CM Siddaramaiah to conduct budget workshop for MLAs on March 9: Speaker U.T. Khader

CM Siddaramaiah to conduct budget workshop for MLAs on March 9: Speaker U.T. Khader

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 7, 2026: A workshop for MLAs on the State Budget will be held on March 9 at 4 pm at the Lalit Ashok Hall, said Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader. The workshop will focus on the importance of the budget session, revenue collection, economic management, classification and allocation of grants, and their utilisation.

Speaking to reporters at the Circuit House in the city on Saturday, Khader said the workshop will be conducted by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

He said Siddaramaiah, who has presented the budget for the 17th time in the country, is among the most knowledgeable leaders when it comes to financial management and the budget process. The Chief Minister will provide detailed information, and MLAs can clarify any doubts or queries during the workshop. Khader clarified that the session is not meant for discussing the budget speech. Instead, it aims to help legislators understand financial management and allocation of funds, noting that many of today’s MLAs could become finance ministers in the future. He added that this is the first time such a workshop is being organised and all MLAs have been asked to attend.

Responding to a question on whether the workshop would address allegations by some MLAs that they were not receiving adequate grants, Khader said he would not comment on the issue. However, he noted that he often sees MLAs inaugurating or laying foundation stones for projects reported in the media, though he is not aware under which grants those works are being carried out. As Speaker, he said, he would not respond to differing opinions.

On criticism that the budget had been presented by borrowing heavily, Khader said criticism is the beauty of democracy. From Gram Panchayats to Parliament, criticism is natural, he said, adding that the month-long Assembly session would provide an opportunity for detailed discussion.

Khader also said that after the delimitation of the Ullal Assembly constituency, there has been a demand for a new police station to serve areas such as Sajip, Ira, Chelur and Kurnadu in Bantwal taluk. He noted that police stations are required not only to handle law and order issues but also for services such as passport verification.

Regarding development works, he said about ₹10 crore has already been spent on the riverbank road project from Kallapu to Sajip along the Netravati old river course, and an additional ₹50 crore has been sanctioned. A Shramik School has also been approved for Ullal.

He said the state government has sanctioned 10 Skill Development Centres at a cost of ₹60 crore each, and a demand has been made to allocate one for the district. If suitable land is available, the centre can be established here, which would benefit local youth. Khader pointed out that there is often a gap between academic learning and practical employment skills. While around 30–40% of engineering graduates remain unemployed, only about 10% of ITI graduates face the same situation. Hence, practical training through skill development centres is essential.

On the criticism that the coastal region has not received adequate allocations, Khader said the matter can be discussed during the Assembly session, and there may be scope to address it in the supplementary budget.

Responding to a question on the demand to establish branches of Jayadeva and Kidwai hospitals in Mangaluru, Khader said the demand had been raised but was not included in the budget. He added that the concerned ministers would be approached on the matter.

Regarding the proposed Puttur Medical College, he said it had been announced in the previous budget, and the current budget has approved a 300-bed hospital for the project. The concerned department will prepare the plan and submit the financial proposal to the Finance Department, after which the process will begin once approval is granted. He noted that the local MLA has made significant efforts in this regard and that they support the initiative.

On reports of difficulties faced by people who have travelled to Gulf countries, Khader said many are facing problems. Coordination between the Central and State governments is being arranged to address the situation. At the district level, relatives have also been asked to share information through an online system so that the data can be compiled and appropriate action taken.