Bengaluru, Mar 24 (UNI) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday emphasised that the Central government has been timely and generous in disbursing funds to Karnataka, contrary to allegations levelled by the Karnataka Congress party.
She buttressed her allegations by providing specific figures, highlighting significant increases in tax devolution and grants-in-aid to Karnataka compared to previous years, particularly during the UPA government's tenure.
Sitharaman said, "Every penny by the Central government that is due to Karnataka is given and given on time to the state government... Tax devolution has increased from 2014 to 2024 by 258 percent, which is 3.5 times more compared to the 10 years of the UPA.
"Grants to the states have increased by 273 percent, which is 3.7 times what was given by the UPA government... Between 2004 and 2014, the money given per year to Karnataka was Rs 81,795 crore in the form of tax devolution. Between 2014 and 2024, tax devolution paid to the state is nearly Rs 2.93 lakh crores," she said at an event, dispelling any misconceptions about the Central government's commitment to providing financial assistance to Karnataka.
Sitharaman also emphasised the importance of factual accuracy in discussions about government funding, urging critics to examine the data before making accusations.
She pointed out that the Central government has not only fulfilled its financial obligations to Karnataka but has also exceeded previous levels of support.
"So, nobody is boasting that we have given this much or anything, but to wrongly allege and accuse that you are not giving money, which is due to Karnataka, I am sorry. Please look at the figures, look at the dates when the money has been received, and then tell us something specific and right so that I can respond.
"But when they have given it on time and sometimes given in advance of the time, to blanket mislead the people by saying money is not coming is not responsible at all," she stated.
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