Visionary and Welfare-Centric: CM Siddaramaiah Unveils ₹4.48 Lakh Crore ‘11G’ Roadmap for Karnataka
By Bangalore Mail Political Bureau
BENGALURU: In a landmark presentation that balances fiscal prudence with a deep commitment to social equity, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday unveiled the Karnataka Budget for 2026-27. Pegged at a total outlay of ₹4,48,004 crore, the Chief Minister’s record 17th budget introduces the ambitious ’11G Model’—a multi-dimensional strategy aimed at transforming the state into a global powerhouse while ensuring no citizen is left behind.
From massive infrastructure pushes for Bengaluru to pioneering social reforms, here is how the budget sets the stage for a “Nava Karnataka.”
Bengaluru: The March Toward ‘World’s Most Liveable City’
The state capital received a significant boost with the Chief Minister reiterating the government’s primary objective to make Bengaluru a global benchmark for urban living.
• Infrastructure Surge: A massive ₹7,000 crore has been allocated for the city’s comprehensive development. This includes the white-topping of 450 km of roads (₹3,000 crore) and a global-standard upgrade for the Outer Ring Road (Silk Board to KR Puram) at ₹450 crore.
• Mobility & Connectivity: Commuters have much to cheer as 41 km of new Metro lines are set for completion this year, benefiting 15 lakh daily passengers. Additionally, a tunnel road and elevated corridor from Hebbal Junction to Mekhri Circle (₹2,250 crore) aims to decongest one of the city’s tightest bottlenecks.
• Future Planning: The announcement of the Revised Master Plan-2041 and a Comprehensive Mobility Plan ensures that the city’s growth is not just rapid, but sustainable.
The ‘Guarantee Economy’ & Social Safety Nets
True to his “Ahinda” roots, Siddaramaiah ensured the state’s flagship guarantee schemes remain the bedrock of the economy. A total of ₹51,599 crore has been earmarked for the five guarantees, including Gruha Lakshmi (₹28,608 crore) and the Shakti scheme (₹5,300 crore).
In a historic move for student safety and social justice, the budget announced the enactment of the Rohith Vemula Act to prevent caste-based atrocities in educational institutions. Furthermore, Karnataka has become the first state to propose a ban on social media for children under 16, a bold step toward protecting the mental health of the next generation.
Education and Healthcare: Investing in Human Capital
• School Upgrades: Under the “Karnataka Public Schools” (KPS) initiative, 800 schools will be upgraded at a cost of ₹3,900 crore.
• Health for All: New multi-speciality hospitals in Karwar and trauma centres in Raichur highlight a commitment to regional healthcare equality. Notably, the state will now provide free insulin pens to children under 18 suffering from Type-1 diabetes.
• Empowering Youth: To address unemployment, the budget promises to fill 15,000 vacant teaching posts and 8,000 posts in the Home Department.
Agriculture and the Green Frontier
Recognizing the backbone of the state, the government has set a target of distributing ₹30,000 crore in interest-free agricultural loans to 38 lakh farmers. The new ‘Mukhya Mantri Saura Krishi Yojane’ will promote renewable energy by shifting irrigation pumpsets to solar power, aligning with the budget’s “Green Economy” pillar.
The Verdict
The 2026-27 budget is more than just a ledger of accounts; it is a manifesto of hope. By weaving together high-tech aspirations—like the new AI Centre of Excellence and a Science City in Bengaluru—with the “Guarantee” framework, CM Siddaramaiah has presented a balanced roadmap. While the fiscal deficit remains a challenge, the focus on “turning fire into light” suggests a government ready to navigate economic headwinds with compassion and foresight.
“Our state is at the forefront of the nation’s development. This budget is presented with the resolve to wipe the tears of the last person while building a city and state of the future.” — CM Siddaramaiah
