Live updates
11.28 - Free insulin pens will be provided to improve the health of all children upto 18 years with Type-1 diabetes - Siddaramaiah
11:25 - Fifteen new courses with high demand and employment potential, such as AI, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Mining Engineering, and Automation Engineering, will be commenced in 11 Government Polytechnics and in Government Engineering College Chitradurga. Rohit Vemula Act will be enacted to prevent atrocities on caste lines on students across all Government, Private and Deemed Universities in the State. Student union elections will be conducted in colleges and universities - CM
11:19 - In collaboration with IIT Dharwad, a personalized Self-Learning Digital Tutor facility using Al technology, will be provided to approximately 12.28 lac students from Classes 8 to 12 at an estimated cost of Rs.5 crore - CM
11.08 - ‘Vasudhamruta’ program to promote sustainable agricultural practices; farmer call centres to be upgraded using AI - CM
11.02 - Karnataka State economy recorded a strong real GSDP growth of 8.1 percent at a constant prices in 2025-26, surpassing the national growth rate of 7.4 percent for the same period - CM
10.42 - Though we have been striving for the development of our state beyond our capacity, the Union Government continues to treat our State unfairly by disregarding the constitutional principles of cooperative federalism - CM
10.41 - Greater emphasis is being placed on redressing regional disparities. In-principle approval has been granted to the recommendations of the Prof. M. Govinda Rao Committee. We remain committed to examining and implementing the recommendations of the State Policy and Planning Commission, the Fifth Finance Commission, and the Administrative Reforms Commission, says CM Siddaramaiah in his 17th Budget speech in Karnataka assembly - CM
10.39 - Siddaramaiah outlines Karnataka’s ‘11G Economic Model’ for sustainable development - The model focuses on key areas including Guarantee Economy for welfare and gender equality, Good Public Education and Good Health to All, Grassroots Economy covering agriculture and rural development, and Good Governance for citizen-friendly administration. Other components include the Gig Economy with labour welfare measures, Geographical Equality to reduce regional disparities, Global Trade Economy to boost trade and industry, Globe-Trotting Economy to promote tourism, Green Economy encouraging renewable and environment-friendly initiatives, and a Growing Urban Economy to ensure sustainable urban expansion.
10.38 - We urge Centre to act with sensitivity towards Karnataka”s demands: CM Siddaramaiah
10.34 - We are strengthening the administrative system by filling vacant posts in major departments. In line with our election manifesto, employment generation remains a priority. This year, we have initiated the process to fill 56,432 posts. Considering delays due to court cases in recruitment processes, we have granted a one-time relaxation of five years in the upper age limit - CM
10:32 - Beyond Bengaluru initiative is attracting investments: Siddaramaiah
10.29 - Budget 2026-27 will ensure overall development of the state: CM Siddaramaiah
Earlier report
CM Siddaramaiah set to present record 17th budget amid fiscal challenges
Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 6: Chief minister Siddaramaiah, holding the finance portfolio, is all set to create history on Friday by presenting his record 17th state budget. While the CM is expected to introduce new welfare programmes for women, farmers, and labourers, there is significant apprehension regarding the potential imposition of fresh levies to fund the government’s ambitious 'guarantee' schemes.
The budget speech is scheduled to commence at 10:15 am in the Legislative Assembly. Having presented his first budget in 1994-95 under the HD Deve Gowda government, this 2026-27 edition marks the fourth budget of his current term and is viewed as a critical political tool to consolidate his leadership.
With the 2025-26 budget outlay standing at Rs 4.09 lac crore, experts predict a possible downward revision due to revenue shortfalls. The primary challenge for the CM remains the funding of the five 'guarantee' schemes while simultaneously allocating resources for infrastructure projects demanded by legislators.
To bridge the fiscal gap, the government may explore hiking sales tax on fuel, motor vehicle taxes, and stamp duties. Higher revenue targets for the excise and commercial taxes departments are also anticipated. Sources suggest the CM will likely reiterate his stance against the union government, alleging 'injustice' in tax devolution and the non-sharing of cesses and surcharges.
Leader of the opposition R Ashoka has lashed out at the government’s fiscal management, dubbing the CM 'Debt-ramaiah'. Ashoka claimed that the state’s debt is projected to exceed Rs 8 lac crore by the end of this term, accusing the administration of breaching fiscal discipline.
"Borrowing to run a government does not require expertise. A clever finance minister should create revenue without burdening the common man," Ashoka remarked, alleging that the CM has already imposed numerous taxes on citizens. He predicted that the budget would primarily focus on criticizing the prime minister and highlighting the guarantees.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the department of information and public relations (DIPR) has arranged for the live telecast of the budget presentation across 230 bus stands in Karnataka. Digital screens will broadcast the speech and the subsequent press conference to the public.
DIPR commissioner Hemant Nimbalkar stated that this move aims to bring the record-breaking 17th budget presentation directly to the citizens in real-time.
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