Siddaramaiah's Congress government is once again facing accusations of being "anti-Hindu." The opposition alleges that the government is appeasing Muslims for votes, and recent cabinet decisions seem to support this claim. In the latest cabinet meeting, the government approved $398 crore for the development of extremely backward minority colonies in urban areas across 22 assembly constituencies. This amount will also cover over 40 other projects. The funds will be allocated based on the specific needs of various districts, taluks, and towns.
Here are the key proposals from the cabinet meeting held on September 11, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah:
Water Supply and Lake Development: The cabinet approved $105.19 crore for the development of Naganur Lake in Shiggaon, Haveri district. Additionally, $92.84 crore was sanctioned for the improvement of Tevaramallihalli Lake in Bankapur town, and $153.20 crore for Moti Talab Lake in Savanur town.
Bridge Construction: A new bridge will be built across the Gangavali river in Yellapur, Uttara Kannada district, with an estimated cost of $35 crore.
Bijapur Airport: The cabinet has decided to get a report from the Chief Secretary on the proposal to approve an estimated $618.75 crore for the Bijapur Airport.
Congress Bhavan: A 400.63 square meter plot will be leased for 30 years to build a Congress Bhavan in the Lokapur town panchayat area of Bagalkot district.
Canal Development: The government has approved $293.47 crore for the development of the Hebbakwadi and Nidaghatta branch canals in the Malavalli and Maddur taluks of Mandya district.
Barrage Construction: A new barrage will be constructed across the Malaprabha river near Chikkahattiholi in Khanapur taluk, Belagavi district, with an allocation of $50 crore.
Mobile Health Units: $12.25 crore has been sanctioned to repair 35 mobile health units and convert them into treatment centers by installing new medical equipment.
Irrigation Project: A sum of $109 crore was approved for an irrigation project that will use the Tungabhadra river near Yadvihaal in Mansi taluk to supply water to agricultural land via the left bank canal.
Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka Scheme: The government is preparing to extend the Vayo Vandana scheme to include those over 70 years old under the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka scheme.
Geographical Information System: The cabinet has agreed to an estimated amount of $150 crore to upgrade the Karnataka Geographical Information System.
Victoria Hospital: $20.05 crore has been approved for the purchase of furniture for the 1,000-bed wards at Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru.
PM KUSUM-B Scheme: The state government will provide a 50% subsidy on the cost of farmers' pumpsets under the PM KUSUM-B scheme.
Government Events: The cabinet has agreed to give district in-charge ministers the authority to invite more guests to government events based on the importance of the program.
These developments, including the government's push for various development projects and the opposition's objections, continue to be major news stories in the state.
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