Karnataka faced injustice in tax distribution: Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao

Mangaluru: District-in-charge Minister and Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao raised the issue of tax devolution during 69th Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations and alleged that the Centre has done injustice by allocating less funds to Karnataka in the tax devolution.

“Karnataka is facing persistent injustice in tax distribution and the government in the state has already raised the issue,” he said while delivering Rajyotsava address at Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations organised by the district administration at Nehru Maidan in Mangaluru on Friday.

He said "Post-independence, Karnataka has consistently worked towards population control and has been successful in doing so. However, the central government has increased the number of Lok Sabha representatives for northern states where Hindi is predominantly spoken—states that lag in education and have not adequately implemented population control. At the same time, they have reduced the number of representatives for the southern states with less population. This reduces the representation of the people of South India, including Karnataka, at the central level. This is an issue we need to consider seriously.”

Stating that the state government has taken several initiatives to reduce regional imbalance, he said Cabinet meeting was also held in Kalaburagi to discuss key issues, new projects, and development plans for the region recently.

The state has given emphasis to the welfare of backward classes, minorities, women, farmers, farm labourers and underprivileged. "Although the Guarantee Schemes has reached a majority of people in the state, the government has noted that due to technical glitches, some eligible beneficiaries are facing delays in receiving its benefits. To ensure these schemes reach the common people on time and support their daily lives, the government has established Guarantee Scheme Implementation Authority at the state, district, and taluk levels. These authorities will oversee the proper implementation of the schemes," Dinesh Gundu Rao said.

Kannada is a rich language. Parents should ensure that children and youth develop love and concern for the language. The growth of Kannada language is possible only when a large number of people start conversing and use the language, he added.

The Minister said that the people of the state are known for coexistence and tolerance, and must remain committed to preserving the land's heritage, history, and culture. By setting aside differences of caste and religion, the people of the district should act with a spirit of brotherhood, thereby helping in maintaining harmony in the state and district. All should work together to lead the district towards a path of development."

As many as 59 achievers in various fields and 24 organisations and institutions were conferred with district awards on the occasion.

Earlier, a replica of Halmidi Shasana, the first Kannada stone edict, was unveiled at Rajaji Park in front of Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall in Mangaluru.