The Congress government in Karnataka is set to mark its two-year anniversary in power in the coming months. During this time, it has launched various welfare initiatives—including Gruha Lakshmi, Shakti, Gruha Jyothi, Anna Bhagya, and Yuva Nidhi—aimed at providing beneficiary families with direct and indirect financial support ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 monthly. However, the implementation of several tax increases since the administration took office has led to rising concerns about the financial implications for residents.
Financial Strain
Below is a summary of the recent tax hikes introduced by the government:
| Category | Increase (%) |
|---|---|
| Power | 36 paise |
| Metro Fees | 45-50% |
| Bus Fares | 15% |
| Sales Tax on Petrol | 3.92% |
| Sales Tax on Diesel | 10%-15% |
| Medical Service Fees | 4.10% |
| Stamp Duty and Registration Fees | 13-47% |
| Excise Duty on Liquor (All Brands) | 20% |
| Beer Duty | 10% |
| State University Fees | 10% Annual Increase |
This array of tax hikes, alongside welfare schemes, presents a mixed picture of the government’s fiscal policies and their impact on everyday citizens.
