Karnataka Govt nears two years: Schemes multiply, so do taxes

The Karnataka Congress government will complete two years in power in two months. Over this period, it has rolled out a series of welfare schemes—including Gruha Lakshmi, Shakti, Gruha Jyothi, Anna Bhagya, and Yuva Nidhi—providing direct and indirect benefits worth ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 per month to beneficiary families. However, the government has also introduced multiple tax hikes since taking office, raising concerns about the financial burden on citizens.

Hole in the pocket

Category	Increase by
Power	36 paise
Metro	45-50%
Bus	15%
Sales tax on petrol	3.92%
Sales tax on diesal	10%-15%
Medical service fees	4.10%
Stamp duty and registration fee	13-47%
Excise duty on MRP of all brands of liquor	20%
Beer duty	10%
State-run universities	10% annual hike