Govt Allocated ₹96k Cr For Guarantees: CM

Siddaramaiah says Karnataka achieved growth of 101% in last decade, will become world's Capital of Innovation

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Bengaluru

Expressing concern over 10% of the rich holding 80% of the nation's wealth, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah here on Friday said the state government's ambitious five guarantee schemes were envisioned to bridge such disparity.

In his Independence Day speech after hoisting the national flag on 79th Independence Day celebrations at Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground here, he said the state has allocated Rs 96,000 crore for Anna Bhagya, Shakti, Gruha Lakshmi, Gruha Jyothi and Yuva Nidhi schemes. "United Nations General Assembly President Philemon Yang too has praised the schemes," he said. "To bridge the wealth gap, guarantees and other welfare programmes were introduced. The schemes have led to an increase in per capita income, and studies have indicated that women's workforce participation has increased by 23%," he added.

The state is spending Rs 1.12 lakh crore on welfare measures, including guarantees.