The Karnataka state cabinet, comprising Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has formally confirmed the schedule for the State Budget session. CM Siddaramaiah is set to present the Karnataka Budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year on March 6, 2026, in a move that enshrines his position as the state’s head of finance more than any other.
The decision was made after a cabinet meeting on Thursday, where H.K. Patil said the budget session will take place for 14 working days, with the first session starting on March 6 and the last on March 27.
CM Siddaramaiah: A historic moment in Karnataka political history. It will be the 17th budget ever that Siddaramaiah presented and thus furthering his record of providing the highest number of budgets in the state. Minister H.K. Patil addressed the media:
“Full-fledged budget session has been approved by Cabinet. It will commence with the budget presentation by the Chief Minister on March 6. Comprehensive talks on departmental grants would continue through March 27."
Key Focus Areas for 2026-27
Though the formal document is still under discussion, Chief Minister has had a string of early meetings with various departments to reconcile the state’s fiscal health with its promising welfare pledges. Several anticipations have been made for this budget:
- Welfare guarantees: The 5 government-led "guarantee" schemes must be funded sustainably annually with an anticipated requirement of upwards of ₹52,000 crore in all.
- Infrastructure and branding of Bengaluru: Large parts of urban infrastructure in Bengaluru are expected, mainly to solve this issue. For better traffic and metro development.
- Agriculture and rural development: After a series of pre-budget consultations farmers' health and support services on farms are expected to receive increased attention.
- Social Sectors: Sub-committees are said to have proposed the State Gender Policy and the health and education reforms.
Session Timeline
The session is scheduled to open with the typical address by Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot (or the presiding officer) and the budget speech.
- March 6: Presentation of the State Budget.
- March 9–15: General discussion of the budget and departmental reviews.
- March 27: After passing the Appropriation Bill the session concludes.
Opposition to the plan is expected to pump up heat in the session on rising debt levels by the state along with the adoption of development works outside the guarantee schemes.
