BENGALURU, Karnataka — The Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, unveiled an ambitious budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, setting a record allocation of ₹4.095 lakh crore. The budget, presented in Bengaluru, focuses on infrastructure development, social welfare, and cultural promotion, with significant allocations aimed at fulfilling diverse state needs.
Among the key announcements, the salaries of temple priests will see an increase, demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing religious institutions’ welfare. Additionally, cinema enthusiasts are set to benefit as the state government has imposed a price cap on movie tickets, limiting them to ₹200 in all theatres, including multiplexes. This move aims to make entertainment more affordable for the general public.
“These decisions reflect our dedication to cultural inclusivity and economic accessibility,” stated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the budget presentation.
Further enhancing its cultural landscape, Karnataka plans to develop a state-run OTT platform aimed at promoting Kannada cinema, alongside the construction of a multimillion-dollar film city in Mysuru, budgeted at ₹500 crore. This initiative is expected to augment the state’s film industry, providing a boost to local filmmakers and artists.
The budget also emphasizes the development of Bengaluru, the state’s capital. With an allocation of ₹7,000 crore, Bengaluru is set to witness a transformation under the ‘Brand Bengaluru’ initiative. This encompasses 21 major projects, including expanding the city’s Metro network to improve urban mobility.
In addition to cultural and infrastructural improvements, the budget dedicates ₹51,034 crore to five key guarantee schemes. These schemes target various social welfare programs, focusing on health, education, and support for women and children. The proposed health program will ensure comprehensive medical facilities, expanding access to quality healthcare across urban and rural areas.
A commitment to minority communities is also evident, with specific grants established to foster equal opportunities and representation. Moreover, financial support for women and children’s initiatives will be bolstered, highlighting the budget’s inclusive approach to social development.
“The budgetary provisions aim to address the holistic development of Karnataka, balancing tradition with modernity,” stated a senior official from the state’s finance department.
This budget, while ambitious, marks a significant step towards fostering growth and development across multiple sectors in Karnataka. By intertwining cultural promotion with infrastructure expansion and social welfare, the government aims to set a new benchmark for state-led comprehensive development plans.
