K'taka govt doles out over Rs 250 cr grant to mutts

The BJP government in Karnataka today granted over Rs 250 crore fund to establishments run by religious institutions in its 2013-14 budget. With assembly elections due in May, Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar continued the tradition of his predecessor D V Sadananda in granting funds to mutts. Shettar, who presented his maiden budget proposals, announced that Rs 125 crore will be provided for hostels, education institutions and community centres run by various mutts. The government allocated funds of about Rs 127 crore towards construction of buildings, development works and other activities of religious institutions of different communities. Shettar, while presenting the budget estimates in the state assembly, also announced establishment of 'Korama-Koracha Development Corporation' with Rs five crore grant, Rs three crore to support blacksmiths and Rs two crore for development of nomadic, tribal community and 'gollara hattis' (hamlets in which the community lives). The BJP government's first chief minister B S Yeddyurappa had begun the policy of extending financial aid to religious institutions for development activity despite criticisms from opposition parties and his successor D V Sadananda too maintained it last year.