Sat Mar 08 13:44:51 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Budget Criticized for Ignoring Farmers, Workers

**Mysuru, March 8, 2025** – The Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) (SUCI(C)) has sharply criticized Karnataka’s ₹4 lakh crore budget for fiscal year 2025-26, calling it a conventional document that fails to address the needs of farmers and workers.

SUCI(C) district secretary B. Ravi stated that the budget prioritizes industry at the expense of workers’ rights, citing proposed amendments to drop criminal cases against employers violating labor laws. He also expressed alarm over the government’s plans to secure loans of ₹2,500 crore from the Asian Development Bank and additional funds from the World Bank for education reforms.

Ravi highlighted that nearly ₹1 lakh crore of the budget is allocated for debt repayment, while the government has neglected proposals to tax the ultra-rich to fund social welfare programs. He criticized the allocation of ₹51,000 crore for guarantee schemes alongside a ₹40,000 crore target for the Excise Department, arguing that the budget lacks sufficient measures for job creation. The Yuva Nidhi scheme, according to the SUCI(C), is insufficient to address unemployment.

While acknowledging increases in honorariums for Anganwadi workers, mid-day meal cooks, and guest teachers, the SUCI(C) deemed them unsatisfactory, particularly citing the lack of clarity surrounding a ₹1,000 increase for ASHA workers. The party concluded that the budget lacks significant features and fails to meet the expectations of the state’s populace.

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