Making many populist announcements, Karnataka Chief Minister K Siddaramaiah on Wednesday announced state’s budget for the year 2017-18. The budget included many populists sops bringing cheer to the common man of the state. Making the announcement, Siddaramaiah proposed to increase the retirement age of private sector employees from the present 58 years to 60 years. The premium bikes are set to go dearer in Karnataka as government has increased the Motor vehicle tax on two wheeler priced above Rs 1 lakh by 6% to 18%.  The CM has proposed a capping of admission fee at cinema theatres and multiplexes at Rs 200. With this, the CM has also brought-in a condition that cinema theaters will have to exhibit Kannada and regional language films in one of their screens between 1.30 pm and 7.30 pm.

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To bring ease in commutation, Government has announced an addition of 3000 new buses during 2017-18 capital city of Bengaluru. The city will also have 150 electric buses. The value-added tax (VAT) on liquor will be removed from April 1. This includes beer, fenny, liqueur and wine. As per the budget, administrative fee of Rs 2 per litre on export and Re 1 per litre on spirit (excluding ethanol) is set to be withdrawn.

The CM also announced allotment and construction of 3000 new flats announced. The sops also included free LPG service for 5 lakh families. Going Amma way, the government allocated Rs 100 crores for Namma Canteens which will provide breakfast for Rs.5, lunch/dinner for Rs.10. Karnataka government also proposed to set up a Centre of Excellence in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security Centre.

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The Centre is being set up keeping in mind emerging technologies and to create necessary technical resource and skill development, in collaboration with entrepreneurs to give thrust to capacity building, he said.  Unveiling the budgetary proposals in the Assembly, Siddaramaiah announced a total allocation of Rs 299 crore to IT, BT and Science and Technology Department.

Further inputs awaited