Kharge Calls for Fair Tax Distribution for Karnataka
By : Gururaj A Paniyadi
Update: 2024-11-01 17:10 GMT
Kalaburagi: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has called for a movement to demand fair tax distribution for the state’s prosperity.
He was speaking at the Karnataka Rajyotsava celebration in Kalaburagi on Friday.
“The central government has shown a biased approach by not fairly sharing tax revenues for the state’s comprehensive development, making it necessary for us to fight for our rightful share from the taxes we contribute,” he said.
Giving example Kharge said, "Under the 11th Finance Commission, Karnataka used to receive Rs 21.10 for every Rs 100 it contributed as tax to the center. However, under the 15th Finance Commission, the state now receives only Rs 15.08 per Rs 100 contributed, resulting in a 5.3 percent reduction," he said.
Kharge explained that this amounts to an annual loss of around Rs 78,000 crores, which could otherwise be used to develop infrastructure and generate jobs.
“If Uttar Pradesh contributes Rs 100 in taxes to the central government, it receives Rs 333 in return, Madhya Pradesh receives Rs 297, Bihar Rs 927, and Odisha Rs 187 for every Rs 100 contributed. However, Karnataka receives only Rs 12 per Rs 100. Voices must be raised against it. To honor the great individuals who worked for the unification of Karnataka, we must start a movement against this tax injustice for the state’s progress. Today, if India is the third-largest economy, there is a great chunk of contribution from the Kannadigas,” he said.
Kharge highlighted Karnataka’s legacy of movements, dating back to the Vachana Movement of the 12th century, as well as the Bhakti movement, freedom struggle, Karnataka Unification movement, Gokak agitation, Appiko movement, Dalit movement, and the 371J movement.
“To drive our state’s development, we must fight for our rightful share of taxes owed by the central government. As Basavanna said, there must be equality for all (Sarvarigu Samabalu, Sarvarigu Samapalu). The central government should provide us with our due share. People should raise their voices,” he urged.
He emphasized that Karnataka, with its rich history, exemplifies unity in diversity.
“Known globally for its art, literature, language, and cuisine, Karnataka has significantly contributed to the country's growth. The state ranks second in GST collection, is considered the nation’s innovation capital, and receives 32 percent of FDI investment. It holds a major share in IT and silk exports and ranks fourth in startup establishment,” he said.
Kharge expressed concerns over ongoing discussions about constituency delimitation based on population in the country.
"This proposed delimitation would increase the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 846 and would grant North India 294 additional seats, while South India would only gain 23, thus reducing our voice in Delhi," he said.
This reorganization, he argued, would be unfair to progressive states like Karnataka that control population growth while focusing on development. He called for a movement against this potential reorganization, from villages to Delhi.
"Delimitation would mean the number of MP seats in Andhra Pradesh would drop from 25 to 20 seats, Tamil Nadu from 39 to 30, Karnataka from 28 to 24, and Telangana from 17 to 15. Meanwhile, North Indian states would gain seats due to higher population, which would be unfair to progressive states like Karnataka," he added.
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