Bengaluru: In his 78th Independence Day address at the state-level celebrations in Bengaluru, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lauded the productive classes for their role in nation-building and the armed forces for their service in national defence. Expressing concern over the unequal distribution of wealth in India, he praised his government’s guarantee schemes for reducing inequality and improving livelihoods.
CM Siddaramaiah highlighted women’s increasing participation in the state’s economy, crediting initiatives such as Shakti, Gruha Lakshmi, Anna Bhagya, Gruha Jyothi, and Yuva Nidhi for boosting per-capita income and enhancing women’s role in the workforce. He positioned these welfare programs as part of the Basavanna-inspired welfare state vision and the Karnataka Development Model, which has earned praise from global leaders, including the UN.
The Chief Minister reported that Karnataka now ranks first in per-capita income with a 101% growth in the last decade, spending over ₹96,000 crore on guarantees and ₹1.12 lakh crore on welfare, subsidies, pensions, and scholarships. He stressed the importance of economic democracy alongside political democracy, citing B.R. Ambedkar’s call for equality as a pillar of true freedom.
In agriculture, Siddaramaiah detailed record procurement through strengthened APMCs, support prices for crops like mango and copra, and ₹51,339 crore allocated in the 2025-26 budget for the sector. He also announced renewable energy achievements, with Karnataka generating 24,000 MW from wind, solar, and hydel sources.
Urban development plans include massive infrastructure projects worth over ₹1.35 lakh crore in Bengaluru, a statewide digital e-khata property system, and resolution of the long-pending B-khata issue. Education reforms involve upgrading residential schools, opening 500 new Karnataka Public Schools, and introducing skill-based programs for youth.
The CM pledged continued investment in healthcare, with super-specialty hospitals, expanded cancer care, and maternal health programs reducing mortality rates. He also announced major industrial investment commitments worth over ₹6.23 lakh crore from Invest Karnataka 2025, expected to create over 6 lakh jobs.
Concluding his address, Siddaramaiah urged citizens to preserve Karnataka’s harmony, uphold the Constitution, and commit to building a prosperous and inclusive state that contributes to a stronger India.
