BJP govt presents please-all budget in poll-bound Karnataka

Presenting a please-all budget for 2013-14 in poll-bound Karnataka, the state's BJP government today announced it would provide rice at Rs two a kg, pro-farmer schemes and creation of 43 new talukas. Eighty two lakh families belonging to below poverty line would get rice supplied through PDS at Rs two per kg from April 1, Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar said in his first budget presented in the assembly. And with an eye on elections due in May this year, Shettar proposed creation of 43 new talukas as he presented the budget proposals. "This is a growth-oriented budget and aims at inclusive growth. All sections of the society have been taken care of in the budget. Education, Health, Power and Irrigation sectors will get thrust", Shettar told a post-budget press conference. The Chief Minister presented a separate Agriculture budget -- the third time the BJP government is doing so -- prior to unveiling the general budget. The government enhanced budgetary outlay for agriculture and allied activities by 13.5 per cent to Rs 22,310 crore in 2013-14. While continuing the scheme of free supply of electricity to irrigation pumpsets up to 10 HP in 2013-14, Rs 5,250 crore will be provided for payment of subsidy to electricity supply companies, Shettar said. Electricity consumption charges of pumpsets belonging to already existing and working farmers lift irrigation cooperative societies up to 50 HP would be reimbursed. The scheme of providing short-term crop loan up to Rs one lakh at zero per cent interest from cooperative institutions and at three per cent from commercial banks would be continued. For price support operations, funds up to Rs 1,000 crore will be facilitated in the revolving fund, Shettar said. (MORE)