DKS’ mega bet: To make state $1 tn economy by 2037

Bengaluru: Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday announced a “mega pledge” for 2037 that includes making Karnataka a $1 trillion economy, reducing malnutrition levels to under 5% and ensuring zero school dropouts.The Nava Sankalpa (nine resolves) unveiled by Shivakumar include — a new health insurance scheme, attracting Rs 3 lakh crore in new investments, five new major cities to power growth beyond Bengaluru, capital investment of Rs 1.5 lakh crore in the next 500 days, one lakh recruitment for government posts and 5 lakh jobs in the private sector.“We have taken a mega pledge to take Karnataka’s economy to $1 trillion, reduce malnutrition to under 5%, ensure zero school dropouts and eradicate poverty. Some journalists asked if all of this was possible. I am taking it up only because I can do it. Critics said the five guarantees could not be implemented, but we have proven them wrong,” the CM said.CM Shivakumar unveils upgraded BMTC app; now book bus & metro tickets in one go DKS@100 | ‘BJP padayatra a gimmick; no need to pay heed to it’: Siddaramaiah says Shivakumar-led govt proceeding on the right pathSpeaking at the ‘Drudha Karnatakada Sankalpa’ event to mark the completion of 100 days of government, Shivakumar pointed out that Rs 2.53 lakh crore had been invested in the state over the last three years.“The state is second in the country in attracting foreign investment. We can generate 6 lakh jobs. Karnataka’s gross state domestic product (GSDP) has risen to Rs 32.81 lakh crore, registering a growth of 8.1%. The growth rate is higher than the national rate,” Shivakumar said.Highlighting initiatives in the health sector, Shivakumar noted that tele-ICUs are being established in all taluks.“We are undertaking initiatives like ‘Nasha Mukt Karnataka,’ ‘Operation Rise’ and ‘Beda bro’ and ‘Arogya Spandana’ programmes. HK Patil has created a concept of ‘Mukthi Vana’ for crematoriums in his constituency.Along the same lines, we have decided to develop 1,000 crematoriums,” the CM added.He also announced social justice programmes that include free houses and sites for the SC and ST communities.“We are providing 5 lakh sites to families in rural areas that do not have sites, improving the quality of roads, drainage and street lamps. We will also provide 50,000 jobs to youth from the backward communities, minorities, SCs and STs and will provide entrepreneurial and skill training to youth from the minority communities.”The chief minister said a “powerful Karnataka” would be built by emphasising on education, health, water security, economic might, Bengaluru development, regional parity, social justice, capital investment, among other things.

Source: Deccan Herald