Karnataka has been given 58% less Nabard funding, says CM

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that Karnataka has experienced a 58 per cent reduction in funds from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard). Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Monday, the chief minister attributed the funding cut to the establishment of the Union Ministry of Cooperation in 2021, which operates under Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He argued that cooperative societies are a state subject under the Constitution, making the creation of a Central ministry on the matter “unfair.” “The state has seen a reduction of 58 per cent in Nabard funding. This is yet another great betrayal by the Centre towards Karnataka,” Siddaramaiah said.

His comments were made after garlanding a statue of Kanakadasa on the occasion of Kanakadasa Jayanti, where he hailed the saint as a “philosopher and social reformer.” The CM also dismissed concerns regarding the ongoing conversion of BPL cards to APL status, stating that only “ineligible” individuals would be affected. “Eligible people will continue to receive benefits,” he assured.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa echoed this position, which has been maintained by the State government. According to the administration, individuals earning ?1,25,000 or more annually have had their BPL card status revised to APL. In Hassan district alone, 3,295 BPL cards have been reclassified.