KSRTC Diesel Shortage is Temporary, No Schemes Halted: Dy CM
Karnataka Deputy CM G Parameshwara clarifies that the KSRTC diesel shortage is temporary and insists no government schemes have been halted.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara has addressed the recent concerns regarding fuel supplies for the state's transport network, clarifying that the KSRTC diesel shortage is merely a temporary situation. Speaking in Koppal district, the Deputy CM reassured the public that the state government has not discontinued any of its welfare or guarantee schemes despite the current logistical challenges.
Financial Discipline and Guarantee Schemes
Addressing the state's economic health, Parameshwara emphasized that the government has maintained strict financial discipline. He highlighted that the administration has been allocating approximately Rs 52,000 crore annually over the last three years to support various initiatives.
“We know how to run the government. If we had a problem, we could have stopped some guarantee. But we have been giving Rs 52,000 crore for three years. There is discipline in our government’s financial system,” Parameshwara stated. He further defended the fiscal management of the state, noting that former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s long tenure in presenting budgets had instilled a sense of order within the Finance Department.
Managing State Finances and Loans
While acknowledging that other states are currently grappling with significant financial hurdles, the Deputy CM maintained that Karnataka is managing its resources effectively. He offered a proactive stance on future fiscal needs, stating:
- The government is prepared to take loans to manage finances if the situation necessitates it.
- The administration will prioritize running the government and fulfilling promises even through borrowing.
- He dismissed the idea of a financial crisis, questioning, “There is no shortage of money; if there was a shortage, would guarantee schemes continue?”
Regarding the specific issue of fuel for public transport, he noted that while some processes might face minor delays, the government is working to balance the situation and move forward without stopping essential services.
Response to Sting Operation Warnings
In a separate development, Parameshwara commented on the Chief Minister's recent warnings to ministers regarding potential sting operations. He suggested that these warnings were likely a precautionary measure based on intelligence inputs.
“When intelligence information came to the CM, he has given a warning to whoever needs to be warned. Information might have come that some sting agencies are doing stings. For that reason, he has told ministers to be careful and cautious,” he explained, adding that such actions could potentially be part of a conspiracy against the sitting government.