Karnataka Budget 2025 Highlights: Movie tickets in multiplexes capped at Rs 200; new OTT platform for Kannada films

Karnataka Budget Announcements 2025 Highlights: Key focus is expected to be on welfare schemes and industrial development outside of Bengaluru.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah presented the Budget today in Assembly (Express photo)

Karnataka Budget 2025 Key Announcements Highlights: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented his 16th Budget in the Karnataka Assembly today, with key focus expected to be on industry development and welfare schemes. It is likely that the Budget for Karnataka will touch Rs 4 lakh crores for 2025-26, higher than last year’s Rs 3.71 crore Budget. The key spending on welfare schemes may see an uptick after CM Siddaramaiah’s recent focus on multiple government initiatives. The first legislative session of the year, which kicked off on March 3, opened with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s address to a joint session of the State legislature.

Salary hike for state legislators: Earlier this week, the Business Advisory Committee led by CM Siddaramaiah gave its not to the salary hike for state legislators, a move which is set to spark controversy. When the BJP-led government hiked MLA salaries in February 2022, there was little pushback from Congress or Janata Dal (Secular).

Story continues below this ad

Assembly passes Bangalore Palace Bill: The Karnataka Assembly passed the Bangalore Palace Bill, which enables the state government to drop portions of land required for a road-widening project after the Supreme Court directed it to issue transferable development rights (TDR) worth Rs 3,400 crore to the erstwhile Mysuru royal family.

Live Updates

Mar 7, 2025 07:45 PM IST

Karnataka govt sends proposal to Centre for Bengaluru's second airport

Karnataka Infrastructure Minister M B Patil on Friday said that three locations have been proposed for Bengaluru's second airport, and a proposal has been sent to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation for approval. He stated that the three potential locations identified are two on Kanakapura Road near Harohalli and one on Kunigal Road in Nelamangala.

"Bengaluru's second airport: Three locations proposed to Centre–A bold step towards future-ready infrastructure. We have identified three potential locations for the city's second international airport—two on Kanakapura Road near Harohalli and one on Kunigal Road in Nelamangala. A proposal has been sent to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation for approval," Patil wrote on 'X'. He added that this is a crucial step towards strengthening Karnataka's infrastructure and future-proofing Bengaluru's global connectivity.

Last month, the minister stated that the exclusivity clause or preference clause of Bengaluru International Airport at Devanahalli will end by 2033, and the airport's capacity of 100 million passengers will be reached by 2030. (PTI)

Mar 7, 2025 06:42 PM IST

Karnataka Budget 2025 Live Updates: Opposition slams government for prioritising 'appeasement over development' in state budget

Opposition parties in Karnataka on Friday slammed Siddaramaiah-led Congress government for prioritising "appeasement over real development" in the state budget presented on Friday.

Describing the Karnataka Budget 2025-26 as a "Congress Blueprint for appeasement, not progress," the BJP state president B Y Vijayendra alleged that while farmers struggle with debts and crop losses, rural Karnataka suffers from lack of roads, power and irrigation, SC/ST hostels remain underfunded, youth are deprived of skill development and jobs, Congress has prioritised "appeasement over real development." Taking to social media post 'X', he noted hat Rs 500 cr have been allocated for Moulana Azad Schools in the state budget while rural government schools remain underfunded. Special business schemes for minorities only while MSMEs and rural entrepreneurs get no support.

According to him, No major investment in rural employment as job creation is sidelined while vote bank politics takes center stage.

Skill development and education for youth ignored, with no real effort to make them industry-ready. "Rs 1.16 lakh cr borrowed, Rs 90,428 cr fiscal deficit and yet, Congress spends on selective appeasement instead of empowering all! Where is the budget for real growth? Farmers, youth & rural Karnataka are left behind while Congress focuses only on its vote bank. This is not governance, this is a betrayal of Karnataka's future," he alleged in his post.

Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, R Ashoka expressed disappointment, calling the state budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today as "visionless and haphazard budget".

"Since Siddaramaiah is the Outgoing CM, Kannadigas did not have much expectation from this budget. However, this budget has completely disappointed the people who were expecting him to announce at least some pro-people schemes in his last budget. This is just a bogus budget," he alleged in a post on 'X'.

He alleged that @INCKarnataka party came to power in a hurry by announcing five guarantee schemes and these guarantees were not announced out of love or concern for the poor, the ulterior motive behind this was to mislead the people, gain votes and rise to power. They are now stuck in a trap, unable to continue these guarantees.

Citing KDP (Karnataka Development Programme) statistics, he claimed that only 62 per cent progress was made in the last 10 months of the 2024-25 budget year. (PTI)

Mar 7, 2025 05:34 PM IST

CM Siddaramaiah announces several welfare schemes for minorities

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced various welfare schemes for minorities in his budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, including Rs 50,000 to support simple marriages and Rs 1,000 crore under the Chief Minister's Minority Colony Development Programme.

The BJP criticised these measures calling them appeasement. While presenting the budget, the Chief Minister said, "To promote simple marriages among economically backward minority communities, an amount of Rs 50,000 will be provided per couple to NGOs that organise such mass marriages."

He stated that classes from pre-primary to PU will be introduced in 250 Moulana Azad Model English Medium Schools in a phased manner, with a total cost of Rs 500 crore.

An allocation of Rs 100 crore has been made for this purpose in the current year, and the programme will be implemented in collaboration with the School Education Department.

Additionally, 100 Urdu medium schools with the highest enrolment, managed by the Education Department, will be strengthened. Rs 100 crore has been allocated this year as part of a total Rs 400 crore upgrade plan to provide essential facilities.

"An action plan of Rs 1,000 crore has been prepared under the Chief Minister's Minority Colony Development Programme. The works will be implemented in FY 2025-26," Siddaramaiah said. (PTI)

Mar 7, 2025 02:26 PM IST

Karnataka Budget 2025 Live Updates: Karnataka 'naxal-free', anti-naxal force to be disbanded

Karnataka's Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) will be disbanded as the state has become 'free' of the outlawed members, state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday.

He made the announcement while presenting the state budget for FY 2025-26. He also announced strengthening of the Cyber Crime Division.

Law and order plays an important role in the economic development of the state, he said, adding zero tolerance policy has been adopted against those who disrupt social harmony and strict and decisive action is being taken.

"Six underground naxals have surrendered before the naxal surrender and rehabilitation programme committee during our government tenure. With this, Karnataka has become naxal-free and hence the anti-naxal force will be disbanded," Siddaramaiah said. (PTI)

Mar 7, 2025 01:58 PM IST

Karnataka Budget 2025 Live Updates: Improving learning outcomes in schools our priority

To improve the learning outcomes in schools, the Karnataka government will be collaborating with select private institutions, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday.

For instance, an AI-based "Kalika Deepa" programme will help students in 2,000 schools to learn Kannada and English languages confidently and acquire early mathematical competencies. This is being done in collaboration with Ek-Step Foundation, he said while presenting his 16th budget in the Assembly.

In another collaborative programme called "Jnana Setu", in which schools will work with Khan Academy, science and maths will be taught using innovative methods, the CM said. (PTI)

Mar 7, 2025 01:45 PM IST

Karnataka Budget 2025 Live Updates: Eggs, bananas will be given in govt schools six days a week

With school authorities stating that giving eggs in midday meals six days a week has improved attendance considerably, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced that his government will continue to invest Rs 1,500 crore in the coming year too.

Presenting the budget in the Assembly, he said, "Eggs/bananas being given to 53 lakh schoolchildren two days a week to mitigate malnutrition among them has been extended to six days a week with support from the Azim Premji Foundation at a cost of Rs 1,500 crore. This programme will be continued in 2025-26." (PTI)

Mar 7, 2025 01:33 PM IST

Karnataka Budget 2025 Live Updates: Shakthi scheme launched for women

Under Shakthi, the very first scheme launched for women empowerment and capacity-building, a total of 226.53 crore women passengers have availed the benefits of this scheme. Rs. 5,015 crore expenditure has been incurred during 2024-25 for this scheme which has instilled strength for 464. self-reliance and financial improvement of women. Rs. 5,300 crore has been earmarked for the year 2025-26.

The Bengaluru Majestic bus stand will be redeveloped under Project Majestic scheme under the public-private partnership model. It is envisaged to construct a transport hub consisting of a commercial complex.

Mar 7, 2025 12:55 PM IST

Karnataka Budget 2025 Live Updates: Movie tickets at multiplexes capped at Rs 200

The Karnataka government, in their Budget, decided to cap their movie ticket prices in multiplexes at Rs 200. An OTT platform will be created in the state to promote Kannada movies, the Budget states.

For developing an International level Film City in Mysuru at the cost of Rs. 500 crore in PPP model, 150 acre land has been transferred to Department of Information and Public relations. Government is committed to establishing this Film City in the next years.

Mar 7, 2025 12:40 PM IST

Karnataka Budget 2025 Live Updates: CM attacks Centre for revenue challenges

Pointing out that Karnataka is noted for its prudent fiscal policy, debt management and adherence to fiscal discipline, CM Siddaramaiah said it is also the first state in the country to incorporate off-budget borrowings into total liabilities. However, the union government's failure to fully compensate for GST revenue loss, non-devolution of cesses and surcharges and lower tax devolution from the Fifteenth Finance Commission compounded the state's fiscal challenges, he said.

"As a result, Karnataka has been facing revenue challenges in its pursuit of long-term growth with social justice," he added.

The state has made a strong argument before the 16th Finance Commission for an increase in share in tax devolution. Karnataka has impressed upon the commission to strike a judicious balance between the twin considerations of equity and growth from the viewpoint of evolving a harmonious and healthy fiscal federalism, the CM said. (PTI)

Mar 7, 2025 12:30 PM IST

Karnataka Budget 2025 Live Updates: BJP, JD(S) workers stage protests

The protest by BJP and JD(S) legislators was held in front of Gandhi statue at Vidhana Soudha premises before the presentation of the Budget.

Mar 7, 2025 12:18 PM IST

Karnataka Budget 2025 Live Updates: Yuvanidhi Scheme for unemployed youths

CM Siddaramaiah said, "Yuvanidhi Scheme is being implemented by our Government to provide unemployment allowance to unemployed graduates and diploma holders. About 2.58 lakh youths have already registered under this scheme and unemployment allowance of Rs.286 crore has been transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)."

Mar 7, 2025 11:59 AM IST

Karnataka Budget 2025 Live Updates: Representation for tribes in Civil Services

Action will be taken for Special Direct Recruitment of 13 forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes of Soliga, Halasa, Jenukuruba, Gowdalu, Siddi, Kudiya, Malekudiya, Kadukuruba, Iruliga, Koraga, Bettakuruba, Yerava, Paniyan to give these communities representation in State Civil Services.

Mar 7, 2025 11:43 AM IST

Karnataka Budget 2025 Live Updates: CM announces reservation in government contracts and procurement of goods and services

Under the provisions of Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act, the reservation provided to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Category-I, Category-2A and Category-2B contractors in works will be increased to Rs 2 crore, says CM.

Similarly, reservation will be provided in procurement of goods and services under various Government departments, corporations and institutions to suppliers belonging to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Category-I, Category-IIA and Category-IIB up to Rs 1 crore.

While reservation existed for SC/ST and OBC communities in contracts, other communities are included for the first time.

Mar 7, 2025 11:25 AM IST

Karnataka Budget 2025 Live Updates: Big push for programmes in educational institutes

Al-based "Kalika Deepa" Programme in collaboration with Ek-Step foundation will be extended to students in 2,000 schools with the objective of enabling the students to learn Kannada and English languages confidently and acquire early mathematical competencies.

"Jnana Setu" Programme will be formulated in collaboration with Khan Academy to bring innovation in science and maths teaching in government schools. This initiative will benefit 20 lakh students and 15,000 teachers in 5,000 government schools.

I-Code Labs will be set up in collaboration with Agasthya Foundation to introduce coding for students of government schools to keep pace with the changing technology. Under this project, 63 select schools with ICT facilities will be identified as Hubs, benefiting 756 Spoke schools.

Mar 7, 2025 11:02 AM IST

Karnataka Budget 2025 Live Updates: Knowledge cell to be established in IIST

Knowledge cell wilo be established by Indian Institute of Space Science in partnership with private players to provide farmers with real time data on the extent, production, crop health and market data about horticultural crops by using satellite and other modern technologies.

Seed bank to be established to conserve the 20 GI tagged and other indigenous crops which are on the verge of extinction.

Mar 7, 2025 10:55 AM IST

Karnataka Budget 2025 Live Updates: Chief Minister’s Infrastructure Development Program launched

A new scheme called the Chief Minister’s Infrastructure Development Program(CMIDP) is being launched with Rs. 8,000 crore investment to ensure balanced development across the state, focusing on minor irrigation, roads and urban infrastructure in all constituencies

Mar 7, 2025 10:42 AM IST

Karnataka Budget 2025 Live Updates: Key push for welfare schemes

CM Siddaramaiah said, "Karnataka has made a strong argument before the 16th finance commission for an increase in share in tax devolution.... While economically advanced states are committed to supporting poorer states, it should not be at the expense of their own residents or economic efficiency."

He added, "Karnataka Budget to focus on 6 aspects of development along with guarantee programmes. Rs 51,034 cr to be set aside for five guarantee schemes this fiscal year."

Mar 7, 2025 10:38 AM IST

Karnataka Budget 2025 Live Updates: 'Karnataka one of fastest growing states,' says Siddaramaiah

CM Siddaramaiah said that Karnataka is one of the fastest growing states in India contributing 8.4 per cent of the national GDP. "Agric sector has registered a growth of 4% in 2024-25, compared to the negative growth rate of - 4.9 per cent recorded last year," he said.

Mar 7, 2025 10:35 AM IST

Karnataka Budget 2025 Live Updates: 47.3 per cent increase in infra sector

The chief minister said, "The government acknowledges the decisive role of the infra sector in driving the state's holistic economic growth and has provided substantial funding for capital expenditure in the current year. This is underscored by an 47.3 per cent increase (in capital expenditure)."

Mar 7, 2025 10:34 AM IST

Karnataka Budget 2025 Live Updates: Siddaramaiah addresses Budget session

Karnataka leader in renewable energy in the country. Its water treatment programmes are acclaimed around the world, said CM Siddaramaiah ahead of Budget presentation.

"This budget will focus on six aspects on developments. Along with guarantee programmes, Karnataka has also focused on other welfare programmes," he added.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram