Karnataka development model studied by economists, universities worldwide: Governor

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Monday, 3 March, said the state government is developing a unique model of development in Karnataka, one that is being studied by economists and universities worldwide.

Addressing the joint session of the state legislature at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, he emphasised that the Karnataka model of development focuses on building a people-centred approach to economic, social and cultural governance.

The governor's customary inaugural speech of the budget session highlighted the state Congress government's welfare schemes and financial status, and also said that there are no serious law-and-order problems in the state any longer.

Gehlot said, "....the government is shaping a unique model of Karnataka in development. The Karnataka model of development means creating a people-centric economic, social and cultural governance. Green energy, women empowerment, etc. are also included in this."

Pointing out that the Karnataka model is being extensively studied by global experts, the governor said, "Oxford University has described this model as 'shining a light in the darkness' and 'a blueprint for the world' in its Human Rights Hub blog. The head of the United Nations has personally visited the state to learn about this model and openly praised our programmes."

Highlighting the Congress government's social welfare guarantees, Gehlot said many predicted that Karnataka would lag behind in development and the financial system of the state would deteriorate due to the ambitious welfare schemes launched by the government. "The government has proven these predictions to be false," he said.

Noting that the state has recorded good achievements in every sector, Gehlot said that Karnataka's income is increasin, and private capital is flowing into the state in record numbers.

The severity of inequality is decreasing due to the efficient implementation of welfare programmes, the governor added. "The state is second in foreign direct investment. The growth rate of GST is good."

He also pointed out that the number of suicides among farmer families in the state has reduced significantly due to the welfare programmes of the government.

Gehlot reminded the Assembly that the nation's first leaders, with Babasaheb Ambedkar in the vanguard, had given this country a very humane Constitution to ensure that society does not go towards social Darwinism.

The Constitution mandates the reduction of inequality and a fair distribution of income among the people, the governor said.

"In this regard, guarantee schemes have been implemented. Resources of more than Rs 52,000 crore are being provided for this annually. Rs 70,000 crore have been transferred directly to the bank accounts of the people for five guarantee schemes from the time my government has come to power," he said.

Gehlot highlighted that more than Rs 90,000 crore is being spent annually on welfare programmes, benefitting more than 1.25 crore families through direct cash transfer schemes, subsidies and incentives provided by various departments.

In his speech, the governor emphasised that comprehensive and effective efforts are being made to transform Karnataka into a USD 1 trillion economy, focusing on healthcare, education, sanitation and sustainable agriculture for the people.

The government has managed the state well fiscally by promoting the economic growth in 2024–25. The state's revenue collection in the first three quarters of the financial year 2024–25 has reached Rs 1,81,908 crore, he said.

Compared to the previous year, the state's revenue receipts have grown by 13 per cent till the end of December 2024, Gehlot noted.

"Karnataka is the 2nd largest state in the country in terms of total GST tax collected by the states, and the state's GST collection has grown by 12 per cent year-on-year till the end of December [2024]," he added.

No serious law and order problems have arisen in the state in the last 19 months, the governor said. Police stations are working in a people-friendly manner, he added.

However, he warned that of late, cybercrime has been increasing across the country. In India's Silicon Valley, though, "the state police department is constantly working to create awareness and quickly identify the criminals, so these cases are also decreasing", he said.

Gehlot also spoke of the Congress-led state government's pledge to initiate the pending irrigation projects in the state within the stated timelines. However, he added, "some projects require the approval of the central government and we are putting pressure on the Centre".

Based on PTI inputs