Karnataka CM Criticizes Centre, Unveils 'Sixth Guarantee' Scheme
Karnataka CM launches 'Bhu Guarantee' scheme, criticizes Centre for injustice in fund allocation.
Photo by Srusti Valakamadinni
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the "Bhu Guarantee" scheme, distributing title deeds to beneficiaries and criticizing the central government for alleged injustice in fund allocation to the state. He questioned the silence of former Chief Ministers and current MPs on the issue. Siddaramaiah claimed his government has fulfilled 243 assurances and credited ₹1,18,000 crore to bank accounts through various guarantees.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, termed the Congress government's 1,000 days as "dark days."
Key Facts
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah launched the "Bhu Guarantee" scheme.
The scheme involves distributing title deeds to beneficiaries.
Siddaramaiah criticized the central government for alleged injustice in fund allocation.
He questioned the silence of former Chief Ministers and current MPs on the issue.
The government claims to have fulfilled 243 assurances.
₹1,18,000 crore has been credited to bank accounts through various guarantees.
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Connects to the syllabus by highlighting the ongoing debates and challenges in fiscal federalism and resource allocation between the Union and the States.
Potential question types include statement-based MCQs on the role of the Finance Commission, the impact of GST on state finances, and the constitutional provisions governing fiscal relations.
In Simple Words
The Karnataka government is saying the central government isn't giving it enough money. The Chief Minister is upset and wants the state to get its fair share of funds. It's like when you feel your sibling gets more allowance even though you do the same amount of chores.
India Angle
In India, states depend on the central government for funds to run various schemes and development projects. If a state feels it's not getting enough money, it can affect everything from road construction to welfare programs for the poor.
For Instance
Think of it like a Resident Welfare Association (RWA) collecting maintenance fees. If one building feels it's contributing more but getting fewer services, it will likely complain to the RWA president.
This matters because if the state doesn't have enough money, it can impact the services you receive, like good roads, clean water, and efficient healthcare.
When states and the central government argue over money, it's your daily life that ultimately gets affected.
Visual Insights
Karnataka Government's Achievements
Key statistics from the Karnataka CM's announcement regarding fulfilled assurances and fund transfers.
- Assurances Fulfilled
- 243
- Funds Credited to Bank Accounts
- ₹1,18,000 crore
Demonstrates the government's commitment to its promises. Important for assessing governance effectiveness.
Indicates the scale of direct benefit transfers under various guarantee schemes. Relevant for understanding welfare spending.
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the 'Bhu Guarantee' scheme launched by the Karnataka government, and what is its primary objective?
The 'Bhu Guarantee' scheme involves distributing title deeds to beneficiaries. The scheme aims to provide land ownership and security to eligible residents of Karnataka.
2. What are the key issues in Centre-State financial relations highlighted by the Karnataka CM's criticism, and how are these relevant for UPSC Mains?
The Karnataka CM criticized the central government for alleged injustice in fund allocation. This highlights ongoing debates about fiscal federalism, resource distribution, and the criteria used by the Finance Commission. Understanding these issues is crucial for answering questions related to Centre-State relations, fiscal autonomy, and cooperative federalism in the UPSC Mains exam.
3. What is fiscal federalism, and how does the 'Bhu Guarantee' scheme relate to the concept of state government welfare programs?
Fiscal federalism refers to the division of financial powers and responsibilities between the central and state governments in a federal system. The 'Bhu Guarantee' scheme is an example of a state government welfare program aimed at land distribution, which falls under the state's responsibility to promote social and economic justice.
4. Why is the Karnataka CM criticizing the central government now, and what could be the political motivations behind it?
The Karnataka CM is criticizing the central government for alleged injustice in fund allocation, potentially to highlight the state's needs and demand greater financial support. Politically, this could be aimed at consolidating support within the state by portraying the central government as being unfair to Karnataka.
5. What are the recent developments regarding Centre-State financial relations that are relevant to the current situation in Karnataka?
Recent developments include increased scrutiny of the criteria used by the Finance Commission for horizontal tax devolution. Some states have voiced concerns that the current formula disadvantages them. These concerns are relevant to Karnataka's situation, as the CM has raised similar issues regarding fund allocation.
6. What is the role of the Leader of the Opposition in a democracy, as exemplified by R. Ashoka's criticism of the Karnataka government?
The Leader of the Opposition plays a crucial role in holding the government accountable and providing alternative perspectives. R. Ashoka's criticism of the Karnataka government's 1,000 days as 'dark days' exemplifies this role, highlighting the opposition's duty to scrutinize and challenge the ruling party's policies and performance.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Finance Commission in India: 1. It is a constitutional body established under Article 280 of the Constitution. 2. Its recommendations on the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States are binding on the government. 3. The Finance Commission is constituted every ten years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Finance Commission is indeed a constitutional body established under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution. It is responsible for recommending the principles governing the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The recommendations of the Finance Commission are advisory in nature and not binding on the government. The government can accept or reject these recommendations. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Finance Commission is constituted every five years or earlier, not every ten years.
2. Which of the following schedules of the Indian Constitution deals with the division of powers between the Union and the States?
- A.Fifth Schedule
- B.Sixth Schedule
- C.Seventh Schedule
- D.Eighth Schedule
Show Answer
Answer: C
The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the division of powers between the Union and the States. It contains three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List. The Union List contains subjects over which the Union government has exclusive power to legislate. The State List contains subjects over which the State governments have exclusive power to legislate. The Concurrent List contains subjects over which both the Union and State governments can legislate.
3. Assertion (A): States often demand a larger share of central taxes. Reason (R): States require funds for developmental activities and to address regional disparities. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true but R is false
- D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. States demand a larger share of central taxes because they require funds for developmental activities and to address regional disparities. This is a fundamental aspect of fiscal federalism in India, where states rely on central transfers to finance their expenditures.
Source Articles
Siddaramaiah launches ‘sixth guarantee’, questions silence of ex-CMs over ‘injustice’ to Karnataka - The Hindu
Karnataka govt. can give ‘water guarantee’ if Centre gives requisite permissions: DKS - The Hindu
Enough is enough, this must stop, says Karnataka Home Minister on constant speculation on leadership change - The Hindu
Siddaramaiah calls upon farmers to ‘unanimously oppose’ VB G-RAM-G Act - The Hindu
BJP leader C.T. Ravi criticises Congress for its comments on VB-G RAM G Act - The Hindu