Although CM Siddaramaiah did not name any specific community in his speech, the budget earmarked Category-IIB for Muslims, ensuring exclusive representation for the community in the state’s public procurement processes.
The CM stated that the Rs 42,018 crore allocated for the welfare of SCs and STs in 2025-26 includes Rs 29,992 crore under the Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Rs 12,026 crore under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP). This substantial funding aims to address various socio-economic challenges faced by these communities.
Further details of the budget highlighted the government's commitment to empowering these communities in public contracting. Under the provisions of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act, the reservation for SCs, STs, Category-I, Category-IIA, and Category-IIB contractors will be raised to Rs 2 crore for government works. In the procurement of goods and services, suppliers from these categories will also enjoy reservations up to Rs 1 crore, ensuring more equitable access to public contracts.
In the field of education, CM Siddaramaiah outlined plans to encourage higher education among students from disadvantaged backgrounds. A total of 31 residential schools for SC, ST, and Backward Class students will be upgraded to Pre-University (PU) colleges in each district.
Additionally, the state will offer grants under the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Fellowship Scheme, providing Rs 1 crore to award fellowships to two deserving students admitted to global institutions such as the London School of Economics and Columbia University—both institutions where Dr. Ambedkar had studied.
As part of the 'Chief Minister’s Minority Colony Development Programme', an Action Plan with an allocation of Rs 1,000 crore has been formulated to uplift minority communities in the coming financial year.
To enhance religious education and bring it in line with formal academic systems, the state government will provide essential infrastructure, such as computers and smart boards, to madrasas to help students prepare for the SSLC examinations.
Furthering women’s empowerment, 15 new women’s colleges will be constructed in vacant plots of Waqf institutions during 2024-25. Additionally, 16 new women’s colleges are set to be opened in 2025-26, enabling greater access to higher education for minority women.
In an effort to support the socio-economic growth of religious minorities, Rs 100 crore has been allocated for the comprehensive development of the Jain, Buddhist, and Sikh communities, while the Christian community will receive Rs 250 crore in the budget. Additionally, the honourarium for religious leaders, including Jain priests, Chief Granthis of Sikhs, and Pesh-Imams of mosques, will be increased to Rs 6,000 per month. The honourarium for Assistant Granthis and Muezzins will also rise to Rs 5,000 per month, recognising their contributions to their respective communities.
With these significant announcements, CM Siddaramaiah’s budget demonstrates a clear focus on uplifting underrepresented communities through increased access to education, government contracts, and social welfare initiatives.