Addressing concerns raised by Opposition leaders about the potential impact of guarantee schemes on the state’s financial stability, MLC Manjunath Bhandary asserted that Karnataka will not face bankruptcy. Speaking at a convention for beneficiaries of guarantee schemes in Mangaluru Taluk at Karavali Utsava grounds on Thursday, Bhandary emphasized that Karnataka ranks second in GST collection and payment to the Union government nationwide.

Bhandary questioned whether Karnataka could secure the second spot in GST payments if guarantee schemes jeopardized the state’s financial stability. He refuted claims that the schemes would lead to bankruptcy, asserting the stable financial condition of the state. Despite skepticism from the Opposition, Bhandary highlighted that Congress has delivered on its promises made during the Assembly polls, with 15% to 18% of the budget allocated to the implementation of guarantee schemes.

MLC K. Harish Kumar, President of Dakshina Kannada Congress Committee, echoed Bhandary’s sentiments, noting that the State government swiftly implemented four of the five guarantees within three months of coming into power. He highlighted the positive impact of schemes like Shakthi and Gruha Lakshmi on women beneficiaries.

Mahesh Kumar, the Executive Officer of Mangaluru Taluk Panchayat, provided statistics on the success of the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, reaching 77,573 women, and Gruha Jyothi, benefiting 1,41,873 houses in the taluk. Additionally, he mentioned that 3,524 individuals have Antyodaya ration cards in the taluk.

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