Siddaramaiah's 16th Budget: Expectations, Plans and Farmer Consultations

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced he will present the state budget for 2025-26 on March 7, marking his 16th budget presentation. He held pre-budget meetings with farmers and departments despite knee pain. He addressed key issues including price rise and funding, and assured continued support for welfare schemes.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to present the state's budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 on March 7. This will mark the 16th occasion on which he has presented the budget as the state's finance minister.

In preparation, Siddaramaiah conducted a series of consultative meetings, despite suffering from knee pain, with farmer leaders and representatives from various departments. He emphasized that input from these discussions has been crucial in framing the budget, which aims to address agricultural development and price rise challenges.

Regarding fiscal matters, Siddaramaiah highlighted issues such as delayed Central funding for Karnataka's Jal Jeevan Mission and the recently raised metro rail fares, which are set by a Centre-appointed committee. He also assured that payments for crucial welfare programs like Anna Bhagya and Gruha Lakshmi, though delayed, would be prioritized.