of the five guarantees announced in the election manifesto of the Congress Party.

In a letter to the CM a copy of which was released to the media, Bommai said, "It is a known fact that you have been holding a series of meetings since the last two weeks with officials for the implementation of the five guarantees. You announced at a press conference that the government required an additional Rs 55,000 crore for the fulfillment of all the promises made to the people. Utmost caution must be exercised while implementing the promises as the government must focus on important sectors like health, education, women's development, basic infrastructure, agriculture, and the welfare of the oppressed classes".

The former CM advised his successor not to cut funds for advancing interest-free short-term loans to farmers from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh and not to cut Rs 1500 crore of the total Rs 3500 crore earmarked in the state budget 2023-24 as revolving fund under the farmers' Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme. Similarly, the construction of new 7601 new classrooms under the Viveka scheme and another 9556 classrooms under other schemes must not be stopped.

The 'Vidyanidhi' scheme that had been implemented by the previous BJP government for the benefit of far mers, workers, fishermen, and weavers must be continued, said the fomer CM adding that other social welfare schemes like an increase in the cycles of free dialysis scheme for patients with kidney ailments, chemotherapy cycles for cancer patients, and the upgradation of PHCs to Community Health Centres must go on without any hindrance.

The Stree Samarthy scheme for women and the nutritious scheme for women and children must not be stopped. The SCP/TSP funds meant for the upliftment of SC/ST must also be continued, he stressed. Bommai also wanted the construction of hostels for the SC, ST, and Backward Classes to be completed.

The need of the hour is to continue development projects in all departments for the overall welfare of the State, he said adding, "the incumbent government must be very cautious as spending Rs 50,000 crore on the implementation of the five guarantees will impact the state's economy and become an additional burden on citizens".