Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday presented the state budget for the financial year 2025-26, emphasizing on the development and modern infrastructure of the state while maintaining financial discipline. This budget not only aims to solve the traffic problem of Bengaluru, but many important initiatives have also been taken for the well-being of minority communities.
Karnataka Budget 2025 Highlights:
The Karnataka government has set a total estimated expenditure of ₹4.09 lakh crore for this financial year, out of which revenue expenditure has been set at ₹3.11 lakh crore and capital expenditure at ₹71,336 crore. Apart from this, a provision of ₹26,474 crore has been made for loan repayment.
- Revenue deficit ₹19,262 crore (0.63% of GDP)
- Fiscal deficit ₹90,428 crore (2.95% of GDP)
- Total debt estimated at the end of 2025-26: ₹7.64 lakh crore (24.91% of GDP)
Announcements for infrastructure development in Bengaluru:
The CM has made several important announcements to address the growing traffic problems and improve infrastructure in Bengaluru city:
Increase in annual grant: The annual grant for Bengaluru has been increased from ₹3,000 crore to ₹7,000 crore.
Formation of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): A new SPV will be set up to implement major development works in Bengaluru.
Additional revenue potential for BBMP: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will get additional revenue of ₹4,556 crore from reforms and increased property tax collection.
North-South and East-West Corridor Project: BBMP will be given a government guarantee of ₹19,000 crore for the North-South and East-West Corridor Projects, which cost a total of ₹40,000 crore.
40.5 km double deck flyover: A 40.5 km long double deck flyover will be constructed in Bengaluru at a cost of ₹8,916 crore.
300 km additional road network: 300 km road network will be developed using riverside buffer zones at a cost of ₹3,000 crore.
Inter-urban and sub-urban road network: 460 km long inter-urban and sub-urban road network will be developed in BBMP area at a cost of ₹660 crore.
Flyovers and grade separators: Flyovers and grade separators will be constructed up to 120 km in Bengaluru.
Allocations under ‘Brand Bengaluru’ scheme: ₹1,800 crore allocated for the financial year 2024-25, under which 21 schemes will be implemented.
Health programme: A comprehensive health programme will be launched under the ‘Brand Bengaluru’ scheme, for which ₹413 crore allocated.
Key announcements for minority communities:
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced several welfare schemes for minority communities in the budget:
Reform in madrasa education: Facilities will be provided for formal education in madrasas and preparation of students for SSLC examination through NIOS.
Minority Youth Start-ups: Minority youth will be encouraged to start start-ups through Karnataka Minority Development Corporation.
Renovation of Waqf Properties and Graveyards: Rs 150 crore has been allocated for Waqf properties and Muslim graveyards.
Mukhyamantri Minority Colony Vikas Yojana: Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated as an action plan under this scheme.
Expansion of Haj Bhavan: An additional building will be constructed for Haj pilgrims and their families in the Haj Bhavan in Bengaluru.
Special Fund for Religious Communities: Rs 100 crore has been allocated for Jain, Buddhist and Sikh communities. Rs 250 crore has been allocated for the Christian community.
Sannati Development Authority: A development authority will be set up in the Sannati area of Kalaburagi district of Karnataka.
Honoring religious leaders: Honorary fees for Jain priests, chief grantees of Sikhs and Pesh-Imams of mosques will be increased to ₹6,000 per month. Honorary fees for assistant grantees and muezzins will be increased to ₹5,000 per month.
Conclusion:
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has promised to further accelerate the development of Karnataka through this budget, especially solving infrastructure problems in Bengaluru, implementation of various schemes for the welfare of minority communities and promoting the overall economic development of the state. Source economictimes
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