HUBBALLI, 1 SEPT

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, has condemned the Siddaramaiah-led State government for its decision to double property registration fees. Speaking to reporters, Joshi described the increased registration charge as "highly condemnable" and called for its immediate withdrawal.

"They have increased the registration charge for properties... In the last two years, they have also raised VAT on petrol and diesel twice," Joshi stated. He highlighted that the government has previously increased fees for vehicle registration, birth and death certificates, among other charges. 

Joshi further asserted that while the central government is providing 5kg of rice per person monthly under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, the Siddaramaiah government wrongfully claims it as part of their Anna Bhagya scheme. 

He added, "Corruption has increased in the Tehsildar office, Sub-registrar office, RTO office, police station, and sales tax office. It is so rampant that you can't even imagine." 

The rise in registration fees comes amidst the government's reported borrowing of nearly Rs 63,000 crore to fund various guarantee schemes.