Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday, November 2, announced that the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) had agreed to reduce curd prices by ₹2 per litre following his suggestion. While defending the recent milk price hike, he maintained that the revision would provide financial benefits to lakhs of dairy farming families across the state.
Shivakumar said he had proposed the reduction to KMF representatives during their recent meeting with him, when the delegation visited to felicitate the Chief Minister.
“I suggested to the KMF office-bearers that they reduce the price of curd, and they have agreed to bring it down by ₹2 per litre,” he said.
Responding to questions about the varying prices of different milk categories, the Chief Minister explained that milk with higher fat content naturally attracts a higher price. He added that officials would provide further clarification on the pricing structure.
Milk Price Hike Comes into Effect from November 1
The Karnataka Cabinet had approved an ₹8 per litre increase in Nandini milk prices on Thursday. Of the total hike, ₹7 will go directly to dairy farmers, while the remaining ₹1 will be allocated to cooperatives through the Karnataka Milk Federation. The revised prices came into effect on November 1.
Following the government’s announcement, KMF also increased curd prices by ₹14 per litre, along with price revisions of up to ₹12 for certain varieties of special and toned milk. Also Read | Karnataka CM Defends ₹8 Milk Price Hike, Says Move Will Protect Dairy Farmers Amid Drought
The price hike has triggered political opposition across the state. On Monday, the BJP women’s wing organised a protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, demanding that the Congress government withdraw the increased milk prices. Similar demonstrations were reported from other parts of Karnataka.
CM Defends Milk Price Revision, Points to Farmers’ Benefits
Reacting to the criticism, Shivakumar questioned the public reaction to the milk price increase and compared it with the limited discussion surrounding increases in bottled water prices.
“There is definitely anger among people. Nobody speaks when the price of bottled water increases because the GST goes to the Centre. The increase in milk prices will help lakhs of farmer families,” he said.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that dairy farmers had initially demanded an increase of ₹12 per litre. He said the lower procurement prices in Karnataka, compared with neighbouring states, had encouraged farmers to divert their milk supplies to those markets.
He further claimed that the recent revision was already showing positive results, with approximately 10 lakh litres of milk reportedly returning to Karnataka following the price increase.
Transport Department to Decide on Bus Fare Revision
On the possibility of an increase in public transport fares, Shivakumar said the Transport Department would take the final decision.
He explained that rising petrol and diesel prices had made it increasingly difficult for transport corporations to manage their daily operating expenses, particularly fuel costs. To maintain the functioning of the public transport system, the government had decided to provide special grants.
The Chief Minister also said the government was considering a revised calculation mechanism for operating buses in areas with low passenger traffic, where services need to be maintained despite limited passenger demand.
“We have instructed the Transport Department to take a decision on the fare revision,” he said.
Contractors’ Outstanding Dues Stand at ₹38,000 Crore
Addressing the demands raised by representatives of contractors’ associations, Shivakumar said the government had held discussions with them and acknowledged that outstanding payments amounted to approximately ₹38,000 crore.
He attributed a portion of the pending liabilities to development works undertaken during the final six months of former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa’s tenure. However, he maintained that the government had since brought the situation under control.
According to Shivakumar, bills related to the Public Works Department in Bengaluru were being cleared, although substantial pending payments remained under the Irrigation Department.
He also confirmed that the government had accepted some of the demands put forward by the contractors’ association.
CM to Visit Hiriyur Ahead of Bypolls
Regarding his proposed visit to Hiriyur, Shivakumar said it was his responsibility to monitor preparations for the forthcoming by-elections and review development activities in the region.
He announced that he would visit the town on Tuesday to inaugurate various development projects.
“Several development works have been undertaken in Hiriyur. I will visit the town on Tuesday and inaugurate various projects,” he said.
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