New govt to formulate land, textile policies in Karnataka

The govt would implement proposals of Expenditure Reforms Commission in time-bound manner, make tax administration more effective

The new Congress government in Karnataka today said it would rationalise expenditure, set up a centre to spearhead administrative reforms and formulate land and textile policies. The government would rationalise expenditure by curtailing wasteful spending, effective targeting of subsidies and focusing on growth-inducing capital investment, Governor H R Bhardwaj told a joint session of the state legislature.

The government would implement recommendations of the Expenditure Reforms Commission in a time-bound manner, make tax administration more effective and efficient and exhibit zero-tolerance to tax evasion in all its forms, he said. It proposed to formulate a new textile policy with attractive incentives to textile industries, and make the sector globally competitive.

"A Centre for Good Governance and Innovation will be established to spearhead administrative reforms," the Governor said in address, which largely reflected the promises made by the ruling party in its poll manifesto. Second generation of reforms would be introduced to bring in qualitative improvements to 'Sakala Services Act-2011', to make all government service deliveries hassle-free and time-bound, it was stated.

The government would prepare a land policy and introduce a system of land audit for government lands given on grant or lease. The Public Works department is proposed to be revamped to ensure greater transparency and efficiency in the execution of works, and the upgradation of state and national highways and major district roads would be given priority.

The government would set up a centralised data centre to monitor the achievement of physical and financial targets across the multiple implementing agencies involved in providing housing in the state and make Karnataka 'hut-free'. The infrastructure policy of 2007 would be reviewed, and the PPP mode of implementation encouraged.

In an dig at the previous BJP government, he commented: "At one time in the past, Karnataka was a favoured destination for investors. This pride of place has suffered a setback due to political instability and corruption scams."