Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to Unveil 2025-26 Budget on March 7
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Synopsis
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced the presentation of the budget for the financial year 2025-26 on March 7, following a three-day budget discussion starting March 3. He emphasized the government's commitment to farmers and addressed concerns about inflation and funding for the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka budget presentation on March 7, 2025-26.
- Budget session begins on March 3.
- Focus on farmers' interests and agricultural support.
- Concerns over inflation and funding issues.
- Metro fare hikes are set by a Central committee.
Bengaluru, Feb 17 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah revealed on Monday in Bengaluru that he will present the budget for the financial year 2025-26 on March 7.
During a press briefing at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, CM Siddaramaiah stated, “The Budget Session will kick off on March 3, with Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot addressing both Houses that day. Discussions will span three days, concluding on March 6, and I will present the budget on March 7.”
“After the budget discussions, I will respond to inquiries at the end of March. The Business Advisory Committee will determine the length of the budget session,” CM Siddaramaiah added.
He further mentioned, “Today, I held meetings with various departments. Despite suffering from leg and knee pain, I conducted meetings from home. However, I came to the Vidhana Soudha today due to the large number of participants expected.”
CM Siddaramaiah assured, “I will consider their recommendations while drafting the budget, and within our financial capabilities, we will determine what to include or exclude. The Karnataka government has always placed a high priority on the interests of farmers. We will continue to support agricultural activities.”
Addressing inflation concerns, CM Siddaramaiah remarked that both the Union and state governments share the responsibility, with the Central government bearing a greater burden.
“They must also take measures to curb inflation, while the state government will fulfill its responsibilities,” he emphasized.
In response to claims that the state government is not properly utilizing funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission, he clarified, “The funds are being utilized; however, the Centre has not disbursed its share of funds as requested by Karnataka.”
On the recent metro fare increase, CM Siddaramaiah noted, “Metro rail fares are set by a committee appointed by the Central government. Two members are from the Central government, and one is from the state.
“The metro rail authority is an independent entity formed by both the state and central governments. While we propose fare structures, the committee makes the final decisions.”
He added, “The Central government appointed the chairman of this committee, a retired High Court judge from Tamil Nadu.”
Reiterating the state’s dedication to welfare programs, CM Siddaramaiah affirmed, “Our guarantee schemes will not be halted. If any delays occur in fund disbursement, we will ensure they are released promptly.”
Karnataka Leader of Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka criticized the state government on Wednesday, alleging plans to borrow Rs 1 lakh crore in this budget.
He mentioned that the Finance Department Secretary indicated a 20 percent drop in government revenue.
“The government intends to borrow Rs 1 lakh crore in this budget. During the BJP's administration, surplus budgets were achieved without incurring loans. Now, under Congress, Karnataka is becoming a debt-laden state, heading towards a situation similar to Kerala,” he asserted.
Sources indicate that Siddaramaiah is preparing to present a Rs 4 lakh crore budget for 2025-26 in March, marking his 16th budget as Finance Minister.
Siddaramaiah had previously presented a Rs 3.71 lakh crore budget for 2024-25. The state government allocates Rs 52,000 crore annually for five guarantee schemes.
