Chief Minister Siddharamaiah is said to have told his Ministerial colleagues to aggressively market the programmes, schemes and initiatives launched by the State Government during the last four years.

At a Council of Ministers meeting convened on Monday to discuss Budget proposals for 2017-18, Siddharamaiah is learnt to have exhorted the need to connect with the people.

Siddharamaiah, who also holds the Finance portfolio, will present his 12th Budget (A record in the State) on Mar. 15 and it is largely expected to be a populist one. The 2017-18 Budget is estimated to be  around Rs. 1. 9 lakh crore.

Although the CM did not drop any indications on what proposals will make their way into the final Budget document, he is expected to announce some succour to farmers, provide more grains under ‘Anna Bhagya’ schemes, freebies to BPL families and also focus on youth.

The meeting also dwelt on the impact of demonetisation on the  State’s resources, with the shortfall of collections in the Stamps and Registration Department estimated at around Rs. 1,300 crore. During the past few days, Siddharamaiah has been holding Department-wise pre-Budget meetings.

CM to launch web-based platform: In an effort to sell Government schemes, the CM will launch ‘Prathibimba,’ a web-based platform showcasing the State Government’s achievements today. Developed as the CM’s Dash-board, ‘Pratibimba’ will highlight the progress made by Departments across flagship schemes, key programmes and projects in Karnataka — http:pratibimba.karnataka.gov.in