Karnataka Budget 2026: Social Media Ban, Big Education Push & ₹4.48 Trillion Spending Plan

The Karnataka Budget 2026 was presented by Honorable Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with a total outlay of ₹4.48 trillion for FY27. This budget introduced several major policy decisions including a social media ban for children under 16. While increased spending on education infrastructure and expanded women welfare programmes. This state government also announced a ₹2,000 crore electric bus programme and new technology initiatives and also infrastructure projects.

Karnataka Budget 2026: Overall Fiscal Outlook

The Karnataka Budget 2026 outlines the state’s financial position and spending priorities for the upcoming financial year.

The total budget size is estimated at around ₹4.48 trillion. Which is total 13.3 percent increase compared with FY26 revised estimates. The fiscal deficit is projected at ₹97,449 crore. And fiscal deficit equals 2.95 percent of the state’s Gross State Domestic Product.

Revenue receipts are expected to reach ₹3.15 trillion and other side revenue expenditure is estimated at ₹3.38 trillion. The Karnataka Budget 2026 also estimated total liabilities at ₹8.24 trillion. And it will be reflecting the state’s growing development investments.

Karnataka Social Media Ban Under 16

One of the most important announcements in the Karnataka Budget 2026 is the proposal to ban social media usage for children under 16 years of age.

The government said the policy aims to reduce the harmful effects of excessive mobile usage among children. State higher Authorities believe that age based restrictions may help protect children from digital addiction and harmful online content.

If the Karnataka implemented this social media ban under 16 it would make the state the first in India to introduce such a measure. Discussions on similar policies are also taking place at the national level.

Education Boost in Karnataka Budget 2026

Education received huge attention in the Karnataka Budget 2026 with several initiatives aimed at improving school infrastructure and staffing.

The government planned to fill 15,000 vacant teaching posts in schools and colleges across the state. Adding this ₹565 crore has been allocated for construction of classrooms and repair works in government educational institutions.

Additional investments include,

• ₹75 crore for school toilet construction
• ₹25 crore for school furniture procurement
• ₹125 crore for institutional maintenance

The government also plans to upgrade 800 institutions into Karnataka Public Schools over the next three years at a cost of ₹3,900 crore.

Women Welfare Schemes in Karnataka Budget 2026

Women welfare remains a key priority in the Karnataka Budget 2026. And also with major allocations for social support programmes.

The budget allocates ₹94,663 crore for women focused programmes and ₹63,135 crore for child welfare initiatives. One of the major schemes is the Gruhalakshmi programme it which provides ₹2,000 per month financial assistance to eligible women.

The Shakti free bus travel scheme for women has also received a budget allocation of ₹5,300 crore for the financial year 2026-27.

These initiatives are designed to improve financial security and mobility for women across the state.

Infrastructure, Transport and Technology Initiatives

The Karnataka Budget 2026 also focuses high on infrastructure development and technology innovation.

Key transport initiatives include procurement of 1,000 additional diesel buses to strengthen public transport services.

The government also announced the ₹2,000 crore Karnataka Electric Bus Programme. In which govt. will add 4,000 electric buses and develop 94 bus depots with support from the World Bank.

Other major initiatives include,

• Construction of an Intermediate Ring Road (IRR) in Bengaluru to reduce traffic congestion
• ₹354 crore Police Modernization Scheme with drones, anti drone systems and CCTV networks
• Establishment of the Bangalore Robotics and AI Innovation Zone (BRAINz) in collaboration with IISc and ISRO

Other Key Announcements in Karnataka Budget 2026

Several additional initiatives were also announced in the Karnataka Budget 2026 to strengthen social and technological development.

The government will implement the Rohith Vemula Act in higher educational institutions focusing on preventing discrimination.

A new Science City in Bengaluru will be developed with an investment of ₹233 crore.

The state also announced a ₹1,500 crore wildlife conflict mitigation programme over the next five years to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and improve conservation efforts.

Question

Q. What is the monthly financial assistance provided under the Gruhalakshmi scheme?
A. ₹1,000
B. ₹1,500
C. ₹2,000
D. ₹3,000