New Delhi: Speaks on fiscal discipline, tax reforms, defence allocation and veterans’ welfare; flags Karnataka delays in Jal Jeevan Mission and PMAY; raises coastal erosion, Konkan Railway and logistics issues of Dakshina Kannada
New Delhi, March 24: Participating in the discussion on the Finance Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Captain Brijesh Chowta expressed support for the Bill and spoke on issues relating to fiscal discipline, tax reforms, national security, cooperative federalism, veterans’ welfare and key development priorities concerning Dakshina Kannada and the coastal region.
Speaking during the debate, Captain Chowta noted that GST reforms have strengthened the formalisation of the economy, reduced taxes on several daily-use items and made insurance more affordable for ordinary families. He also welcomed the new Income Tax framework, which aims to simplify taxation, improve compliance and provide greater clarity and predictability for taxpayers.
Speaking as a military veteran, Captain Chowta emphasised that a Budget is not merely an economic document but also a national security document. He stated that a strong economy and sound public finances are essential for defence preparedness, modernisation of the armed forces and support for veterans. He welcomed the increased defence allocation in the Budget and the continued push for domestic defence manufacturing.
He also requested the Hon’ble Finance Minister to consider extending disability pension benefits to those armed forces personnel who suffer severe service-related disabilities but continue to serve till superannuation out of duty and discipline, noting that their sacrifice and injury remain equally significant.
On the issue of cooperative federalism, Captain Chowta highlighted that timely implementation by State Governments is essential for central schemes to benefit citizens. He pointed out that in Karnataka, delays in implementation and coordination in schemes such as Jal Jeevan Mission and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana have resulted in funds remaining unutilised and beneficiaries, especially poor families, continuing to wait for basic facilities such as tap water and housing.
Captain Chowta also raised several development priorities concerning Dakshina Kannada district. These included the urgent need for a comprehensive coastal protection plan to address severe coastal erosion in vulnerable areas such as the Ullal–Someshwara belt; the need to improve port connectivity and reduce logistics bottlenecks in and around New Mangalore Port; the need for greater investment in fisheries and blue economy infrastructure; the case for developing Mangaluru as a City Economic Region; and the need for a structural solution for the Konkan Railway, including the merger of Konkan Railway with Indian Railways, to enable faster capacity expansion and modernisation.
Captain Chowta concluded by stating that the Hon’ble Prime Minister has given India direction and the Hon’ble Finance Minister has given that direction fiscal shape, and that it is now the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of growth reach every citizen.
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