‘The Budget session has ended on a productive note with a history making bill that is now a law.
As a first time MP, it is greatly motivating to see how our govt committed to making change happen, has sat and discussed into wee hours of the morning & ensured it does,” said Captain Brijesh Chowta, summarising the recently concluded budget session 2025, at the Samsadarondige Samsat Samvada, held today.
‘The second leg of the Budget Session 2025 concluded with a strong reaffirmation of the Government’s vision for a Viksit Bharat, guided by the transformative leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’, he added.
Speaking about both the phases of the budget session, Captain Brijesh Chowta shared the list of key issues pertaining to the constituency that he pursued with respective ministries & through the parliament during this session, pushing for critical development interventions, and much needed legislative reforms.
First Half Of Budget Session
During the first half of the Budget Session, held between January 31 and February 13, Captain Brijesh Chowta actively participated in parliamentary proceedings to spotlight the needs of Dakshina Kannada.
With a forward-looking Union Budget that empowers the youth, strengthens infrastructure, and uplifts every corner of the nation, the session laid the groundwork for an era of inclusive and aspirational growth.
He raised critical constituency issues spanning tourism, agriculture, civil aviation, port development, healthcare, and employment.
1. Boosting Tourism and Cultural Heritage:
Captain Chowta sought clarity on the status of proposals submitted under the PRASAD scheme for the development of Mahalingeshwara Temple in Puttur, Thodikana Temple, and Sahasra Lingeshwara. He further recommended that digital showcasing initiatives be incorporated under PRASAD and Swadesh Darshan schemes to amplify the reach and appeal of these sites.
2. Agriculture, Commerce and Farmer Welfare:
Recognizing the importance of diversifying agricultural opportunities in Dakshina Kannada, he advocated for coffee cultivation as a sustainable alternative crop and requested the establishment of a Coffee Board satellite office in Mangalore. He also raised the issue of price pressures faced by areca nut farmers and called for central support to protect farmer incomes. He followed up by meeting the Hon’ble Minister for Commerce and Industry, Sri Piyush Goyal to seek his support in this matter. The Minister assured the ministry’s support and that necessary steps would be taken.
3. Improving Connectivity and Port Infrastructure:
He questioned the delay in including New Mangalore Port under the Scheme of Assistance to Central Agencies and urged the Centre to grant Point of Call status to Mangalore International Airport to enhance regional air connectivity.
4. Strengthening Healthcare and Skilling:
Highlighting the shortage of nurses at Wenlock Hospital, he called attention to this issue under Rule 377 and proposed a policy intervention to mandate government hospital internships for final-year nursing students. This, he said, would help bridge workforce gaps in public healthcare systems. He followed up on this issue by meeting the DG ESIC, Sri Ashok Kumar Singh who assured that necessary steps would be taken to resolve the issue.
5. Railways and Transport Access:
Captain Chowta met the Chairman of the Railway Board, Sri Satish Kumar, to discuss the extension of the Kabaka–Puttur passenger train to Subramanya and requested operational upgrades to ensure improved last-mile rail connectivity for rural communities. He had earlier met the Minister of Railways, Sri Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Railways, Sri Somanna to request for expediting this extension. During the break of the budget session, the ministry approved the extension and fulfilled a much sought request of the people of Dakshina Kannada.
6. Ministerial Engagements and Policy Advocacy:
Beyond floor interventions, Captain Chowta held strategic meetings with the Union Ministers of Commerce and Petroleum, as well as top railway officials. He advocated for infrastructure support to ESIC Hospital in Mangalore and participated in the Standing Committee on Energy’s discussions on the need for a new National Electricity Policy, reiterating his commitment to both constituency development and national policy reform.
Second Half Of Budget Session
The second leg of the 2025 Budget Session of Parliament concluded with the passage of several landmark legislations and critical financial approvals, marking the culmination of the Union Budget process. Under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the WAQF Amendment Bill 2025 (UMEED Bill) was passed by both Houses of Parliament and received the assent of the Hon’ble President of Bharat. Hon’ble Home Minister, Sri Amit Shah, during the debate on the Waqf bill in parliament, cited Anwar Manipaddy’s report, which detailed the alleged Waqf scam. Captain had earlier sought a CBI investigation into the findings of the same Anwar Manipaddy’s report in November 2024.
The session also witnessed the passage of key legislations such as the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, and the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill — all focused on reforming governance, strengthening national security, and enhancing institutional efficiency.
Captain Brijesh Chowta, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Dakshina Kannada, played an active role throughout the session — championing the interests of his constituency, pushing for critical development interventions, and contributing to landmark legislative reforms. His consistent efforts reflect a deep commitment to Modiji’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas — ensuring that the aspirations of Dakshina Kannada are aligned with the rise of a new India.
1. Aviation Infrastructure for Dakshina Kannada
Captain Chowta highlighted the urgent issue of land acquisition required for the expansion of Mangalore International Airport, vital for ensuring safety standards and enhancing cargo handling capacity. During the Winter Session, he had met Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu and Civil Aviation Secretary Shri Vualnam, seeking their intervention. In the current session, he raised the issue again during Zero Hour in Parliament and followed it up with another meeting with the Minister on the concluding day of the session. The Minister assured that the matter had been acted upon and that the relevant order would be released shortly.
2. Road Connectivity and Highway Projects
Captain Chowta met with Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, to seek personal intervention on long-pending road infrastructure issues in Dakshina Kannada, particularly the Mangaluru–Bengaluru connectivity and the crucial Shiradi Ghat Bypass. The Minister had earlier cited pending forest and revenue clearances from the state government as key hurdles in the project’s progress.
"In the backdrop of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah, having met the Union Minister and discussed the Shiradi Ghat stretch, I urge upon him to expedite the clearance process so that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) can move ahead without delay. I reiterate through the press once again to the Hon’ble Chief Minister — fast-tracking this project will not only bring Mangaluru and Bengaluru closer but also unlock the immense economic potential of the coastal region” Captain Chowta stated.
Additionally, Captain Chowta requested the facilitation of two vital spur roads: the NH 75–NH 275 link (Periyashanthi to Paichur) and the NH 73–NH 169 link (Guruvayanakere to Bajagoli).
3. Cultural Heritage and Tourism Development
Recognizing the rich cultural heritage of Dakshina Kannada, Captain Chowta met Hon’ble Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and requested approval for various temple development proposals under the PRASAD and SASCI schemes. He had earlier raised the issue during the Winter Session and held several meetings with the Minister. The Minister assured that these proposals would be prioritized during the approval process.
4. Railway Administration and Development
Speaking during the Demand for Grants for Railways, Captain Chowta praised the transformational progress of Indian Railways over the past decade. He emphasized the need to integrate Dakshina Kannada into this growth trajectory and raised three key issues:
a. The merger of Konkan Railways and Hassan–Mangaluru Rail Development Company (HMRDC) with Indian Railways.
b. Reorganization of Mangaluru’s railway administration on a priority basis.
Parliamentary Questions and Policy Engagements
During Question Hour, Captain Chowta raised several important issues, including:
The proposed merger of NMDC and KIOCL.
Promotion of green finance.
Sector-specific skill development for Mangaluru’s youth.
Development of climate-resilient coastal villages.
Coastal erosion and mangrove loss.
Urban water transport systems.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) worker welfare.
On the NMDC–KIOCL merger, Captain Chowta had earlier met Hon’ble Minister of Steel Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy during the Winter Session, and in a recent meeting, the Minister assured that necessary steps were being actively considered.
Strong Leadership and Public Engagement
Commenting on the Budget Session, Captain Chowta stated:
“While the opposition was determined to disrupt the House, our government, under the leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, worked beyond conventional hours — burning the midnight oil to fulfill our commitment to the people and correct historic wrongs. As a first-time MP, it was a moment of pride to participate in the crucial debate on the WAQF Amendment Bill and vote in favor of it. This legislation will benefit millions of Bharatiyas who have long suffered under this unconstitutional framework instituted by previous Congress governments.”
Unlike previous sessions, this Budget Session was conducted without any external interference. Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi noted that this was the first Budget Session in a decade to be free from foreign interference. This underscores the growing self-reliance and integrity of India's democratic processes.
Captain Chowta reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and public engagement, continuing initiatives such as Samsadarondige Sansattina Samvada, a regular briefing program to keep constituents informed. He urged the public to actively engage in converting the outcomes of this session into tangible progress for Dakshina Kannada and the nation.
Key Issues Raised in Parliament and Responses Received
During the Budget Session II 2025, which had 17 sittings from March 10th to April 4th, 2025, Captain Brijesh Chowta raised 23 questions and several interventions regarding the pressing issues of Dakshina Kannada, along with issues of National importance. These included:
1. Road Transport Ministry:
Asked about the inclusion of Dakshina Kannada under Phase-II of the Multi Modal Logistics Parks (MMLP) program. The Ministry clarified that no new MMLPs are currently under consideration beyond the 15 approved sites in Phase I of Bharatmala. Six MMLPs have been awarded but are not yet operational.
2. Steel Sector:
Requested clarification on the timeline for the proposed merger of NMDC and KIOCL, the challenges causing delays, its potential contribution to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the steel sector, and the impact on permanent and contractual employees of both companies. The government responded that no decision has been taken regarding the merger, as per the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), the nodal authority for such matters.
3. Electronics & IT Innovation:
Asked about support for a skilled workforce and domestic electronics under BharatTradeNet (BTN), with a focus on Dakshina Kannada and industry participation. The government stated that, in Karnataka, 55 projects have mobilized ₹11,313 Cr and created over 44,000 jobs. 20,991 individuals have been trained under ESDM, while broader programs like C2S and FutureSkills PRIME cover VLSI, 3D printing, and cybersecurity.
4. Mangrove Loss & Coastal Erosion:
Raised concerns regarding mangrove loss in Karnataka’s coastal districts, afforestation in Dakshina Kannada, Budget 2025 allocations for coastal flooding and erosion, and task forces for resilience. The Ministry reported a 2.54 sq. km increase in Karnataka’s mangrove cover, including 0.66 sq. km in Dakshina Kannada. ₹10.59 lakh was allocated for Mangalore's mangroves under the National Coastal Mission. ₹450 Cr has been proposed under FMBAP 2025–26 for nationwide coastal protection. CPDAC and CoDRR have been set up to address erosion and strengthen climate resilience.
5. Ministry of Commerce – Inclusive Procurement on GeM:
Sought details on steps to improve GeM access for women-led enterprises and startups, especially in Dakshina Kannada, and potential financial incentives. The Ministry cited product filters, caution money exemptions, and auto-registration for women-led MSEs. Over 35 onboarding workshops were held with partners like SEWA, FLO, NRLM, and Amazon Saheli. Startups benefit from EMD and experience exemptions. As of 12 March 2025, 97 Udyam-verified women-led MSEs from Dakshina Kannada are listed on GeM. The focus remains on improving visibility and access for local women entrepreneurs.
6. Green Finance & Rooftop Solar Push:
Asked about the Renewable Energy Financing Obligation (REFO), related consultations, and incentives for rooftop solar in coastal regions like Dakshina Kannada. The Ministry said REFO targets ₹30 lakh crore in clean energy investment by 2030, with ongoing discussions with banks, NBFCs, and RBI to ease financing through green bonds and concessional loans. IREDA has launched a digital Retail Division to promote rooftop solar.
7. Ethanol Blending & Farmer Benefits:
Sought information on ethanol blending targets beyond 20%, vehicle compatibility, and the impact on farmers in Karnataka. The Ministry stated that while E20 is targeted for 2025–26, no decision has been made on increasing the blend further. E20-compatible engines reportedly show minimal performance loss, with scope for efficiency improvements.
8. TB-Free India: Intensified Drive & MDR-TB Focus:
Asked about TB elimination efforts and the specific focus on multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) in districts like Amroha and Sidhi. The Ministry highlighted the 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Dec 2024–Mar 2025), which screened 9 crore people and detected 3 lakh TB cases. MDR-TB care includes expanded molecular diagnostics, 826 DR-TB centres, and new all-oral regimens like BPaLM. All TB patients receive ₹1,000 per month for nutrition support.
9. Urban Water Transport:
Requested details on urban water transport initiatives. The Ministry stated that a feasibility study is underway in 17 cities with over 1 million population and access to inland waterways, including Mangalore (Gurupura River)
10. Global Capability Centres & Tech Skills Push:
Sought information on job creation through Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and tech skilling in AI and cybersecurity. The Ministry stated that India hosts over 1,700 GCCs, employing 1.9 million people and generating $64.6 billion. Growth is supported by initiatives like IndiaAI and PMKVY 4.0, offering training in AI, drones, IoT, and more.
11. Climate Resilient Coastal Villages & Dakshina Kannada:
Asked why Dakshina Kannada was excluded from the CRCFV initiative. The Ministry stated that 100 coastal villages were chosen based on criteria such as fisher population, fish landings, and NICRA project coverage. Karnataka prioritized villages linked to NICRA, resulting in Dakshina Kannada’s exclusion. No expansion beyond the identified 100 villages is currently planned.
12. MSME Ministry:
Asked for details on the implementation of the PM Vishwakarma scheme, including training, credit support, trade fairs, and infrastructure in districts like Dakshina Kannada. The government reported ongoing training and collateral-free credit support, with state-wise data in annexures. Beneficiaries also receive marketing assistance through trade fairs and exhibitions.
13. Women & Child Development Ministry:
Requested an update on Saksham Anganwadi upgradation, fund utilization, nutrition-focused activities, and the impact of the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP). The Ministry stated that 2 lakh AWCs have been sanctioned for upgradation under Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0. SNP supports children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers through fortified foods, millets, and community engagement. Data from the Poshan Tracker and NFHS surveys show improvement in nutrition indicators. A World Bank study across 11 states, including Karnataka, linked Poshan services to better feeding practices and awareness.
14. Ports, Shipping & Waterways Ministry:
Asked about the criteria for selecting shipbuilding clusters, potential expansion to coastal Karnataka, import dependency, and employment impact. The Ministry noted plans to expand shipbuilding clusters with supporting infrastructure, skilling, and tech support. India still relies on imports for key components. Budget 2025 announced a ₹25,000 Cr Maritime Development Fund, duty exemptions, and policy revamp to promote local manufacturing and job creation.
15. Housing & Urban Affairs Ministry:
Raised concerns about frequent garbage accumulation in urban colonies. The Ministry highlighted the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, which encourage decentralized waste processing methods like bio-methanation, composting, and waste-to-energy, while discouraging landfills. Under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U) 2.0, over 80% of the 1.61 lakh TPD waste is now processed, up from 16% in 2014. Projects worth ₹23,549 crore have been approved, with ₹1,970 crore released.
16. Food Processing Industries Ministry:
Asked about support for food processing in Karnataka, especially Dakshina Kannada. The Ministry said that no new Mega Food Parks are planned due to the scheme’s closure in April 2021. However, two parks are operational in the state. Under PMKSY, support continues for cold chains, agro-processing clusters, and value addition. Seafood and coconut processing industries are eligible to apply under open EOIs. FPOs and small farmers are also eligible, with ongoing promotional activities to boost awareness.
17. Tribal Education & EMRS Expansion:
Requested details on the expansion of EMRS, quality education, digital access, and scholarships in Dakshina Kannada (Karnataka) . The Ministry stated that 728 EMRS are targeted nationwide under revised norms. Dakshina Kannada does not meet the criteria, while four EMRS are functional in Mahasamund, including two in Gariyaband. EMRS offer smart classrooms, science labs, hostels, libraries, and vocational training. Teacher and leadership training is provided via NESTS. Digital learning is enhanced through DTH channels and online coaching for IIT-JEE/NEET. Scholarships such as Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, Top Class, and Overseas are available, and entrance exam fees are covered by state societies.
19. Demand for Grants for Railways
Spoke in support of the Demand for Grants for Railways in Parliament, praising the unprecedented transformation of Indian Railways over the past decade. Highlighted the need to bring Dakshina Kannada onto this fast track of development, raised three key issues: the merger of Konkan Railways and Hassan-Mangaluru Rail Development Company (HMRDC) with Indian Railways, and the reorganisation of Mangaluru’s railway administration on priority.
18. Rule 377
Raised the issue of Olive Ridley turtle conservation in the Lok Sabha under Rule 377, highlighting their return to Mangaluru's coast after 29 years. He urged the Environment Ministry to develop a long-term conservation plan, support community-led efforts, and protect key nesting sites through stricter regulations and funding.
19. Zero hour
a) Raised the issue of the land acquisition for expansion of Mangalore Airport and the hindrances to the same. Sought the intervention of our Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu to enable a dialogue between all concerned authorities to fix the bottlenecks and make way for Mangalore and its dreams to take flight with a bigger, safer international airport.
b) Raised the serious concern of the challenges faced by our veteran Faujis in availing disability pensions, during Zero Hour. Urged the govt through the House to streamline procedures with a single-window system as well as to improve accountability for faster case resolution.
Key Ministerial & Official Meetings
Apart from parliamentary interventions, Captain Brijesh Chowta met with several key officials to push for long-pending demands:
1. Met with the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bharat, Sri Narendra Modi ji
2. Breakfast meeting with Hon’ble President of Bharat, Sri Droupadi Murmu
3. Sri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport and Highways
a. Sought his intervention to address the Mangalore Bengaluru connectivity and road infrastructure issues, especially highlighting the Shiradi ghat Bypass
b. Requested for facilitation of the Spur road connecting NH 75 & NH 275 – Periyashanti to Paichur
c. Requested for facilitation of the Spur road connecting NH 73 & NH 169 – Guruvayanakere – Bajagole
4. Sri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Ministre for Cuture & Tourism
Sought approval for the development of Nandikeshwara Temple, Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple (Kolli), Shri Shishileshwara Temple (Shishila), Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple (Puttur), Shri Sahasralingeshwara Temple (Uppinangady), and Shri Thodikkana Mallikarjuna Temple under the PRASAD scheme
5. Sri Chirag Paswan, Hon’ble Minister of Food Processing Industries
Regarding the prospects of establishing food processing industries in Dakshina Kannada. The deliberation focused on leveraging the region’s potential to enhance industrial growth and economic development.
6. Sri Ram Mohan Naidu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation
a. Discussed various issues including the ongoing land acquisition of the Mangalore International Airport for expansion and security purposes, which I had also raised in the Lok Sabha during Zero Hour, this session. Pleased to share that action has been taken in this regard, and the order for land acquisition will soon be released.
b. Highlighted concerns of a shift of the aircrew base of Air India and sought that they reconsider any such plans, as it is important for the crew to also be based in non-metro cities.
7. Sri Pankaj Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas:
Requested for the formulation of a structured HR policy for ISPRL Mangalore employees
8. Sri Umashankar, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Discussed the need for his urgent intervention for
a. Speeding up the ongoing works between
i. BC Road & Gundya
ii. Sakleshpura & Maranahalli
b. Finalising the alignment and the DPR for the Shiradi Ghat
c. Stressed on the urgency & importance given the region’s vulnerability to landslides every monsoon and the impact on lives and connectivity due to the same.
d. Discussed the issues pertaining to the Port connectivity road between BC road and Mukka, to facilitate regular and good quality maintenance as well as the need for disbanding the SPV and giving NHAI the complete responsibility of the same.
9. Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Defence
Discussed the proposed Coast Guard Academy in Mangalore, which will be India’s first and sought his intervention for fast-tracking the establishment of the same.
Access to Full Documentation
All questions, answers, ministerial meetings, and related documents have been compiled and are available at the following link:
First half of budget session-
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1bRMiDXcfeJ5s-zIWqrbpSKyMS4TCaHjS
Second half of budget session
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GWENpt-cvArDLVmT0s192BDxyYGiJVZZ?usp=sharing