On Friday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the state’s record 16th budget for 2025-26, with a total allocation of ₹4.095 lakh crore. The budget includes significant investments in various sectors, from infrastructure to community development. Below are the key highlights:
- Capital Investment: ₹82,000 crore has been earmarked for capital investment, positioning Karnataka as one of the top states in terms of capital spending.
- Liquor Price Review: The state government plans to review and potentially increase liquor prices to align with the rates in neighbouring states.
- Reservation for Muslims: A 4% reservation for Muslims will be introduced in government tenders and contracts.
- Community Development Grants: ₹100 crore is allocated for the comprehensive development of Jain, Buddhist, and Sikh communities. ₹250 crore will be provided for the Christian community. A Sannati Development Authority will be established in Chittapura taluka, Kalaburgi district, at the ancient Buddhist centre of Sannati.
- Temple Priests’ Salary Increase: The annual salary of temple priests will rise from ₹60,000 to ₹72,000. Similarly, Jain priests, Chief Grantis of Sikhs, and Pesh-Imams of mosques will receive an honorarium of ₹6,000 per month, while Assistant Grantis and Muezzins will get ₹5,000 per month.
- Haj Bhavan Expansion: An additional building will be constructed at Haj Bhavan in Bengaluru to provide better facilities and amenities for Haj pilgrims and their relatives.
- Kannada Language Promotion: The state government plans to launch its own OTT platform to promote Kannada language programmes.
- Women-Centric Initiatives: ₹94,084 crore has been allocated to support women-focused programmes.
- Child-Centric Schemes: ₹62,033 crore has been earmarked for children’s welfare. The National Foreign Student Scholarship for minority students will be increased from ₹20 lakh to ₹30 lakh.
- Start-Up Encouragement: Minority youth will be encouraged to start new ventures, with ₹150 crore allocated through the Karnataka Minority Development Corporation. Additionally, ₹150 crore is set aside for the repair and renovation of Waqf properties.
- Multiplex Ticket Price Cap: A ₹200 maximum ticket price cap will be imposed on multiplexes across Karnataka, aimed at making cinema more affordable.
- Journalist Welfare: The monthly pension for journalists facing hardship will be raised from ₹12,000 to ₹15,000, and the family pension will increase from ₹6,000 to ₹7,500.
Bengaluru’s Share of the Budget:
Bengaluru’s allocation has been increased to ₹7,000 crore, with ₹1,800 crore set aside for 21 projects under the Brand Bengaluru initiative. Notable projects include:
- Comprehensive Health Programme: ₹413 crore will be spent over three years to elevate Bengaluru’s health standards.
- Infrastructure Overhaul: A 40.5 km double-decker flyover will be constructed at ₹8,916 crore. Additionally, the Namma Metro Phase-3 project will be expanded to ease traffic congestion.
- Road Network Expansion: 300 km of new roads will be constructed at ₹3,000 crore, utilizing canal buffer zones. An additional ₹660 crore will be allocated for improving Bengaluru’s arterial and sub-arterial road network.
- Weather and Drainage Upgrades: ₹3,000 crore will be spent on enhancing drainage and sewage systems to tackle weather-related challenges in the city.
- Water Supply Projects: ₹555 crore will be directed towards the fifth phase of the Cauvery water supply project to provide drinking water to 110 villages.
- Metro Expansion: The Bengaluru Metro network will be extended to 98.6 km, improving connectivity to Devanahalli.
- Healthcare Infrastructure: A 200-bed hospital will be constructed in Bengaluru North at a cost of ₹150 crore.
- New Satellite Market: A new satellite market will be set up on the outskirts of Bengaluru to reduce congestion in existing markets.
- University Renaming: Bangalore City University will be renamed Dr. Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University.
The 2025-26 Karnataka Budget highlights the state’s focus on infrastructure development, social welfare, and community support, with significant investments aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.
