Budget will be presented by CM Siddaramaiah starting from 10:15 AM

Many districts may be recipients of a higher share of tax allocation

The allocation for the guarantee schemes is expected to be Rs 58,000 crore

The citizens of Karnataka are in anticipation of the budget that will be presented by CM Siddaramaiah starting from 10:15 AM on 16th February. The lead up to this involves the Karnataka State Government’s conflict with the Central Government over alleged tax discrimination, the relief for drought affected regions of the state and the continuation of the guarantee schemes. Reports have suggested that many districts will be recipients of a higher share of tax allocation through the budget that will be presented. It is anticipated that the increase may range from 5-10%. The allocation for the guarantee schemes is expected to be Rs 58,000 crore. There are speculations that the Revenue Department has been directed to only present proposals that rank high in order of urgency. 

There is a curiosity with respect to whether Chikkodi and Gokak will be declared as new districts. This was proposed in 1997 by the then Chief Minister J.H Patel but was later withdrawn following opposition. The question with respect to the splitting of the Bailhongal and Athani Taluks into districts also remains pending for 25 years. There are indications that these proposals might be approved to avoid political agitations. 

Lastly, the new schemes the government will look to bring to the table is something that has built anticipation among people.