The Karnataka Budget Session is taking place today, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to unveil his 16th budget. This year, he is tasked with the challenge of striking a balance between development projects and welfare initiatives.
The budget for 2025-26 is projected to exceed ₹4 lakh crore, an increase from the ₹3.71 lakh crore allocated for 2024-25. It is anticipated that the government will enhance spending on welfare programs beyond the ₹52,000 crore designated last year, aiming to assist an even larger number of beneficiaries.
Simultaneously, the Chief Minister is contemplating raising capital expenditure from last year’s ₹55,877 crore. Increased investment in infrastructure is expected to boost industrial growth, especially following the Invest Karnataka 2025 – Global Investors’ Meet, which aimed to garner ₹10.27 lakh crore in investments and generate approximately 6 lakh jobs.
The budget may also include incentives for the industrial sector, particularly targeting green energy initiatives. The government asserts that its welfare schemes ensure families receive a basic monthly income of ₹10,000, fostering social and economic stability.
Further updates include discussions around Karnataka’s second-highest foreign direct investment (FDI) and the state’s aspirations to achieve a trillion-dollar economy.
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Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is preparing to present his 16th budget, with the proposed size expected to reach nearly ₹4 lakh crore, an increase from last year’s ₹3.71 lakh crore allocation.
