Karnataka Budget 2025-26: places a strong emphasis on enhancing Bengaluru’s infrastructure and many other developments.

Karnataka Budget 2025-26: Key Highlights

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the state budget on March 7, 2025, with a total expenditure of ₹4,09,549 crore and a fiscal deficit of ₹90,428 crore (2.95% of GSDP).

Major Allocations & Initiatives of Karnataka Budget 2025-26

• Guarantee Schemes: ₹51,034 crore allocated for various welfare schemes.
• Bengaluru Infrastructure: Annual grant increased from ₹3,000 crore to ₹7,000 crore. Plans include:
  • ₹8,916 crore for a 40.5 km double-decker flyover with Namma Metro Phase-3.
  • ₹3,000 crore for 300 km of new roads and 120 km of flyovers & grade separators to ease congestion.

• Minority Welfare:
  • ₹150 crore for renovating Waqf properties & burial grounds.
  • ₹1,000 crore for the ‘Chief Minister’s Minority Colony Development Programme.’
  • Smart boards & computers for madrasa students preparing for SSLC exams.
• Brand Bengaluru: ₹1,800 crore for enhancing the city’s global image & infrastructure.
• State-Owned OTT Platform: To support local filmmakers & promote regional content.

This marks Siddaramaiah’s 16th budget, focusing on infrastructure, social welfare, and technological growth while maintaining fiscal discipline.

Agriculture and Rural Development of Karnataka Budget 2025-26

• Farm Loan Waiver: An allocation of ₹15,000 crore has been made to waive off loans for small and marginal farmers, aiming to alleviate their financial burden.
• Irrigation Projects: ₹10,000 crore is earmarked for the development of new irrigation projects and the maintenance of existing ones to enhance agricultural productivity.

Healthcare:

• Primary Health Centers: The budget proposes the establishment of 500 new primary health centers across rural areas to improve access to healthcare services.
• Health Insurance: An additional ₹2,000 crore is allocated to expand the coverage of the state’s health insurance scheme, aiming to include more underprivileged families.

Education:

• School Infrastructure: ₹5,000 crore is designated for upgrading infrastructure in government schools, including the construction of new classrooms and provision of modern teaching aids.
• Scholarships: The budget introduces scholarships worth ₹1,200 crore for meritorious students from economically weaker sections to pursue higher education.

Environmental Initiatives:

• Clean Mobility: To promote sustainable transportation, the government plans to implement tax waivers and financial incentives for the clean mobility sector, including a significant tax cut for hybrid cars.

Employment Generation:

• Skill Development: ₹800 crore is allocated for skill development programs targeting youth, aiming to enhance employability in emerging sectors.
• Startup Support: The budget proposes a fund of ₹500 crore to support startups, with a focus on technology and innovation-driven enterprises.

Tourism and Culture:

• Tourism Infrastructure: ₹1,000 crore is allocated to develop tourism infrastructure, including the enhancement of heritage sites and promotion of eco-tourism.
• Cultural Festivals: An allocation of ₹200 crore is made to organize cultural festivals and events to promote the state’s rich heritage.

Public Safety:

• Police Modernization: ₹1,500 crore is earmarked for modernizing the police force, including the procurement of advanced equipment and training programs.
• Disaster Management: ₹700 crore is allocated to strengthen disaster management capabilities, focusing on early warning systems and relief infrastructure.

This comprehensive budget reflects Karnataka’s commitment to holistic development, focusing on agriculture, healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, employment, tourism, and public safety.

Also read about PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana