Bengaluru, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Karnataka Cabinet has confirmed the date for the upcoming Budget presentation for the financial year 2026–27. The Budget session of the State Legislature is scheduled from March 6 to March 27, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presenting the Budget on the initial day, March 6.

After the Cabinet meeting, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil informed the media that the Budget session will consist of 14 working days from March 6 to March 27. He reiterated, “The Chief Minister will unveil the Budget on March 6.”

This decision was reached during a Cabinet meeting conducted at Vidhana Soudha on Thursday. Notably, Siddaramaiah, who also oversees the Finance portfolio, will be delivering his 17th Budget on the session's first day.

He also mentioned that the Cabinet had engaged in thorough discussions regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Legal considerations were reviewed, and further analysis is necessary. The Cabinet has tasked the Law Department with preparing a detailed report on this issue. “Our department will undertake a study and present a report,” Minister H.K. Patil stated.

Furthermore, the Cabinet made significant policy decisions, including the approval for the distribution of smart cards under the Shakti scheme, which facilitates free bus travel for women across the state. With this initiative, women will now be required to use smart cards issued by the four state-run transport corporations for free travel instead of merely presenting their Aadhaar cards.

In another noteworthy resolution, the Cabinet sanctioned the relocation of the esteemed Bengaluru Turf Club to the stud farm located in Kunigal in the Tumakuru district. Although the racecourse operations are moving, the government has decided to retain the club's land in Bengaluru due to the expiration of the lease period and the lack of a rent revision, leading to the racecourse's relocation.

The Cabinet also resolved to designate 1,777 acres of land across 13 villages in the Channarayapatna hobli of Devanahalli taluk in the Bengaluru Rural district as a ‘Permanent Special Agricultural Zone.’

Additionally, the Cabinet has authorized the procurement of HPV vaccines at an estimated cost ranging from Rs 15 to 34 crore under the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB) funds. These vaccines will be administered to 14-year-old girls in districts such as Bidar, Koppal, Kalaburagi, Raichur, and Yadgir.

It is important to highlight that HPV vaccines are highly effective in preventing infections and cancers caused by the human papillomavirus, and they are recommended for all genders starting at ages 11–12 (or as early as 9) to ensure maximum benefit prior to sexual exposure.