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Reemphasising the need for fair tax distribution, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah noted that the state receives only about Rs 55,000-60,000 crore from the Centre after contributing over Rs 4 lakh crore in taxes.
“We are only getting 14 paise to 15 paise of every one rupee of our contribution. No one should milk a milch cow completely dry, or else the calf will be malnourished,” he said.
During his address at the 69th Karnataka Rajyotsava on Friday (1 November), Siddaramaiah emphasised that Karnataka faces an unfair disadvantage despite being a progressive state.
“Karnataka is the second largest contributor to the central tax revenue after Maharashtra. Under the federal system, there should not be any injustice just because Karnataka is a progressive State,” he said.
He urged Karnataka’s MPs to raise the issue in Parliament and said, “When we demand justice, they are politicising the issue. We should launch a movement to get our rightful dues.”
The CM added that despite these limitations, the Congress government continues to prioritise welfare schemes, including the mid-day meal program for schoolchildren.
Encouraging people to take pride in Kannada and use it daily, he said, “Kannada is a very old language with a history of 7,000 years. The Centre has also recognised it as a classical language. You should not give up Kannada language at any cost.”
Endorsing a liberal stance against other languages, he urged not to do so at the cost of Kannada while enhancing linguistic skills. He urged outsiders to become true Kannadigas for the growth of the language.
The Rajyotsava celebration included a cultural program themed “Hesarayithu Karnataka, Usiragali Kannada” (Karnataka got its name, now Kannada should be its breath), organised by the Department of School Education and Literacy.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced that Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations are now mandatory in all educational institutions, starting this year and he will review the report.