Horatti urges Karnataka govt. to reconsider proposed hike in milk prices, bus fares

MLC and former Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council Basavaraj Horatti has urged the State government to reconsider the proposed hike in Nandini milk prices and bus fares, citing the financial difficulties faced by farmers, labourers and low-income households amid drought conditions.

In separate letters to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, Mr. Horatti said the proposed increase in the prices of essential services would add to the burden on people already struggling with rising prices and the impact of drought.

He referred to reports of a proposal to increase Nandini milk prices by ₹8 a litre and raise bus fares by 20% to 40% to offset losses incurred by State transport corporations. He urged the government to either withdraw the proposed hikes or restrict them to the minimum possible level.

“Milk and public transport are essential for every poor and middle-class household,” Mr. Horatti said, adding that a steep increase in their prices would further strain household budgets.

He also called for the revival of closed or non-functional Indira Canteens across the State. The canteens should be strengthened and made operational on a priority basis so that quality breakfast and meals could continue to be provided to the poor at ₹5 and ₹10 respectively, he said.

Mr. Horatti said the situation had become particularly difficult for agricultural labourers and daily-wage workers, who were migrating to urban areas in search of employment following crop losses and a shortage of drinking water and fodder in rural areas.

He suggested that the government consider restricting its guarantee schemes to eligible poor beneficiaries instead of extending benefits universally, excluding financially well-off sections. The savings, he said, could be utilised for drought-relief measures, subsidies for farmers and strengthening the Indira Canteen network.

Mr. Horatti said protecting the interests of ordinary people and ensuring food security for the working class should be among the government’s priorities during the drought. He urged the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to strengthen existing Indira Canteens and provide relief to vulnerable sections.