Karnataka Manifesto: Why urban Karnataka matters?
What's the story
About 38% of Karnataka's population lives in urban areas. To get an idea of how big a number that is, you must know that PM Narendra Modi won the 2014 elections with mere 31% vote share. In India, 31% is the lowest vote-share of any party that has won with majority hitherto. That's why urban votes matter in the upcoming Karnataka elections on May 12.
Hands full
Housing: An important factor for sustainable lifestyle
Housing, till date, is one of the most important problems of India. It's never easy for people from underprivileged backgrounds to find suitable living spots and that's where the government steps in. In its manifesto, the BJP has promised a Rs. 8,500 crore "Madara Chennaiah Housing Scheme" to build modern housing for SC communities. On the other hand, Congress government said it would build 3,00,000 houses for poor.
Are they serious?
With high unemployment, is there sufficient job assurance?
Karnataka's CM Siddaramaiah had falsely claimed that unemployment in Karnataka was below 2%. The actual number is 5.1% Keeping that in mind, the Congress manifesto has promised to employ 1 crore people in Karnataka within five years. Interestingly, the party has generated only 15 lakh jobs in the past 4 years. BJP manifesto claims nothing specific on the subject.
Information
OBC fund for traditional professionals
Meanwhile, BJP manifesto also proposed Rs. 1,000 crore "OBC Fund" to promote traditional occupations and ensure security of those practising traditional professions.
Good enough?
Industries: Special Investment Summit and Artisan Industries
For supporting industries, BJP promises to organize a special investment summit for Hyderabad-Karnataka region. It will also build Hyderabad-Karnataka Industrial Mega Corridor. On the other hand, Congress has proposed to offer 100% tax subsidy to industries for innovation and selling directly to farmers. The party also promised to set up 500 artisan industries and assured rebates to NRIs for setting up industries and institutions.
Details
Education: Any good news for your bright future?
BJP manifesto vows special coaching centres for SC/ST/OBC/BPL aspirants for entrance examinations like the JEE, CAT, UPSC etc. BPL students will get zero interest rate loans upto Rs. 3 lakh (degree) and Rs. 5 lakh (integrated courses). Further, Rs 1,500 crore "Maharishi Valmiki Scholarship Scheme" has also been promised for ST students. Congress has promised free education to all the students from Class I to XII in government schools.
Increasing expenditure
Health: Are the promises healthy enough?
The Congress manifesto claims to raise budgetary allocation for health from current 0.9% of GDP to at least 1.5% of GDP within 5 years. BJP is betting big on "Ayushman Karnataka Scheme" which it said will "provide poor and vulnerable families a cover of Rs. 5 lakh for treatment." Moreover, BJP promises to setup at least one government medical college in every district.