
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: CM Siddaramaiah in assembly began budget 2025-26 speech on Friday.
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, who also serves as the state’s finance minister, began to present the 2025-26 Budget today after the session began on March 3. This marks his 16th budget, setting a record. On March 4, the Business Advisory Committee, led by Siddaramaiah, approved a salary hike for state legislators, a move likely to spark controversy. When the BJP-led government raised MLA salaries in February 2022, there was little opposition from Congress or JD(S).…Read More
Ahead of the budget presentation, Siddaramaiah described it as more than a financial statement, calling it a roadmap for the seven crore people of Karnataka. He assured that the budget aims to benefit all sections of society through government schemes.
The budget size is expected to reach ₹4 lakh crore, up from ₹3.71 lakh crore in the current fiscal year.
In a post on ‘X’, the CM said he had consulted cabinet ministers, senior officials, farmers, backward class organisations, minority groups, and religious leaders to address public aspirations in a non-partisan manner.
“Over the past few days, I have held meetings with our cabinet ministers; senior officials of various departments; leaders of — farmers, exploited, minority, backward class organizations; and religious leaders,” he wrote.
A key challenge in this budget will be balancing funds between infrastructure and social welfare, particularly the government’s five guarantee schemes, for which ₹52,000 crore was allocated in 2024-25. There are expectations of increased borrowings to finance developmental projects.
Meanwhile, BJP-JD(S) MLAs have sought an additional ₹5 crore per constituency for development. A delegation led by BJP state president B Y Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition R Ashok met Siddaramaiah to request ₹50 crore for infrastructure, roads, and basic facilities in all constituencies.
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Mar 7, 2025 12:23 PM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: New industrial policy 2025-30 aims for Rs. 7.5 lakh crore investment and 20 lakh jobs
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: The state government has unveiled the New Industrial Policy 2025-30, designed to foster a favourable environment for industries in Karnataka. The policy aims to attract an investment of Rs. 7.5 lakh crore and create 20 lakh new jobs. Priority will be given to promoting industries and generating employment. To streamline industrialists’ compliance, the government plans to introduce the Karnataka Employer’s Compliance Decriminalisation Bill and the Karnataka Employer’s Compliance Digitisation Bill. These bills will decriminalise violations by employers and digitalize compliance with employment regulations, making Karnataka the first state in the country to implement such a system.
Mar 7, 2025 12:11 PM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Karnataka targets 60 GW power capacity, announces key projects for expansion
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: To meet the rising electricity demand in Karnataka, the state has set a target to increase its installed capacity from 32 GW to 60 GW. In line with this goal, the installed capacity was raised from 31.83 GW to 34.99 GW in 2022-23. The state also plans to operationalize the Godhna Thermal Power Plant, which will have an 800 MW capacity and a project cost of Rs. 13,000 crore, through the Tariff Based Competitive Bidding model, a project that has been pending since 2008. Additionally, the Sharavathi Pumped-Storage Power Plant Project, with a 2,000 MW capacity and an estimated cost of Rs. 10,240 crore, is awaiting approval from the MoEF, and the tender process has already begun. To support renewable energy, a 1,000 MWh battery Power Storage facility, costing Rs. 1,846 crore, will be developed by KPTCL through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model at seven substations.
Mar 7, 2025 12:07 PM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: ‘Akka Café and Canteen’ to be established
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: The Karnataka government has launched women empowerment initiatives in collaboration with gram panchayat self-help groups. As part of this, ‘Akka Café and Canteen’ will be set up in district and taluka panchayat office premises to generate employment for women. Additionally, Integrated Agricultural Clusters will be developed in every taluka to support women farmers. To enhance nutrition supply, self-help groups will be encouraged to provide eggs and vegetables to schools, anganwadis, and hostels. Furthermore, a Community Tourism Scheme will be implemented in each district, promoting local tourism and entrepreneurship among women.
Mar 7, 2025 12:01 PM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Agriculture Research Station will be established at Muddebihal taluk of Vijayapura district
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: The government will set up an Organic and Millet Hub with an investment of ₹20 crore to promote organic and millet farming, address supply-demand gaps, and provide better market access for farmers.
Additionally, an Agriculture Research Station will be established in Muddebihal taluk, Vijayapura district, while a feasibility study will be conducted for setting up an Agriculture College in Athani taluk, Belagavi district.
Mar 7, 2025 11:43 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Budget presentation delayed by 45 minutes due to ‘Rahukala’
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, presenting his 16th state budget today, made a last-minute change to the schedule. Initially set for 11:00 AM, the budget speech was advanced to 10:15 AM to avoid ‘Rahukala,’ an inauspicious period starting at 10:30 AM, according to astrologers. The decision, reported by Prajavani, was taken just before the presentation at Vidhana Soudha
Mar 7, 2025 11:41 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Bangalore City University renamed as ‘Dr Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University’
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Bangalore City University will be renamed Dr Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University, says chief minister Siddaramaiah during budget speech.
To develop it into a model institution, Government Arts College and Government R.C. College will be merged as its constituent colleges.
Mar 7, 2025 11:39 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Govt to build 15 women’s colleges on Waqf land, add 16 more next year
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Siddaramaiah announced that 15 women’s colleges will be built on vacant Waqf land in 2024-25 to enhance higher education opportunities for minority women. Additionally, 16 more women’s colleges will be established in 2025-26.
Mar 7, 2025 11:29 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: ₹5 crore allocated to strengthen the fight against cybercrime
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates Karnataka, in its 2025-26 budget, has allocated ₹5 crore to enhance its fight against cybercrime and strengthen the division.
Mar 7, 2025 11:20 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: ₹50,000 support for minorities opting for simple marriages
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: CM Siddaramaiah announced a financial assistance scheme offering ₹50,000 to minority families opting for simple, low-cost weddings over lavish celebrations.
Mar 7, 2025 11:18 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Food allowance for police on bandobast duty hiked to ₹300
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: During his budget speech, CM Siddaramaiah announced an increase in food allowance for police personnel on bandobast duty from ₹200 to ₹300.
Mar 7, 2025 11:17 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Digital agricultural service centres to be set up to aid farmers
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Karnataka will establish digital agricultural service centres to help farmers and policymakers make informed decisions on crops and enhance productivity.
Mar 7, 2025 11:15 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: 4,000 govt schools to introduce bilingual sections for enhanced language fluency
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: CM Siddaramaiah announced that 4,000 government schools will introduce bilingual sections to enhance students’ fluency in English and their mother tongue.
Mar 7, 2025 11:12 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: CM announces major infrastructure projects to tackle Bengaluru’s traffic problem
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: CM Siddaramaiah has announced major infrastructure projects to address Bengaluru’s traffic congestion,
-North-South Tunnel (18.5 km): A ₹15,000 crore project to build a tunnel between Hebbal Esteem Mall and Silk Board Junction to ease traffic flow.
-East-West Tunnel (28.5 km): A ₹28,000 crore initiative to construct a tunnel from KR Puram to Nayandanahalli, improving citywide connectivity.
Mar 7, 2025 11:07 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: ‘Knowledge Bank’ to be established at IISc Bengaluru
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: CM Siddaramaiah announced the creation of a ‘Knowledge Bank’ at IISc Bengaluru to support farmers with information on production techniques, crop health, market trends, and agricultural best practices.
Mar 7, 2025 11:06 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Govt allots ₹233 crore per constituency to implement guarantees
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: CM Siddaramaiah announced that ₹233 crore has been allocated to each assembly constituency in Karnataka for the implementation of guarantee schemes.
Mar 7, 2025 11:02 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: ₹1,800 crore sanctioned for 21 ‘Brand Bengaluru’ projects
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: CM Siddaramaiah announced key allocations in the budget,
– ₹1,800 crore for 21 projects under the ‘Brand Bengaluru’ initiative.
– ₹3,000 crore for climate resilience, focusing on tackling weather challenges and upgrading drainage and sewage treatment infrastructure.
– ₹555 crore for Cauvery Water Supply Phase 5, aimed at providing drinking water to 110 villages.
Mar 7, 2025 10:58 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: ₹100 cr allocated for Jain, Buddhist, Sikh development; ₹250 cr for Christian community
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: The Karnataka government has allocated ₹100 crore for the comprehensive development of Jain, Buddhist, and Sikh communities, while ₹250 crore has been earmarked for the development of the Christian community.
Mar 7, 2025 10:56 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: State govt increases honorarium for Jain priests, Sikh Granthis, and mosque Imams
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: In the 2025-26 budget, CM Siddaramaiah announced an increase in honorarium for Jain priests, Chief Granthis of Sikhs, and Pesh-Imams of mosques to ₹6,000 per month. The honorarium for Assistant Granthis and Muezzins will be raised to ₹5,000 per month.
Mar 7, 2025 10:54 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: State govt to launch own OTT platform
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: In the assembly, CM Siddaramaiah announced plans to launch a state-owned OTT platform to promote and develop Kannada language programs.
Mar 7, 2025 10:52 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Additional Haj Bhavan to be constructed
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: CM Siddaramaiah announced in the assembly that an additional building will be constructed at Haj Bhavan in Bengaluru to enhance facilities and amenities for Haj pilgrims and their relatives.
Mar 7, 2025 10:49 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Bengaluru Metro to extend network to Kempegowda International Airport
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: CM Siddaramaiah announced that Bengaluru Metro will expand to Devanahalli, near Kempegowda International Airport, with the network set to grow to 98.60 km over the next two years, improving connectivity.
Mar 7, 2025 10:47 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Multiplexes across the state can now charge a maximum ticket price of ₹200
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: During his budget speech, CM Siddaramaiah announced that multiplexes across Karnataka will now have a maximum ticket price cap of ₹200.
Mar 7, 2025 10:44 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: CM announces ₹1,000 cr minority colony development programme
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: While presenting the state budget in Vidhana Soudha, Karnataka CM and Finance Minister Siddaramaiah announced that an Action Plan of ₹1,000 crore has been prepared under the ‘Chief Minister’s Minority Colony Development Programme’. The initiative will be implemented in FY 2025-26.
Mar 7, 2025 10:41 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Siddaramaiah defends guarantee schemes
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: The chief minister firmly defended the state’s flagship guarantee schemes, saying that they are not “freebies” but crucial measures aimed at reducing poverty and ensuring social justice.
Mar 7, 2025 10:40 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: State to launch 250 Moulana Azad Model Schools, ₹500 crore plan unveiled
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: During his 2025-26 budget speech, CM Siddaramaiah announced that 250 Moulana Azad Model English Medium Schools will be established in phases, following the Karnataka Public Schools model.
A ₹500 crore programme will be formulated for this initiative, with ₹100 crore allocated for the current year. The project will be implemented in collaboration with the School Education Department.
Mar 7, 2025 10:37 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: State GDP records 7.8% growth, says CM Siddaramaiah in speech
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: CM Siddaramaiah announced that Karnataka’s state GDP has grown by 7.8%, while the agriculture sector recorded a 4% growth, exceeding the national average during his budget speech on Friday.
Mar 7, 2025 10:35 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: LoP R Ashoka claims ‘it’s his last Budget’ on Siddaramaiah’s speech
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah is presenting the state budget in the Legislative Assembly.
Earlier, he arrived at Vidhan Soudha with the Budget document, accompanied by his cabinet colleagues.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition R Ashoka claimed that this would be Siddaramaiah’s last budget, calling him the outgoing chief minister.
“He is an outgoing CM. In the past two years, they have done nothing. Hospitals lack medicines, and prices of essentials like petrol, diesel, and milk have risen. At least in this budget, they should announce measures for development—that is our demand,” Ashoka said.
Mar 7, 2025 10:26 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: ‘All the guarantees have been implemented,’ says minister Sudhakar
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Karnataka Minister Dr. MC Sudhakar said that as the Opposition, the BJP is trying to make its presence felt. He asserted that the people of the state are aware that all guarantee schemes have been implemented. He also stated that the allocated funds for his department have been utilized as planned. Dismissing BJP’s stance, he added that the party is free to protest in any way it wants.
Mar 7, 2025 10:24 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: CM Siddaramaiah begins speech with quotes from Kuvempu, Adiga
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah began his budget speech on Friday in the assembly by quoting Kuvempu, Gopal Krishna Adiga, and other literary figures.
Mar 7, 2025 10:21 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: ‘We are there to protect the people of Karnataka,’ says dy CM DK Shivakumar
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Ahead of the state budget, Karnataka DCM DK Shivakumar criticised the BJP, stating that the party should explain what it has done for Karnataka. He accused the BJP of lacking the courage, voice, and moral right to protect the state, adding that the central budget did not allocate anything for Karnataka.
Shivakumar asserted that the Congress government is committed to safeguarding the state’s interests and fulfilling its promises, unlike the BJP’s tenure. He dismissed BJP’s criticism, saying, “Let them do whatever they want.”
Mar 7, 2025 10:10 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: State govt unlikely to scale down social spending despite financial constraints
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Despite financial constraints, the state government is unlikely to reduce spending on its five guarantee schemes, which received ₹52,000 crore last year.
The budget is also expected to focus on balancing development projects with rising borrowings, which may exceed ₹1.25 lakh crore.
Mar 7, 2025 9:59 AM IST
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: CM Siddaramaiah to present his record 16th budget today
Karnataka budget 2025 live updates: Chief minister Siddaramaiah is set to present his 16th Karnataka Budget on Friday, the highest by any leader in the state’s history.
With an outlay expected to surpass ₹4 lakh crore, the budget is likely to prioritise infrastructure development while maintaining funding for welfare schemes.