Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Urges MPs to Push Centre for Pending ₹4,195 Crore in Fund Releases
State-Level DISHA Committee Meeting Reviews Delays in Centrally Sponsored Schemes
Bengaluru, May 14 — Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called upon the state’s Members of Parliament (MPs) and Rajya Sabha members to pressure the Central government to release pending funds worth ₹4,195 crore for key centrally sponsored schemes (CSS). The appeal was made during a state-level DISHA committee meeting chaired by the CM on Tuesday.
Despite repeated appeals to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Centre has yet to disburse its share of funds for multiple welfare and infrastructure projects, Siddaramaiah revealed.
Delays Hamper Progress of Centrally Funded Projects
The DISHA (District Development Coordination and Monitoring) committee reviewed the progress of 67 CSS initiatives, which operate on fund-sharing ratios such as 50:50, 60:40, or 70:30 between the Centre and the state. Karnataka has allocated ₹46,859 crore for CSS projects in 2024–25, with the state contributing ₹24,960 crore and the Centre expected to provide ₹22,758 crore. However, only ₹18,561 crore has been released by the Centre so far, leaving a deficit of ₹4,195 crore.
“Central delays are affecting project implementation,” Siddaramaiah stated. “While Karnataka has spent 83% of its allocated share, the Centre’s tardiness is creating bottlenecks.”
Push for Full Utilization of Funds
Officials highlighted systemic hurdles, including delayed fund transfers, prompting the CM to direct departments to ensure 100% utilization of allocated funds starting in the 2025–26 fiscal year. The committee also urged the Centre to adhere to stipulated timelines for disbursements.
When questioned whether the BJP-led Central government was engaging in “vendetta politics” by withholding funds, Siddaramaiah responded: “The Centre is obligated to release its share for CSS projects. We have formally written to them, and our MPs must now escalate the matter.”
Broader Implications
The funding shortfall risks delaying critical schemes in healthcare, rural development, and education. Karnataka’s appeal underscores growing tensions between opposition-ruled states and the Centre over fiscal allocations—a recurring issue in federal fiscal relations.
With the state preparing its next budget, the release of pending funds remains pivotal to avoid disruptions in ongoing projects. The DISHA committee’s findings are expected to intensify pressure on Karnataka’s parliamentary representatives to lobby for faster clearances.
—Reported by [Your Publication’s Name]
Key Takeaways:
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Karnataka awaits ₹4,195 crore from the Centre for 67 centrally sponsored schemes.
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CM Siddaramaiah directs officials to ensure full fund utilization by 2025–26.
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Delays spark accusations of political bias, though the state has formally sought resolutions.
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MPs urged to intervene as stalled funds could impact key welfare programs.
