Minister Lad Showcases Economic Impact of Siddaramaiah’s Policies at Sandur.
Karnataka Achieves 10% GDP Growth,Leads India: Minister Santosh Lad.
Sandur:Karnataka has emerged as a leader in economic growth, recording an impressive 10% GDP growth compared to the national average of 8.2%, according to Labour Minister Santosh Lad.
Speaking at a voter appreciation event in Sandur,Lad credited this achievement to the state’s welfare programs under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s leadership.
Highlighting Karnataka’s progress between 2013 and 2018, Lad noted that the state was a leader in tax collection and economic development.
He said the”Five Guarantees”and other welfare schemes have played a key role in driving growth.”These programs have greatly contributed to our success,helping Karnataka achieve around 51% GDP growth during this period,” Lad said.
Welfare Schemes Benefiting the Poor
The minister explained that the state spent Rs 60,000 crore on the Five Guarantees,which have strengthened economic inclusion and supported underprivileged communities.
He cited initiatives like mid-day meals, anganwadi services, widow pensions, and old-age pensions as examples.
For farmers,the state has provided interest-free loans of up to Rs.3 lakh, allocated Rs.9.5 crore for this purpose, and waived farm loans worth Rs.8,165 crore.
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have received loan waivers and grants totaling Rs.80,000 crore,while gram panchayats have been allotted Rs.3,700 crore.
Under the Ashraya housing scheme, Rs 2,633 crore has been allocated, and more than Rs 18,000 crore was spent between 2013 and 2018 to assist the poor.
Lad also highlighted his party’s contributions while in power at the Center, including a Rs.72,000 crore farm loan waiver and job creation in over 26,000 villages across the country.
“These welfare initiatives have not only driven Karnataka’s growth but also set a strong example for inclusive development across India,”Lad said.