Karnataka Budget

The inclusion of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's 250-metre Skydeck project in the 2024 budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sparked debates among officials and experts regarding its necessity and prioritisation, especially in the face of pressing infrastructure challenges plaguing Bengaluru.

Opposition members from BJP-JDS parties criticize Karnataka's budget, likening it to a viral song. Discontent surfaces during CM Siddaramaiah's reading, with protests outside the House and slogans condemning the budget's content. Former CMs Kumaraswamy and Bommai, alongside opposition leaders, express dissatisfaction, citing lack of innovation and neglect of key sectors.

Karnataka's 2024 budget introduces the 'Anna-Suvidha' scheme, delivering food grains to seniors over 80. Challenges in rice availability led to monetary aid for BPL and Antyodaya cardholders. Concerns arise over prioritizing cash over rice provision. Suggestions include sourcing locally and diversifying grains. Ration distributors advocate for direct grain provision.

CM Siddaramaiah's 15th budget prioritizes Bengaluru's development, allocating funds for Metro, BMTC, and road projects including white topping and tunnel construction to ease traffic congestion. Additionally, provisions are made for drinking water supply to villages, waste treatment, and division of Bangalore into four zones for efficient governance.

In a dynamic move to address key sectors and development challenges, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has allocated a substantial budget of ₹52,000 crore for the implementation of five crucial guarantee schemes, namely Shakti, Gruha Jyoti, Gruha Lakshmi, Yuva Nidhi, and Anna Bhagya, in the fiscal year 2024-25.

During the Karnataka Legislative Assembly's Budget presentation, CM Siddaramaiah criticized the central government over GST, citing a loss of Rs 59,274 crore for Karnataka due to unmet revenue projections. The opposition, led by R Ashok, accused him of politicizing the Budget. BJP boycotted, alleging bias towards big businesses.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, also in charge of the Finance portfolio, presented the Karnataka State Budget on February 16, outlining the Congress's priorities ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections expected in April-May.

The Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has unveiled plans to develop integrated townships near key cities and satellite townships around Bengaluru. These initiatives aim to ease congestion, promote sustainable growth, and generate employment. An allocation of Rs. 2,000 crore has been made for infrastructure development in municipal corporations.

The Karnataka government allocates Rs. 393 crore for minority welfare in its 2024 budget, emphasizing educational empowerment and infrastructure at religious sites. Initiatives include workshops for religious leaders, funding for pilgrimage facilities, and development grants for communities like Muslims, Jains, Christians, Buddhists, and Sikligars.

Karnataka government announces plans for the state's first sea ambulance to aid fishermen, alongside a Rs. 3,000 crore investment in the fisheries sector. Initiatives include a modern fish market, research centre, Aqua Parks, and skill development centres, aiming for industry modernization and improved support for fishermen.

Namma Metro in Bengaluru progresses with Phase-2 and Phase-2A projects targeting completion by June 2026, aimed at easing congestion. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announced plans to expand the network by 44 kilometres by March 2025, enhancing connectivity. Additionally, Namma Metro achieved profitability for the first time, marking a milestone in its operational history.

The Karnataka government announces tax slab revisions for beer and IML, aiming to compete with neighbouring states. Excise services will be digitized, with fixed timelines for approvals. Excise revenue collection for 2023-24 reached Rs. 28,181 crore; a target of Rs. 38,525 crore is set for 2024-25.

During Karnataka Budget 2024, CM Siddaramaiah announces tunnel roads to ease traffic in Bengaluru, with an experimental tunnel at Hebbal Junction. Focus on tax reforms targets 6,000 crore rupees collection. Digitization enhances administrative efficiency. Infrastructure projects include road improvements and all-season roads along canals.

Karnataka eagerly anticipates CM Siddaramaiah's 15th budget, with a focus on Namma Metro's third phase expansion. BMRCL allocates Rs 1,000 crore for the project covering 44.65 km. Despite delays, BMRCL seeks approval for pre-construction activities.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to present the state budget on February 16, with a focus on Bengaluru's development. Expectations include infrastructural projects like a tunnel road and an observation tower, along with increased funding for education, including English medium schools and new medical colleges.