Top 30 Highlights of Karnataka Budget 2026–27

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the Karnataka Budget for 2026-27, announcing a mix of welfare schemes, infrastructure expansion, education reforms, healthcare initiatives and farmer support programmes across the state.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday presented the Karnataka Budget for the financial year 2026-27, outlining a wide range of welfare programmes, infrastructure projects, education reforms and economic initiatives aimed at strengthening social security and development across the state.

One of the major highlights of the budget is the state’s economic growth performance. While India’s GDP growth stands at 7.4 percent, Karnataka has recorded a higher growth rate of 8.1 percent, reflecting stronger economic activity in the state.

A significant portion of the budget has been allocated for welfare schemes. The government has set aside ₹28,608 crore for the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which provides financial support to women heads of households.

In a notable move aimed at protecting children, the government has proposed a ban on the use of social media for children below 16 years of age.

The budget has also prioritised the education sector by announcing the filling of 15,000 vacant teaching posts in schools and colleges. In addition, 2,000 teaching positions in degree and engineering colleges will be filled to strengthen higher education institutions.

To address discrimination in educational institutions, the government will implement the Rohith Vemula Act, aimed at preventing academic and social harassment of students.

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Students pursuing ITI courses will now receive a Pre-University certificate, which will help them continue higher education if they wish.

The government will also establish AI laboratories in 50 government colleges, introducing 10 modern artificial intelligence labs to improve technological learning opportunities.

Further strengthening support for minority students, 25 new minority pre-matric hostels will be established across the state.

Additionally, 10 new residential schools will be started in the name of Sant Shishunala Sharif, providing better educational opportunities for students.

Healthcare is another major focus area in the budget. The government has announced free insulin for diabetes treatment for children below 18 years of age.

The health department will see 2,500 vacant posts filled, strengthening healthcare services.

Two new super speciality hospitals will be constructed in Karwar and Yadgir, each with an estimated investment of ₹100 crore.

The government has also decided to rename Victoria Hospital as Shantaveri Gopalagowda Hospital.

Several announcements were made to improve infrastructure in Bengaluru.

The city will see white topping of 158 kilometres of roads, aimed at improving road quality and durability.

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The government is also planning to complete 41 kilometres of metro rail network this year, expanding urban transport connectivity.

To support the growing electric mobility sector, 1,250 EV charging points will be installed across the state.

Farmers will receive continued support through interest-free loans worth ₹30,000 crore for 38 lakh farmers.

In the sericulture sector, transportation subsidy for silk cocoons has been increased from ₹10 to ₹20 per kilogram.

To boost silk production and processing, new silk parks will be developed in Ramanagara, Sidlaghatta, Haveri, Tandavapura (Mysuru) and Kalaburagi.

For the first time in the state, CT scanning centres for animals will be introduced, enabling advanced diagnosis of livestock diseases.

These centres will be set up in the veterinary hospitals of Bengaluru and Bidar veterinary universities.

To address the growing stray dog issue, Dog Population Control Training Centres will be established in Bengaluru and Bidar to provide advanced technical training for veterinarians and veterinary students.

The government will also open Matsya Darshini outlets in Belagavi, Davanagere, Hubballi and Chikkamagaluru to promote fish consumption and support the fisheries sector.

Also Read:CM Siddaramaiah unveils ‘11G Economic Model’ to drive state’s growth during Karnataka Budget 2026-27

A 1,000-acre industrial park will be developed in Belagavi, aimed at attracting investments and generating employment.

Commercial complexes will also be constructed in Mysuru and Hubballi to strengthen urban economic activity.

The government has announced ₹5,000 financial assistance for devotees undertaking the pilgrimage to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple.

To clear pending dues of transport workers, the government has allocated ₹1,271 crore to pay salary arrears.

A new dam with a storage capacity of 12 TMC will be constructed at Vaderahalli in Koratagere taluk, strengthening water resources in the region.

In a progressive step towards workplace welfare, the government has proposed one day of paid menstrual leave for women employees.