Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to present the 2016-17 State budget on Friday at 11:30 am amid high public expectations that he will give a much-needed boost to infrastructure sector.
Siddaramaiah, presenting his 11th budget, will have a tough time in striking a balance between the need for funding infrastructure projects and extending succour to the farming community, which is in distress.
Moreover, the government is expected to face a revenue shortfall in the current financial year in the wake of continued slowdown in economy.
Two consecutive droughts has left the agriculture sector limping and farmers are looking up to him for financial assistance to clear their debts and fresh loans. Of the 176 taluks, nearly 133 carry the drought-hit tag. The foodgrain production target, which was 140 lakh tonnes for 2015-16, is expected to see a shortfall of at least 40%.
Besides presenting the annual financial statement, he will also table the economic survey report for 2015-16.