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The Karnataka Budget 2026 was presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, outlining a total outlay of Rs 4.48 trillion for the financial year 2026–27 (FY27). The budget introduces several significant policy initiatives, including a proposal to restrict social media access for children under 16, increased spending on education infrastructure, expanded women welfare programmes, investments in electric buses, police modernisation, and the establishment of a robotics and AI innovation zone in Bengaluru.

Overall, the budget focuses on strengthening social welfare, improving public infrastructure, and promoting technology-driven development across the state.

Karnataka Budget 2026: Overall Fiscal Outlook

The Karnataka Budget 2026 provides a comprehensive picture of the state’s financial position and development priorities for the coming fiscal year.

The total budget size is estimated at Rs 4.48 trillion, representing an increase of about 13.3% compared to the revised estimates for FY26. The fiscal deficit is projected at Rs 97,449 crore, which is approximately 2.95% of Karnataka’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).

Revenue receipts are expected to reach Rs 3.15 trillion, while revenue expenditure is estimated at Rs 3.38 trillion. Additionally, the state’s total liabilities are projected at Rs 8.24 trillion, reflecting increased investments aimed at accelerating development and infrastructure growth.

Proposal to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16

One of the most notable proposals in the Karnataka Budget 2026 is the plan to restrict social media use for children below the age of 16.

According to the government, the policy is intended to reduce the negative effects of excessive smartphone usage among young users. Authorities believe that age-based restrictions could help protect children from digital addiction, cyber risks, and harmful online content.

If implemented, Karnataka could become the first Indian state to introduce such a restriction, although discussions on regulating children’s social media usage are also taking place at the national level.

Major Push for Education Infrastructure

Education has received significant attention in the Karnataka Budget 2026, with multiple initiatives aimed at strengthening school infrastructure and improving the quality of education.

The government plans to fill 15,000 vacant teaching positions across schools and colleges in the state. In addition, Rs 565 crore has been allocated for the construction of classrooms and repair works in government educational institutions.

Further investments include:

• Rs 75 crore for building toilets in schools

• Rs 25 crore for purchasing classroom furniture

• Rs 125 crore for maintenance of educational institutions

The state also plans to upgrade 800 schools into Karnataka Public Schools over the next three years, with an estimated investment of Rs 3,900 crore.

Women Welfare Schemes

Women empowerment continues to be a major focus area in the Karnataka Budget 2026.

The budget allocates Rs 94,663 crore for programmes benefiting women and Rs 63,135 crore for child welfare initiatives.

One of the key schemes is the Gruhalakshmi programme, which provides Rs 2,000 per month as financial assistance to eligible women.

Another flagship initiative, the Shakti scheme, allows free bus travel for women and has been allocated Rs 5,300 crore for FY 2026–27.

These programmes aim to enhance financial independence and improve mobility for women across the state.

Infrastructure, Transport and Technology Development

The Karnataka Budget 2026 also places strong emphasis on infrastructure expansion and technological innovation.

To improve public transportation, the government has announced the procurement of 1,000 additional diesel buses.

Additionally, a Rs 2,000 crore Karnataka Electric Bus Programme has been introduced, under which the state plans to deploy 4,000 electric buses and develop 94 bus depots, with financial support from the World Bank.

Other important initiatives include:

• Construction of an Intermediate Ring Road (IRR) in Bengaluru to reduce traffic congestion

• Rs 354 crore Police Modernisation Scheme involving drones, anti-drone systems, and CCTV surveillance networks

• Creation of the Bangalore Robotics and AI Innovation Zone (BRAINz) in partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and ISRO

Other Key Announcements

The Karnataka Budget 2026 also includes several additional initiatives aimed at social justice, science development, and environmental protection.

The government announced that it will implement the Rohith Vemula Act in higher education institutions to address and prevent discrimination.

A new Science City in Bengaluru will be developed with an investment of Rs 233 crore, aimed at promoting scientific learning and innovation.

In addition, the state has proposed a Rs 1,500 crore wildlife conflict mitigation programme over the next five years to reduce human–wildlife conflicts and strengthen conservation efforts.

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