On March 7, 2025, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will present the 16th Budget of his tenure. The Karnataka state government is expected to allocate 4 lakh crore for the upcoming fiscal year, marking an increase from ₹3.71 lakh crore in the previous year. The state’s legislative session began on March 3, 2025, with a speech by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.

State’s Economic Performance

The state’s GDP has shown a robust growth of 7.4%, surpassing the national growth rate of 6.2%. Agriculture has also posted a positive % growth rate of 4%, further strengthening the state’s economic standing.

Major Announcements in the Budget

• Metro Expansion: One of the most anticipated announcements is the extension of Bengaluru’s metro network, which will now connect to Kempegowda International Airport, enhancing the city’s transportation infrastructure.
• North-South Tunnel: To alleviate Bengaluru’s notorious traffic congestion, a ₹15,000 crore project has been proposed to construct an 18.5 km long North-South tunnel linking Hebbal Esteem Mall to Silk Board Junction.
• Infrastructure and Urban Development: A significant ₹1,800 crore has been earmarked for 21 key projects under the “Brand Bengaluru” initiative. In addition, the government has set aside nearly ₹3,000 crore to tackle weather-related challenges in the state, and ₹555 crore will go towards the fifth phase of the Cauvery water supply project.
• Support for Indigenous Crops: The Budget also includes provisions to set up a seed bank dedicated to conserving 20 GI-tagged crops and other indigenous varieties, which will help preserve the state’s agricultural heritage.

New Industrial Policy and Job Creation

A new Industrial Policy for 2025-2030 has been unveiled to achieve 12% growth in the industrial sector and create 20 lakh jobs by 2030. This strategic focus aims to enhance Karnataka’s industrial footprint and generate more employment opportunities.

Delhi News Live Updates: Rekha Gupta Sworn in as Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers Take Oath

NEW DELHI: Rekha Gupta was officially sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi on Thursday at Ramlila Maidan, becoming the fourth woman to hold this prestigious position. Following her oath-taking, several prominent BJP leaders, including Parvesh Verma, Ashish Sood, Kapil Mishra, Ravindra Indraj Singh, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, and Pankaj Kumar Singh, also took their oaths as cabinet ministers in the newly-formed Delhi government. This marks the return of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power in the capital after almost 30 years. The newly formed government has pledged to prioritize the implementation of key policies outlined in their election manifesto.

CM Rekha Gupta to Lead Road Repair and Maintenance Review Meeting
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is scheduled to chair a crucial review meeting today with officials from the Delhi Jal Board and the Public Works Department (PWD). The primary focus of the meeting will be to strategize road repairs and improve maintenance throughout the city. CM Gupta stated that addressing the issue of potholes and ensuring smoother roads for daily commuters would be a key agenda item. The BJP had promised to focus on improving Delhi’s roads and tackling traffic congestion in their manifesto, ensuring a better commuting experience for the working population.

Key Decisions Approved in First Cabinet Meeting
During its inaugural Cabinet meeting, the newly formed government approved two significant agendas. The Ayushman Yojana, which had been discontinued under the previous AAP-led government, was reinstated. The scheme, now reintroduced by the Gupta administration, will offer an additional ₹5 lakh in benefits, providing better healthcare access to the citizens of Delhi. Furthermore, the Cabinet passed 14 pending reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which will be presented in the assembly for further deliberation. The government also reviewed the financial assistance program, which provides ₹2,500 to women in Delhi as part of their welfare and empowerment initiatives.

Union Minister of state Shri Harsh Malhotra, BJP President Shri Virendra Sachdeva and BJP National Minister Shrimati Alka Gurjar released the book.

The book is themed on the changing demography of Delhi written by Richa Pandey Mishra, President of Delhi BJP Mahila Morcha.

The book has already appeared in “Amazon Best Seller” category in online sale.

16 September 2024, Delhi

The book “Delhi That Matters” was released today at the Constitution Club in Delhi. The book was released by Central Government Minister of state Mr. Harsh Malhotra, BJP Delhi State President Mr. Virendra Sachdeva and BJP National Minister Mrs. Alka Gurjar.

Through this book, the life of the people who came from UP, Bihar, especially Purvanchal in Delhi and their significant role is discussed.

The book is a combination of short stories and facts and sensitively discusses the burning issues of Delhi like Yamuna river pollution, air pollution, women’s safety.

During the launch of the book, Union Minister Harsh Malhotra said that it is very important to have thoughtful people in politics, he congratulated Richa Pandey Mishra for writing this book.

BJP State President Shri Virendra Sachdeva said that this book talks about such issues which the people of Delhi are facing every day. Virendra Sachdeva ji said that it is a matter of pride for BJP workers to have a deep understanding of such issues.

BJP National Minister Smt. Alka Gurjar also congratulated Richa Pandey Mishra for the simplicity with which serious topics like women’s safety were raised in the book.

The author of the book, Richa Pandey Mishra said that the purpose of this book is to draw attention towards the people of Delhi who are a big and important part of this city but somewhere they have been considered invisible by the policy makers.

The book also contains short stories related to Chhath Puja and Purvanchali folk songs.

Along with many state officials of Delhi BJP, many well-known writers, thinkers and intelligentsia of Delhi were also present in the release program.