Karnataka Budget 2025: Priests’ pay, movie tickets, ‘Brand Bengaluru’

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unveiled the Karnataka Budget 2025, allocating ₹7,000 crore for Bengaluru’s development. As part of this, ₹1,800 crore has been set aside for 21 projects under the Brand Bengaluru initiative, aimed at enhancing infrastructure, traffic management, and urban amenities.

The budget focuses on improving road networks, drainage systems, and public transport in Bengaluru, addressing long-standing urban challenges. Additionally, funds will be used for lake rejuvenation, smart city projects, and mobility solutions.

With this investment, Siddaramaiah aims to transform Bengaluru into a global metropolis, ensuring sustainable growth and better living conditions for its residents. The initiative aligns with the government’s vision to modernize the state capital.

Karnataka Budget 2025-26: Key Highlights from CM Siddaramaiah’s 16th Budget

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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented his record 16th Budget on Friday, unveiling a ₹4.095 lakh crore financial plan for 2025-26. This budget focuses on infrastructure, social welfare, and economic development while maintaining the government’s commitment to the five guarantee schemes promised by the Congress government.

Of the total allocation, a significant ₹51,034 crore has been set aside for implementing these welfare schemes, ensuring financial relief to lakhs of beneficiaries across the state. Below are the top highlights from the Karnataka Budget 2025-26:

1. ₹51,034 Crore for Five Guarantee Schemes

The Congress government’s ambitious five guarantee schemes continue to be a top priority in the 2025-26 budget. The following allocations have been made to sustain these schemes:

Gruha Lakshmi: ₹19,000 crore for direct benefit transfers to women head of households.
Gruha Jyoti: ₹13,000 crore to provide free electricity up to 200 units per household.
Anna Bhagya: ₹11,000 crore for providing free food grains to BPL families.
Shakti Scheme: ₹5,300 crore for free bus travel for women.
Yuva Nidhi: ₹2,734 crore for unemployment assistance to graduates and diploma holders.

These schemes aim to improve economic security, reduce financial burden, and uplift marginalized communities across Karnataka.

2. ₹7,000 Crore for Bengaluru’s Development

Recognizing Bengaluru’s role as the economic engine of Karnataka, the budget has allocated ₹7,000 crore for urban development projects. A key focus is on the Brand Bengaluru initiative, which has received ₹1,800 crore for 21 projects.

Key projects under Brand Bengaluru include:

Metro Expansion: Increased funding for the Bangalore Metro Rail Project, prioritizing Phase 3 expansion.
Road Infrastructure: Strengthening major arterial roads and improving traffic management.
Lake Rejuvenation: Restoration of lakes and stormwater drains to mitigate flooding.
Smart City Projects: Digital infrastructure upgrades and modernization of public services.

The government aims to transform Bengaluru into a world-class metropolitan city, focusing on sustainable urban mobility and infrastructure resilience.

3. ₹42,800 Crore for Agriculture and Rural Development

To support farmers and rural livelihoods, ₹42,800 crore has been allocated to:

Free power supply for farmers under the Bhagya Jyoti scheme.
Expansion of irrigation projects for better water management.
Loan waivers and financial support for distressed farmers.
Organic farming promotion and subsidies for agri-tech adoption.

The budget prioritizes self-sufficiency in food production and improving rural incomes.

4. ₹39,000 Crore for Education and Skill Development

The budget emphasizes education and youth development, with key allocations including:

₹15,000 crore for school education, including new classrooms and digital learning tools.
₹12,000 crore for higher education, with a focus on scholarships and research grants.
₹5,000 crore for skill development initiatives to enhance employability.
Expansion of medical and engineering courses in Kannada to promote regional language education.

5. ₹36,500 Crore for Healthcare and Social Welfare

With a focus on public health, the Karnataka government has allocated:

₹8,000 crore for upgrading government hospitals and new medical colleges.
₹6,500 crore for health insurance coverage under the Arogya Karnataka scheme.
₹4,000 crore for maternal and child healthcare programs.
Expansion of PHCs (Primary Health Centers) in rural and semi-urban areas.

6. Other Key Allocations

₹25,000 crore for infrastructure projects, including highways, bridges, and smart city developments.
₹15,000 crore for industrial growth, promoting MSMEs and startups.
₹10,000 crore for renewable energy projects, including solar and wind power.
₹5,000 crore for the tourism sector, with a focus on heritage conservation and eco-tourism.

Conclusion

The Karnataka Budget 2025-26, presented by CM Siddaramaiah, reflects a balanced approach towards social welfare, economic growth, and infrastructure development. While a large portion is directed towards guarantee schemes, the budget also ensures substantial investment in agriculture, education, healthcare, and Bengaluru’s urban development.

As Karnataka continues to grow as a leading state in India, this budget aims to boost employment, improve quality of life, and strengthen public services.