Bengaluru/Kalaburagi, July 7 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday hailed the state for crossing the World Bank’s ‘Upper Middle-Income threshold’, describing it as a significant milestone that reaffirms its position among India’s leading states.

In a statement, the Chief Minister said the achievement reflects the collective efforts of the state’s entrepreneurs, farmers, workers, women, and youth, whose contributions have driven Karnataka’s economic growth.

“This is a proud moment for every Kannadiga and a testament to the hard work, innovation and resilience of our entrepreneurs, farmers, workers, women and youth,” Shivakumar said.

The Chief Minister also defended the Congress government’s Five Guarantee Schemes, asserting that they have played a key role in promoting inclusive growth and strengthening the state’s economy.

“Our Five Guarantee Schemes were never just welfare programmes; they are investments in people. By strengthening household incomes, securing livelihoods, and expanding opportunities, we are proving that inclusive growth is the strongest foundation for sustained economic progress,” he said.

Emphasising Karnataka’s economic trajectory, Shivakumar said the state has consistently demonstrated that broad-based prosperity translates into stronger economic performance.

“Karnataka has always shown that when our people prosper, the economy prospers,” he said.

Looking ahead, the Chief Minister said the government’s priority is to build on the achievement by creating more employment and economic opportunities while ensuring that the benefits of development reach every household.

“As we celebrate this milestone, our focus remains firmly on the future—to make Karnataka India’s number one state by creating more opportunities, empowering every family and ensuring the benefits of growth reach every home,” Shivakumar added.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, Shivakumar on Tuesday said the state government is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the drought situation in the Kalyana Karnataka region and assured that relief and compensation would be provided to eligible beneficiaries after due verification.

The Chief Minister said he had visited the region to assess the ground situation and interact with people and their elected representatives.

“I have come here to assess the drought situation in the Kalyana Karnataka region. I am meeting the people and their representatives, and I will be holding a series of meetings during my visit,” Shivakumar said.

He added that he would also visit Belagavi in the next two to three days to review the situation there.

The Chief Minister said the government would assess conditions in rural areas before taking a decision on announcing any relief package.

“There is a legal framework for declaring an area drought-affected for the purpose of releasing relief packages. We will assess the situation in rural areas and take appropriate decisions in accordance with the law,” he said.

Shivakumar said the government had received several representations from people in Bidar and other parts of the Kalyana Karnataka region seeking assistance.

“People from Bidar and other regions have submitted representations to the government. Keeping the interests of the people in mind, we have established the Praja Seva Department (Public Service Department) and created a separate ministry to address public grievances more effectively,” he said.

Assuring timely action, the Chief Minister said all petitions would be examined thoroughly before extending relief.

“Every representation submitted by the people will be verified. Wherever relief or compensation is warranted, justice will be ensured. Our government is committed to providing all necessary assistance to those who are genuinely affected,” Shivakumar added.

–IANS

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