Centre must encourage States that record progress: Krishna Byre Gowda

Minister for Revenue Krishna Byre Gowda has urged the Central Government to appreciate and encourage States that record progress, to strengthen the country’s federal structure.

Mr. Byre Gowda, speaking to presspersons after hoisting the National Flag during the Republic Day celebrations in Hassan on January 26, said that southern States — particularly Karnataka — were being penalised by the Centre. “The State gets only 13 paisa against every rupee paid as tax. However, other States get ₹2 or ₹3, and in some cases up to ₹7, for every rupee of tax paid. We are not opposed to other states getting more funds. We support the development of other states. However, we need a considerable share for the development of our State. It will help in strengthening the federal structure as well,” the minister said.

Mr. Byre Gowda said Karnataka was anticipating a considerably larger allocation of central taxes from the 16th Finance Commission. “Last time, we suffered a reduction in the State’s share. This time, we are aiming for a distribution greater than 4.7%. If we receive anything less, we will believe that the Central Government has once again continued its injustice towards the State,” he said.

He also remarked that in recent years, many institutions, such as the Income Tax, the Election Commission, the CBI and the Finance Commission, have been acting as per the instructions of the Central Government.

Further, he said the Central Government had not revised its contribution to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for the last 12 years. “The cost of construction materials has gone up manyfold in the last 12 years. However, the Centre has not increased its share. Similarly, it has not increased its share of the honorarium to Anganwadi workers and midday meal workers. We have submitted appeals for the increase in financial assistance for these schemes,” he stated.

Reacting to remarks made by JD(S) leaders, the minister said he is not ready for any arguments over the development of Hassan district. However, he said that he hoped JD(S) leaders would make efforts to secure funding for developmental works. “Let them bring some funds from the Centre for the Hassan Airport. We will give our land to the Airport Authority of India. Let them spend money for the project,” he stated.

Shreyas M. Patel, Hassan MP, K.S. Latha Kumari, Deputy Commissioner, Shubhanwita, Hassan Superintendent of Police and other officers were present.