WHY KARNATAKA NEEDS CLEAR ANSWERS ON ITS FINANCES

 For several months now, people in Karnataka have been hearing conflicting claims about the State’s finances. The State government says the Union government is not releasing Karnataka’s rightful share of central funds. The Union government replies that it has paid everything due under Finance Commission rules and that the State’s problems are of its own making. In between these claims are CAG reports pointing to misuse and poor management of public money.

For ordinary citizens, this situation is deeply confusing. Roads are unfinished, development works are slowing, contractors complain of delays, and yet the political arguments only grow louder. People are left asking a simple question: who is telling the truth?

Unfortunately, political debate has not provided an answer. Each side presents figures that suit its case, while uncomfortable facts are either denied or ignored. Allegations about expensive guarantee schemes, diversion of funds, and audit objections further muddy the waters. In such a climate, public trust inevitably suffers.

This is why Karnataka now needs clarity, not confrontation.

A sensible and responsible step would be for the State government to appoint an independent group of financial experts and ask them to examine the full picture. This group should include experienced economists, former Finance Commission or RBI officials, and retired audit professionals who have no political affiliations. Their findings should be placed before the public in the form of a White Paper.

Such a White Paper should answer some basic but crucial questions. How much money is Karnataka legally entitled to from the Centre? How much has it actually received? What is the real cost of the government’s guarantee schemes, and can the State afford them in the long run? Are funds meant for specific purposes being properly used? How serious are the audit objections, and what corrective steps have been taken?

Clear answers to these questions would help everyone—citizens, investors, and even the Union government—understand the real situation. If the State has been treated unfairly, transparency will strengthen its case. If financial mistakes have been made, honesty will allow timely correction.

In a democracy, public money belongs to the people. When doubts arise about how it is received or spent, the best response is openness. An independent White Paper would not show weakness. It would show responsibility—and respect for the people of Karnataka.