MYSURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized that his administration is committed to enhancing the social and economic well-being of the people through welfare initiatives, in line with promises made during the election campaign. He stated, “Fancy words won’t fill people’s stomachs.”
At the inauguration of the Dasara festival, Siddaramaiah recalled the vow he and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar took at the Chamundeshwari Temple to implement five guarantee schemes upon winning the elections. “In just eight months after our victory, we have already rolled out all five schemes,” he announced, as per a release from the Chief Minister’s Office on Thursday.
He explained that these initiatives aim to uplift marginalized groups in society, both socially and economically, as intended by the Constitution. Each beneficiary family is set to receive annual financial support ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 through these guarantee programs, the release indicated.
Under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, 1.21 crore women heads of households are receiving Rs 2,000 monthly, while the Gruha Jyoti scheme offers free electricity to 1.40 crore homes. Additionally, the Yuva Nidhi scheme provides financial aid to 1.82 lakh unemployed graduates and diploma holders, it further specified.
In light of favorable rainfall this year, Siddaramaiah mentioned that he had ordered a grand celebration for the Dasara festival. “Dasara is a festival for everyone, not just officials. I encourage everyone to participate in large numbers,” he urged.
The festival was officially inaugurated by distinguished Kannada and Jain literature scholar Dr. HamPa Nagarajaiah. Siddaramaiah commended his contributions to Kannada literature, describing him as an exceptional writer. “It is fitting that he inaugurated the Dasara celebration,” he noted. Siddaramaiah also appreciated Nagarajaiah’s speech, which denounced attempts to undermine elected governments through undemocratic means, deeming such actions “anti-democratic.” He observed that Nagarajaiah’s emphasis on reinforcing democracy was timely, according to the press release.
Siddaramaiah reiterated that his government was elected with the people’s support, receiving a five-year mandate. “Regardless of the challenges ahead, with the blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari, we will complete our term,” he affirmed. “Truth always prevails,” he expressed confidence that as long as his administration has the people’s support, no one can hinder their progress.
Looking back on his political journey, he noted he had won five times and lost three in his constituency. “Thanks to the grace of Goddess Chamundeshwari and the people’s support, I have become Chief Minister for the second time. I have not committed any mistakes so far; otherwise, I wouldn’t have lasted this long in politics,” he concluded.
