Karnataka Budget 2026-27 Highlights: ₹4.48 Lakh Crore Budget Announced by Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru | March 6, 2026: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the Karnataka State Budget for 2026-27 in the Legislative Assembly, marking his record 17th budget presentation. The budget outlines a total outlay of ₹4.48 lakh crore, focusing on welfare guarantee schemes, infrastructure development, agriculture modernization, education reforms, and digital governance initiatives.
The government emphasized inclusive development while continuing flagship welfare programmes introduced by the current administration.
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Major Focus on Welfare Guarantee Schemes
A significant portion of the budget continues to support the government’s five guarantee schemes aimed at strengthening social security.
Key allocations include:
- Gruha Lakshmi Scheme: Financial assistance for women heads of households
- Gruha Jyoti Scheme: Free electricity support for households
- Shakti Scheme: Free bus travel for women across the state
- Anna Bhagya Programme: Food security initiatives for economically weaker sections
- Yuva Nidhi: Financial assistance for unemployed youth
These programmes remain central to the government’s welfare strategy and continue to receive substantial financial support in the 2026-27 budget.
Infrastructure Development in Bengaluru
The budget proposes major investments to improve urban infrastructure in Bengaluru, addressing traffic congestion and urban growth challenges.
Key announcements include:
- ₹450 crore allocated for upgrading the Outer Ring Road corridor between Silk Board and KR Puram
- White-topping of 158 km roads across Bengaluru city
- Infrastructure development projects under the Greater Bengaluru Authority
- A feasibility study for a second international airport to meet growing aviation demand
These projects aim to enhance connectivity and improve the city’s urban mobility infrastructure.
Agriculture and Rural Development
Agriculture remains a priority sector in the state budget The government announced the launch of the “Krishi Vistara” programme, designed to improve farm productivity and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Major initiatives include:
- AI-based farmer advisory call centres
- Promotion of organic farming
- Modern technology support for farmers
- Strengthening agricultural extension services
These initiatives are intended to modernize farming practices and improve farmers’ income.
Education Sector Reforms
The budget proposes several measures to strengthen Karnataka’s education system.
Important announcements include:
- Recruitment of 15,000 teachers across government institutions
- Upgrading 800 schools into Karnataka Public Schools (KPS)
- Introduction of AI-based Digital Tutor systems for students from Class 8 to Class 12
- New technical courses such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Cloud Computing in government polytechnic institutions
These reforms aim to align the state’s education system with emerging technological trends.
Healthcare Expansion
The government also announced multiple healthcare initiatives to strengthen medical infrastructure across the state.
Key proposals include:
- Establishment of new medical colleges and hospitals with an allocation of ₹620 crore
- A 450-bed multispeciality hospital in Karwar
- Cancer treatment centres in Mysuru and Tumakuru
- A Trauma Care Centre in Raichur
- Free insulin pens for children with Type-1 diabetes
These measures are expected to expand healthcare accessibility and improve specialized medical services.
Digital Governance and Policy Initiatives
The state government also announced new digital governance initiatives aimed at improving administrative efficiency.
One of the major policy announcements includes a proposal to restrict social media access for children below 16 years, citing concerns related to mental health and digital addiction. The government also plans to expand digital services and strengthen e-governance platforms across departments.
Employment and Public Sector Recruitment
The budget includes plans to strengthen public sector employment, including:
- Recruitment of 2,000 personnel in the Forest Department
- Expansion of skill development initiatives for youth
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Employment programs linked to infrastructure and technology sectors
Tourism and Sports Development
The government also proposed initiatives to promote tourism and sports infrastructure in the state.
Key announcements include:
- Development of ropeway tourism projects in Chikkamagaluru
- Construction of an 80,000-capacity international cricket stadium and sports complex in Anekal near Bengaluru
These projects aim to boost tourism and sports infrastructure while supporting regional economic growth.
Conclusion:
The Karnataka Budget 2026-27 reflects the government’s strategy of balancing welfare programs with long-term economic development. With major investments in infrastructure, agriculture modernization, education, and healthcare, the budget aims to strengthen Karnataka’s position as one of India’s leading economic and technological hubs.
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