Mangaluru: Legislative Council MLA Ivan D’Souza on Friday strongly defended the state government’s Pancha Guarantee scheme, claiming it has significantly improved citizens’ livelihoods.
“After the implementation of Pancha Guarantee, the per capita income in Karnataka rose by ₹2,04,605. This isn’t my statement — it was officially recorded by the Union Finance Minister in the Lok Sabha,” D’Souza stated during a press interaction.
He questioned the basis of opposition criticisms:
“Where is the question of people being ruined? Why are leaders like Narayanaswamy, R. Ashok, and others remaining silent now? If the scheme has positively impacted income levels, why deny its success?”
D’Souza further argued that Karnataka has now become a model for the rest of the country, thanks to these welfare guarantees.
Congress leader Prakash Salian and several other party members were present at the press meet.