🏛️ Karnataka Budget 2025-26: Key Highlights, Allocations & Comparison

The Karnataka Budget 2025-26, presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on March 7, 2025, marks his 16th budget presentation. With a total outlay of ₹4.09 lakh crore, this budget surpasses the ₹3.71 lakh crore allocated in the previous year, highlighting a strong focus on infrastructure, economic growth, and social welfare while addressing fiscal challenges.

💰 Fiscal Overview

• 1.Total Expenditure: ₹4.09 lakh crore 💸
• 2.Revenue Expenditure: ₹3.11 lakh crore 🏦
• 3.Capital Expenditure: ₹71,336 crore 🏗️
• 4.Loan Repayment: ₹26,474 crore 💳
• 5.Revenue Deficit: ₹19,262 crore (0.63% of GSDP) 📉
• 6.Fiscal Deficit: ₹90,428 crore (2.95% of GSDP) 💰
• 7.Total Liabilities: Expected to reach ₹7.64 lakh crore (24.91% of GSDP) 📊
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🏗️ Key Initiatives and Allocations

🚆 Infrastructure Development

• Bengaluru Metro Expansion: Metro connectivity to Kempegowda International Airport for better urban mobility.
• Double-Decker Flyover: Proposed in Bengaluru to reduce traffic congestion 🚗.
• ‘Brand Bengaluru’ Initiative: ₹1,800 crore allocated to improve the city's infrastructure and global image 🌍.
• Rural Infrastructure Development: Special funds for roads, bridges, and public facilities in rural areas.
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🎭 Cultural and Social Welfare

• State-Owned OTT Platform: A new government-backed streaming platform to promote regional cinema and culture 🎬.
• Haj Bhavan: A dedicated facility for the welfare of the Muslim community 🕌.
• Subsidized Housing Schemes: Increased funding for affordable housing for low-income families 🏡.
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💹 Economic Growth & Business Support

• Liquor Price Hike: Anticipated increase in liquor prices to boost revenue.
• Support for Minority Communities: Special funds for the development of minority groups.
• Agricultural Reforms: Subsidies for seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation projects to support farmers 🌾.
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🏥 Healthcare & Social Welfare

• Strengthened Health Programs: Increased investment in public healthcare services 🏥.
• Enhanced Pension Schemes: Higher allocations for senior citizens and vulnerable populations 👵.
• Medical Infrastructure Boost: Expansion of government hospitals and primary healthcare centers.
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🚍 Transportation & Green Mobility

• Road Network Expansion: Improved road infrastructure for better connectivity 🚗.
• Electric Bus Initiative: Expansion of electric bus fleets in major cities to promote eco-friendly transport 🌱.
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🏛️ Governance & Administrative Reforms

• Digital Governance: Increased investment in e-governance for faster and more transparent public service delivery.
• Women Empowerment: Special programs for women entrepreneurs and self-help groups, including financial aid.
• Smart City Projects: Strengthening urban planning and smart infrastructure in major cities.
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🚜 Agriculture & Rural Development

• Interest-Free Farm Loans: Expansion of zero-interest loans to support farmers.
• Cold Storage & Warehousing: Investment in modern storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses.
• Organic Farming Support: Incentives for organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices.
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🏫 Education & Skill Development

• New Schools & Colleges: Infrastructure boost for government institutions in both urban and rural areas.
• Student Scholarships: Increased financial aid for economically weaker and minority students.
• Skill Training Programs: Special vocational training and startup support initiatives for youth employment.
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🌍 Environment & Renewable Energy

• Green Energy Investments: Major funding in solar and wind energy projects to lower carbon emissions.
• Tree Plantation Drive: Extensive afforestation programs to improve air quality.
• Plastic Ban Enforcement: Strict regulations on single-use plastics with hefty fines for violators.
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🏥 Healthcare & Public Safety

• AI in Healthcare: Implementation of AI-based diagnosis systems in government hospitals.
• Ambulance Network Expansion: Strengthened emergency response services in rural and urban areas.
• Cybersecurity & Police Modernization: Investment in advanced technology for crime prevention and digital security.
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💵 Economic Development & Revenue Generation

• GST & Tax Collection Reforms: Enhanced measures to curb tax evasion and improve revenue collection.
• IT & Startup Growth: Special funding for Karnataka’s booming tech sector and startup ecosystem.
• Tourism Promotion: Plans to develop new tourist destinations and improve facilities at existing ones.
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📊 Comparison with Karnataka Budget 2024-25