Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday strongly defended the state’s flagship guarantee schemes, asserting that they are not “free gifts” but essential measures to support the poor.
Presenting the state budget for 2025-26, he highlighted that an estimated ₹233 crore has been directly transferred to each Assembly constituency under these schemes, providing much-needed financial relief to beneficiaries.
The Chief Minister also underscored Karnataka’s strong economic performance, stating that the state contributes 8.4% to the national GDP. In 2024-25, Karnataka recorded a growth rate of 7.4%, surpassing the national average of 6.4%. He attributed this economic surge to strategic investments and robust policy measures aimed at fostering development across key sectors.
Opening the budget session with a literary touch, Siddaramaiah recited verses from Rashtra Kavi Kuvempu and other prominent poets, invoking the ideals of Dr BR Ambedkar, Buddha, Basavanna, and Narayana Guru to reinforce the theme of social justice in governance.
Due to his ongoing recovery from knee surgery, the Chief Minister sought permission from the Speaker to deliver his speech while seated, a rare gesture that set a distinctive tone for the proceedings.
The budget placed a strong emphasis on education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Increased allocations were announced to improve accessibility and quality in education and healthcare, while urban development received a boost to address civic challenges in Karnataka’s rapidly growing cities. Siddaramaiah reiterated the government’s commitment to developing Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to reduce the burden on Bengaluru.
Reflecting on his political journey, the Chief Minister remarked, “Today, I present my 16th budget. I am grateful to the people of Karnataka for entrusting me with this responsibility.” He further stated that the budget takes inspiration from the teachings of Buddha, Basava, Gandhi, and Ambedkar and strives towards building a more equitable society.
