Bengaluru, March 6 (NationPress) In the Karnataka Budget for 2026–27, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in driving the State's strategy for technological progress, inclusive growth, and enhanced governance. The budget introduces several initiatives focused on infusing AI into agriculture, education, public services, and skill enhancement.

During his budget presentation, CM Siddaramaiah noted Karnataka's rising significance within the global technology landscape.

The State has advanced from the 21st to the 14th position in the global start-up ecosystem, currently boasting over 18,000 active start-ups. Moreover, Bengaluru has solidified its global reputation, now ranking fifth among the top 50 cities worldwide for AI and Big Data, as stated by CM Siddaramaiah.

Recognizing the transformative impact of AI on global economic frameworks and production models, he outlined a detailed plan for the integration of AI technologies across vital sectors.

In the agricultural realm, the government will enhance the Raitha Kare Kendra (Farmer Call Centre) with AI capabilities, enabling farmers to access real-time updates on weather, market prices, crop advisories, and government programs—a move aimed at improving decision-making at the grassroots level, CM Siddaramaiah remarked.

For the education sector, the Karnataka government plans to roll out an AI-based personalized self-learning digital tutor in partnership with IIT Dharwad, which is expected to benefit approximately 12.28 lakh students from Classes 8 to 12 by facilitating individualized learning and enhancing educational outcomes statewide, CM Siddaramaiah noted.

Furthermore, an AI-driven facial recognition attendance system will be implemented across Anganwadis, schools, colleges, and hostels, ensuring precise attendance monitoring and public accessibility to daily attendance data, thus promoting transparency and accountability, added CM Siddaramaiah.

To broaden access to advanced technological education beyond major urban areas, the government will set up modern AI Data Labs in 50 government colleges located in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, supported by a ₹10 crore grant in collaboration with the Centre's AI Mission. This initiative aims to equip rural youth with advanced AI skills, thereby enhancing employability in emerging technology sectors, CM Siddaramaiah stated.

New courses with significant employment potential, including AI, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, and Automation Engineering, will also be introduced in government polytechnics and engineering institutions to prepare students for future tech-driven industries, he elaborated.

As part of the initiative for technological inclusion, 250 engineering graduates from Backward Classes will receive advanced AI training at prestigious institutions such as IITs, NITs, and IIMs, fortifying their technical skills and improving job prospects in high-growth sectors.

AI will further enhance citizen services, with the Department of Food and Civil Supplies converting its existing helpline into an AI-enabled 'Smart Annavani', an intelligent grievance redressal platform equipped with automated responses, voice chatbots, and enhanced call management systems to improve efficiency and responsiveness in public service delivery, CM Siddaramaiah announced.

To bolster the State’s research and innovation landscape, the AI and Robotics Technology Park (ART-PARK) under the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) will launch a new robotics and AI campus named 'Bangalore Robotics and AI Innovation Zone (BRAINz)' in partnership with ISRO and KEONICS, which is anticipated to foster research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in emerging technologies, CM Siddaramaiah revealed.

Additionally, a Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence will be established at IIIT Raichur, costing ₹5 crore, to boost research capabilities and create opportunities for students and innovators in North Karnataka, he stated.

Two more AI Centres of Excellence will be established in Bengaluru in collaboration with the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, and NASSCOM, totaling ₹16 crore, focusing on advanced research, industry collaboration, and the development of next-gen AI applications, he announced.

Artificial Intelligence will also be integrated into governance through the development of Kaveri 3.0 software, with an investment of ₹65 crore. This new system will facilitate a fully AI-enabled paperless property registration process integrated with asset management systems across government departments, aimed at streamlining procedures, reducing delays, and enhancing transparency, CM Siddaramaiah stated.

The initiatives outlined in the Karnataka Budget 2026–27 reflect the government's broader vision to empower individuals, broaden opportunities, and create a future-ready State where technological innovation enhances governance, delivering real benefits to farmers, students, entrepreneurs, and citizens, concluded CM Siddaramaiah.