Karnataka to downsize budget 2021-22 due to covid-19: CM

News Network
January 23, 2021

Mysuru, Jan 23: Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Saturday indicated that the State Budget for 2021-22 will be downsized given the financial condition as a fallout of the due to Covid-19.

Speaking to reporters here at the airport, he said that the financial situation was such that downsizing of the budget has become inevitable and the outlay was bound to be less than what it was last year.

The Chief Minister, who also holds the Finance portfolio, had tabled a budget with an outlay of Rs 2,37,893 crore last year.

However, Mr Yediyurappa pointed out that there will be no dearth of funds or resources to fight the COVID-19 pandemic while expressing hope that the requirement could be less in the new financial year.

“This is because Covid-19 was almost 90 per cent under control and hence the resources required too could be less than what was allocated last year.”

The Chief Minister had said recently that he would present the budget in March and the budget session will be held from February 28. He had also admitted that the financial position was not good due to the pandemic and floods.

Mr Yediyurappa said he will apprise himself of the situation arising out of the blast near a quarrying site in Shivamogga that led to the death of six persons on Friday. “I have already announced compensation for the victims and ordered an inquiry so as to ensure justice for all’’, he added.

In reply to a question, the Chief Minister said mining was essential but action will be initiated against illegal mining.

Those without permits have to get a licence from the authorities and regularise the mining activity failing which the deputy commissioners of the districts will have to initiate legal action.

Since many state and national highway works are being taken up across the State mining could not be stopped. All the Deputy Commissioners will be asked to verify mining in their jurisdiction, he added.

Later chief minister inaugurated 11 ft. high Akka Mahadevi statue on the outer ring road in the city.

Speaking on the occasion he said the state government will develop Sharna centres across the state and help the present-day generation to know their contributions. The government has earmarked Rs 50 crores for the same.

He said the development of Akkmahadevi's birthplace in Shivamogga will be completed within two years.

The government has already set up the Veerashaiva lingayat development authority and earmarked Rs 500 crores.

He said Akka Mahadevi was the first Kannada poetess. She sacrificed worldly affairs at a very young age and lived for the welfare of society. Her value-based vachanas talk secrets of life.

Mr Yediyurappa also inaugurated Basava Bhavan built in the first phase of Vijayanagara.

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News Network
January 4,2025

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Friday to discuss key issues affecting the security and development of the region. The meeting highlighted several urgent concerns, ranging from counter-terrorism measures to infrastructure upgrades.

During the meeting, Chowta strongly advocated for establishing a National Investigation Agency (NIA) Centre in Mangaluru. He pointed out the city’s vulnerability to threats such as Islamic radicalisation, sleeper cells, and the activities of groups like SDPI and PFI. Citing the unrest during the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests, Chowta emphasized the ability of radical groups to incite large-scale disruptions. He argued that Mangaluru’s strategic coastal location necessitates an NIA Centre to bolster counter-terrorism operations and ensure regional security.

Chowta also discussed the Indian Coast Guard Academy, sanctioned for Mangaluru in 2020. He highlighted its potential to enhance India’s maritime security through advanced training in coastal defence, disaster response, and surveillance. Situated near the Arabian Sea and Mangalore Port, the academy is strategically positioned to address challenges in regions like Lakshadweep and the Maldives, aligning with India’s geostrategic interests.

The MP proposed the establishment of a Sainik School in Mangaluru to nurture leadership, discipline, and patriotism among local youth. He emphasized that such an institution would not only provide quality education but also act as a feeder for the armed forces, enhancing the region’s defence readiness. Chowta suggested pairing the school with a military installation, further strengthening coastal defence capabilities and supporting national security goals.

Addressing infrastructure, Chowta underscored the need to improve the Mangaluru-Bengaluru railway and road networks. He argued that enhanced connectivity would unlock the region’s economic potential, streamline logistics for New Mangalore Port, and support key industries such as fisheries, agriculture, and manufacturing. Additionally, upgraded infrastructure would boost trade, tourism, and employment opportunities.

On economic development, Chowta urged the revival of cooperative banks under the Ministry of Cooperatives. He proposed increased funding and loan facilities for businesses and farmers to enhance financial inclusion and regional economic stability. Strengthening fisheries cooperatives, he noted, would provide local fishermen with better access to financial services, loans, and insurance, improving productivity and security.

The MP’s discussions reflected a comprehensive vision for balancing security, infrastructure, and economic growth in Dakshina Kannada, aligning with both regional and national priorities.

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News Network
January 9,2025

Mangaluru: In a significant development, Mescom has proposed a phased electricity tariff hike starting with Rs 0.70 per unit for the fiscal year 2025-26. The proposal has been submitted to the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) for approval, signaling a potential increase in electricity costs for consumers.

Mescom emphasized that the current tariff structure is insufficient to meet operational expenses and manage revenue effectively. To address this, the company has invited public objections to the proposed hike.

Currently, the electricity supply cost is Rs 9.23 per unit, while the consumer tariff stands at Rs 8.53 per unit, leading to a shortfall of Rs 0.70 per unit. For the financial year 2023-24, Mescom reported revenue of Rs 5,924.73 crore against an expenditure of Rs 6,310.39 crore, resulting in a deficit of Rs 367.66 crore. For the 2025-26 fiscal year, projected revenue is Rs 5,850.81 crore, with an actual requirement of Rs 5,961.63 crore, creating a deficit of Rs 110.82 crore.

In a first, Mescom has submitted a multi-year tariff revision proposal to KERC. The plan outlines a hike of Rs 0.70 per unit for 2025-26, followed by Rs 0.37 per unit for 2026-27 and Rs 0.54 per unit for 2027-28.

"An increase in electricity tariff is inevitable," stated Jayakumar R, Managing Director of Mescom. "Mescom has submitted a proposal in this regard to KERC."

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News Network
January 8,2025

Mangaluru: Air India Express (AIE) has postponed its much-anticipated direct flight service between Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) and Singapore, citing low bookings. Passengers who had booked tickets for the inaugural flight scheduled for January 21 and subsequent dates have been notified of the cancellation through email.

In its email, AIE assured passengers of alternative travel arrangements, including connecting flight options between MIA and Singapore. However, the decision to delay the direct service has left travelers and travel agents disappointed.

An AIE official attributed the postponement to operational challenges but clarified that the airline has not abandoned plans for the route. “We are committed to starting the service, but there is no immediate confirmation on the new launch date,” the official stated. He further explained that sustaining a route requires consistent demand, and seasonal travel alone is insufficient to justify operations.

Another AIE representative admitted that the number of bookings for the inaugural flight was below expectations but declined to disclose specific figures.

Rajesh H Acharya, director of HQ Connections Pte Ltd in Singapore and coordinator of the Singapore Tuluver community, expressed his disappointment. Acharya, who has been advocating for a direct flight between Mangaluru and Singapore since 2017, said, “After years of effort, we finally convinced the airline to start this service, but it has now been deferred.”

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Acharya posted: "Did not expect such behavior from @AirIndiaX, now owned by @TataCompanies & @SIAirlines. If there are issues, travelers deserve to be informed well in advance. This decision needs investigation at the highest level."

The delay has raised questions among the travel community, with many hoping the airline will address these concerns and provide a clear timeline for the launch of the Mangaluru-Singapore direct flight.

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