Karnataka Budget 2024-25 Highlights

CM Siddaramaih arrives at Vidhana Soudha

Karnataka CM to focus on agriculture sector

With most regions of the state facing severe drought, CM Siddaramaiah who has already hinted of budget outlay of 3.80 lakh crore is expected to allocate significant fund to address the issues of the farmer community.

Pre-poll five gurantees to get big fund in Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's 15thBudget today

For the five guarantees, Siddaramaiah is expected to set aside around Rs 55,000 crore. Through his budget, he may look to spell out how the five schemes have fared over the past year so as to woo beneficiaries ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Rs 57,000 crore will fund five guarantee schemes: CM Siddaramaiah

Most under privileged people of the state will be benefit worth around Rs 50,000 to Rs 55,000 from the five guarantees.

This welfare scheme has mocked as 'Bitti Bhaghya' (wasteful expenditure) by the opposition parties. But, the whold world is praising us for the new welfare schemes, noted CM Siddaramaiah.

Karnataka is second biggest contributor taxes with GST to the central government, but not receiving deserved share back: CM Siddaramaiah

Despite Karnataka contributing more taxes, central government has not returned the promised share back to the state through devolution.

In the 15th Finance Commission, Central govt owes around Rs 67,000 crore to the state, CM Siddaramaiah noted.

Opposition leader R Ashoka dirupts budget speech

Taking exception to Siddaramaih for blaming central government's step-motherly treatment, Opposition leader R Ashoka disrupts CM and blames state govt's failure in fiscal discipline.

Despite slowdown in foreign direct investment, Karnataka remains a bright spot: CM Siddaramaiah

As of September 2023, Karnataka has received $2.8 billion investments from MNCs, CM Siddaramaiah noted.

To benefit farmers, new food processing plants will be setup in select regions, says CM

Karnataka Budget 2024 total expenditure estimated to be 3,71,383 crore

Karnataka Budget 2024 total expenditure for 2024-25 is estimated to be Rs 3,71,383 crore, which includes revenue expenditure of Rs 2,90,531 crore, Capital expenditure of Rs 55,877 cr and loan repayment of Rs 24,974 crore

More funds for first grade colleges and polytechnic diploma institutes

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Rs 250 crore allocated for upgradation of first grade colleges and Rs 120 crore for polytechnic institution in the state: CM Siddaramaiah

And, Rs 10 crore corpus fund for financial assistance to teachers and students to file patents.

Government to setup women-run cafes in select regions of the state: CM

To empower women of the state, government plans to set up all women-run Cafes in the state with an initial fund of Rs 7.5 crore, said CM Siddaramaiah.

Govt to fastrack desilting of Tungabhadra reservoir

"To address the problem of reduction in water storage capacity of Tungabhadra reservoir due to silt accumulation and also to fulfil a long standing demand of farmers of the area a detailed project report has been prepared for constructing a balancing reservoir near Navali in Koppala district at a cost of Rs. 15,600 crore and consultation with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana States regarding implementation of the project has been started. Priority will be given for the execution of the project, said CM Siddaramaiah.

UVCE college to get Rs 500 crore grant

University of Vishweshwaraiah College of Engineering (UVCE) will be upgraded on the lines of IITs at a cost of Rs 500 crore. For this, a grant of Rs.100 crore will be provided by the Government. Besides, resources for development of university will be mobilized through CSR fund and contributions from alumni.

New 100-bed hospitals to set up in select taluks of state

"100-bedded taluka hospitals will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 280 crore in Anekal, Nelamangala, Hoskote, Shringeri, Khanapura, Shirahatti and Yelandur talukas where there are no Taluk Hospitals," said CM Siddaramaih.

In order to provide 24x7 emergency healthcare services to rural people, 25 Primary Health Centres will be upgraded to Community Health Centres at the cost of Rs 350 crore over the next two years. In the current year, 15 Community Health Centres will be operationalised with necessary human resources.

Siddaramaiah added that in the next 2 years, STEMI (Severe Heart Attack) treatment will be extended through Hub-and-Spoke model to all the taluka hospitals. Also, Rs.32 crore will be provided for the procurement of thrombolytic drugs for the treatment of STEMI and Stroke

Government to setup more human milk banks

Human Milk Banks have been set up in 4 districts of the State. Three new units will be established in Raichur, Mysuru, Ballari districts during current year, CM Siddaramaiah said

Rs 11,726 crore has been directly transferred to the account of Gruha Lakshmi beneficiaries

As per the KUTUMB software database, 1.33 crore women head of family having APL, BPL, AAY ration card are identified as eligible beneficiaries.

As on end of January, 1.17 crore women have registered under the scheme. Rs.11,726 crore has been directly transferred to the account of beneficiaries, noted CM Siddaramaih.

In the year 2024-25, Rs. 28,608 crore is provided for this scheme. This money will support women to take up various income generating activities. It will also provide them with financial support for day-to-day household expenditure.

1,000 new anganwadis to constructed in the state

All anganawadi workers and supervisors in the state will be provided with smartphones to facilitate their daily activities. A total of 75,938 smartphones will be procured at a cost of Rs 90 crore.

Also, gratuity facility will be provided for anganwadi workers and helpers.

"1,000 new anganwadis will be constructed at a cost of Rs.200 crore. This will provide own premises for those anganwadis functioning in rented buildings," said CM Siddaramaiah.

More funds for differently abled persons of the state

--The caregivers to persons suffering from Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinsons and Multiple Sclerosis will be provided with a monthly allowance of Rs.1,000.

--Bi-annual cataract surgery camps will be organized for senior citizens in all talukas.

--Four caretaking houses (Anupalana gruhas) will be set up for care and protection of the mentally challenged destitutes at a cost of Rs 2 crore.

-- In the year 2024-25, motorized two wheelers will be provided to 1,500 specially-abled persons who are eligible and yet to avail this benefit.

CM increases monthly pension to transgenders from Rs 800 to Rs 1,200 under Mythri scheme.

New measures for welfare of former devadasis

--The monthly allowance will be increased from Rs.1,500 to Rs.2,000.

--A special package will be provided through the Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation.

--Financial assistance for the construction of houses will be provided through Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation.

--A detailed survey on their socio-economic status will be conducted to design appropriate welfare interventions.

SC-ST welfare funds announced

Under Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Sub-Plan scheme a total of Rs 39,121 crore has been provided which includes Rs 27,674 crore for Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan and Rs 11,448 crore for Scheduled Tribes Sub-Plan

--Rs 2,710 crore has been provided for construction of residential schools and hostels of SC/ST/BC and Minority Welfare departments.

--The construction of 23 residential schools under KRIES has been completed in the year 2023-24. In the year 2024-25, construction works of 29 residential school complexes belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes Departments will be taken up at a cost of Rs.638 crore.

--New residential schools will be started by KREIS in 20 hoblis which do not have any residential schools.

--A corpus fund of Rs. 35 crore will be created to provide financial assistance to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes patients who are suffering from rare medical diseases and are in need of expensive medical treatment.

--Programmes at the cost of Rs 1,750 crore will be formulated and implemented during 2024-25 through various corporations, functioning under Social Welfare and Tribal Welfare Department.

Minorty welfare schemes announced

-- 50 Morarji Desai Residential Schools will be started with a capacity of 50 students each

--100 Post-matric boys/girls hostels will be started with a capacity of 100 students each.

--100 new Maulana Azad Schools will be opened. • Pre-University colleges will be started in 25 schools which having own buildings.

--Fee reimbursement scheme for students of minority community who are pursuing B.Sc., Nursing/G.N.M Nursing courses in Government/Private Colleges will be restarted.

--Women self-help groups of minorities communities will be encouraged to engage in various types of self-employment activities. Rs.10 crore will be allocated for this program.

Rs 100 crore for protection and conservation of Wakf properties maintained by ASI, says CM Siddaramaiah

An allocation of Rs 100 crore will be made for development of wakf properties. There will be a special focus on protection and conservation of protected monuments which are maintained by the ASI.

Also, CM Siddaramaiah announced Rs 10 for the construction of Mangaluru Haj Bhavan.

Three lakh houses for the poor to be completed in 2024-25

"Construction of three lakh houses will be completed in 2023-2024. We have further aimed at completion of 3 lakh houses in the year 2024-25," said CM Siddaramaiah.

"Under Slum Development Board, 1,18,359 houses are being constructed under PMAY (AHP). The scheme has slowed down as most of the beneficiaries belonging to poor families could not afford to pay their contribution of Rs. 5 lakh. Our Government has therefore decided to limit the contribution to be paid by the beneficiaries to one lakh rupees. The remaining beneficiary share of approximately Rs.4 lakh will be provided by the state government," added CM Siddaramaiah.

Platform-Based Gig Workers Fund and Welfare Fee Bill announced

"The Platform-Based Gig Workers Fund and Welfare Fee Bill will be introduced in order to provide livelihood security to Platform-Based Gig Workers. Through this Act, a cess will be levied on eligible online transactions and the money collected will be utilized for the welfare of gig workers," said CM Siddaramaiah.

New State Skill Policy to be framed to address the need for skilled workforce in industrial and emerging sectors

--Government will be set up a new Skill Academy in Sanduru of Ballari through at a cost of Rs 300 crore.

--GTTC Multi-Skill Development Centres will be established in Kalaburagi, Talakal of Koppal district and Varuna of Mysuru district in collaboration with Vishveshwaraiah Technological University at a cost of Rs.350 crore. First phase will be implemented over three years at a cost of Rs120 crore.

--First centre of excellence concentrating on CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technology will be established in KGTTI, Kalburgi at a cost of Rs. 16 crore.

--State Skill Olympics will be organized to provide benchmarks for excellence and prepare young trainees for international skill competitions.

-- One lakh women SHG (Self Help Groups) will be supported in fisheries, beekeeping, poultry, sheep and goat rearing with forward linkages for marketing. Towards this end, Rs.100 crore will be allocated.

--50 women-run cafes with the name of Cafe Sanjeevini will be launched across the State during this year at a cost of Rs 7.50 crore.

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj works

-- In order to develop rural road network, Pragati Path scheme will be rolled out with external assistance.

--Road network of 9,450 km with 50 km each in 189 rural assembly constituencies will be developed at a cost of Rs.5,200 crore under this scheme.

--Under Kalyana Patha scheme, 1,150 km roads will be developed on the lines of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana in 38 rural assembly constituencies of Kalyana Karnataka. The roads will be developed at a cost of Rs 1000 crore.

--In order to strengthen Arivu Centres, own buildings will be constructed and books, digital equipment and disabled-friendly equipment will be purchased at a cost of Rs132 crore.

-- Solar street lights will be installed in 50 gram panchayats at a cost of Rs.25 crore under Hombelaku programme.

-- Palliative Care centres will be started in 100 select Gram Panchayats from this year with participation of villagers for the care and treatment of the senior citizens.

--Under Prerana scheme, usage of Menstrual Cups will be promoted among women from Self-Help Groups, women members of Gram Panchayats and frontline workers of rural areas, which in turn will inspire other women in the villages.

Rs 5,000 crore under Kalyana Karnataka Region Development

Karnataka govt to implement schemes to the tune of Rs 5,000 crore under Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board to emphasise on infrastructure development during the year 2024-25, said CM Siddaramaiah.

Big announcements for Bengaluru

" To develop Bengaluru into a world-class city, we have conceptualised Brand Bengaluru. We have introduced major reforms in various sectors to improve the quality of life of people and to attract investors. During this year, we are focusing on augmentation of resources, reducing traffic congestion, construction of quality roads, supply of clean drinking water, better public transport and creating a clean and beautiful Bengaluru,' said CM Siddaramaiah.

Goverment to digitalise the property tax records of all 20 lakh properties in the limits of BBMP, digital e-Khata and property tax payment details will be made available to the owners from 2024-25.

"We are headed towards record tax collections during 2023-24 with tax collection of Rs.4,300 crore. This is Rs.1,000 crore more than the year 2022-23. Our tax collection is expected to reach Rs. 6,000 crore in the year 2024-25 which will be achieved by preventing leakages in the tax collection system. Starting this year, additional non-tax resources of Rs. 2,000 crore will be mobilised through revised advertisement policy and premium FAR Policy," added CM Siddaramaiah.

--Rs 1,700 crore for white-topping works of major roads of 147 km length. These works will be completed before December 2025.

--On a pilot basis, a tunnel will be constructed this year at Hebbal junction where there is high traffic congestion.

-- Additional all-weather 100 km roads will be developed during this year.

--73Km Outer Peripheral Road aka Bengaluru Business Corridor will be started this year for Rs 27,000 crore under PPP model.

-- Govt to build- 250 meters high Skydeck, a tourist hotspot in Bengaluru. Internationally renowned architects have been invited to prepare a novel design.

New Metro projects for Bengaluru announced

--The state government has accorded administrative approval for works Under Namma Metro Phase-3 at an estimated cost of Rs.15,611 crore

--A draft DPR is being prepared for construction of a Metro line from Sarjapura to Agara, Koramangala, Dairy Circle and connecting to Hebbal via Mekhri Circle under Namma Metro Phase-3A.

--Feasibility Report will be prepared for extending Metro rail from BIEC of Bengaluru to Tumakuru and Kempegowda International Airport to Devanahalli on PPP.

--By March 2025, an additional 44 km of metro line will be added to the existing 74 km.

--Outer ring road-airport road works under Metro Rail project Phase-2 and Phase-2A will be completed by June, 2026.

Sub-urban railway project to pick pace this year: CM Siddaramaiah

--Work orders have been issued for construction of a 46.2 km long line from Hilalige to Rajanukunte under Corridor-4.

--RFP(Request for Proposal) have been invited for operation and management of Rolling stock and agreements are being signed with European Investment Bank and KFW bank of Germany for financial assistance. During this year, we will draw the attention of the Central Government towards this ambitious project and we will urge them to provide additional grants. State Government will release matching grants.

BMTC to get more electric buses

Government to procure 1,334 new electric buses and 820 BS-6 diesel buses will be added to BMTC fleet.

Government to set up new satellite townships around Bengaluru city

Devanahalli, Nelamangala, Hoskote, Doddaballapura, Magadi and Bidadi towns in the vicinity of Bengaluru will be developed as Satellite Townships with road and rail connectivity.

BWSSB to offer 24x7 water supply, expand cauvery water supply to more areas in the City

--In May, 2024, Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board will operationalise Cauvery Phase-5 project of 775 MLD capacity to provide 110 litres of drinking water daily to 12 lakh people, at an estimated cost of Rs. 5,550 crore.

-- Under Cauvery Phase-5, the underground drainage works will be completed by December 2024. Under this, 228 KMs of drainage pipeline will be laid and 13 STP’s with a capacity to treat 100 MLD sewage water will be constructed.

--Seven sewage treatment plants (STP) will be upgraded at a cost of Rs. 441 crore. This will facilitate daily treatment and re-use of 268 MLD sewage water.

--Phase-II of drinking water supply scheme to 110 villages added to BBMP limits will be implemented at a cost of Rs. 200 crore.

Government to setup new waste processing units in Bengaluru city

CM Siddaramaiah said thattThe Bengaluru urban district will be divided into four parts and for each an integrated waste management operator will be selected through tendering process.

"BBMP will be procuring 50 acres to 100 acres of lands at four places in each direction and towards the outskirts of the city for processing facility and scientific landfill. This will solve the problem of landfills in the city for the next 30 years," noted CM Siddaramaiah.

Government to increase power generation in Karnataka

"During the previous governments, there was no increase in installed capacity of power generation. We aim to increase the installed capacity of 32,000 Mega Watts to 60,000 Mega Watts in the next seven years," CM Siddaramaiah said.

"To make farmers self-sufficient, 40,000 off-grid solar pumpsets are being installed under PM-KUSUM Component-B scheme at an estimated cost of Rs1,174 crore," added CM Siddaramaiah.

Key announcements:

--Karnataka Power Corporation Limited will implement Floating and Ground-mounted Solar plant program in collaboration with Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India Limited (THDCIL).

--Under agricultural pumpset feeder solarisation scheme Phase-I, action has been taken for decentralised generation of 1,320 MW of energy. This will benefit 3.37 lakh farmers. Apart from this, solarisation of 4.30 lakh IP sets by implementing 1,192 MW solar projects under Phase-II is proposed.

--300 kw capacity self-sustained Green hydrogen plant will be installed by KREDL on a pilot basis. This will be installed using MNRE funds at an estimated cost of Rs10 crore.

-- Government to set up Micro Grid Solar units of 500 KW battery storage capacity in one backward village under the jurisdiction of each ESCOM.

--To avoid scheduled and prolonged electricity outages during maintenance of transmission lines, Mobile/Vehicle mounted 66 kV & 110 kV sub-stations will be purchased by KPTCL.

--In order to encourage Electric Vehicles in the State, 2,500 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations will be set up under Public-PrivatePartnership. Besides, 100 charging centres will be set up through power supply companies at a cost of Rs 35 crore.

Government to develop state highways at a cost Rs 5,736 crore

-- Under K-SHIP-4 scheme, 875 km of state highways will be upgraded at a cost of Rs. 5,736 crore.

--State Highways Development Programme (SHDP) Phase-5 will be commenced in the current year to develop roads covering a length of 1,300 km at a cost of Rs 4,000 crore.

--To reduce vehicular congestion and traffic jams, 4.50 km of Elevated Corridor will be constructed in Belagavi with Central assistance, at a cost of Rs. 450 crore

More funds for development of coast, ports and water transport

--A new deep-sea, all-weather port of 30 MTPA capacity at an estimated project cost of Rs. 4,200 crore is being developed at Keni in Uttar Kannada district in Public-Private-Partnership model.

--International tender has been invited for the development of a mega-port at Pavinakurve in Uttar Kannada in PPP model at an estimated project cost of Rs 3,048 crore.

--Four berths have been identified at the ports of Karwar, Malpe, and Old Mangaluru to be developed in PPP model.

--Feasibility report will be prepared to introduce water metro services in Gurupur and Nethravathi river of Mangaluru.

Rs 817 crore Signature Business Park to come up near Kempegowda International Airport

"A Signature Business Park is being constructed near Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru at a cost of Rs.817 crore. This park is expected to attract investments of up to Rs 5,000 crore in Research and Innovation and various Sunrise sectors in the state," said CM Siddarmaiah.

The government will also be setting up new Knowledge, Health Care, Innovation and Research City (KHIR) on 2,000 acres near Bengaluru's KIA.

"The new KHIR City will attract an investment of Rs.40,000 crore and provide employment to about 80,000 people," CM Siddaramaiah noted.

Up north of the state, the government plans to set up an industrial node near Dharwad in 6,000 acres of land under Bengaluru-Mumbai economic corridor programme in collaboration with central and state Government.

State government will host Global Investors Meet in February-2025 to attract greater foreign investment into the state.

Government to set up new Sugar factor in Mandya

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah.

"New sugar factory will be established in the premises of Mandya Sugar factory. Resources will be mobilized through Government grants, monetisation of the factory’s assets and other sources," CM Siddaramaiah said.

New Textile Policy 2024-29 will be formulated soon: Karnataka CM

"With the new textile policy, a capital investment of Rs.10,000 crore is expected along with generation of 2 lakh jobs. This policy will also promote greater investment and employment opportunities," CM Siddaramaiah said.

Key announcements related to textile sector:

--A Mega textile park is being established in 1,000 acres of land in Kalaburagi district under PPP model in collaboration between the State and Central Governments.

"The Park is expected to generate direct employment for 1 lakh people and indirect employment to 2 lakh people. Grant of Rs. 50 crore will be provided for supplemental infrastructure for this project," CM Siddaramaiah noted.

--New textile parks will be constructed in Kittur Karnataka, Kalyana Karnataka(Raichur) and Mysuru regions under public-privatepartnership. It is expected to create 10,000 jobs in the coming years.

--A common facility centre and Jeans Apparel park with basic infrastructure will be set up at Ballari.

--Mini Textile Parks will be set up in 25 districts of the state. Subsidy will be provided in accordance with the existing textile policy.

Govt to form new programmes to maintain Karnataka’s top position in the start-up ecosystem: CM Siddaramaiah

-- An early-stage funding initiative Rajiv Gandhi Entrepreneurship Programme will help in nurturing ideas and innovations to promote innovative endeavors, startups initiated by students or entrepreneurs.

--A new initiative to support early stage women entrepreneurs with a sector wise and targeted approach.

--In order to promote Agri-Startups in the state five acres of land will be provided to C-Camp Agri innovation park.

--A Centre of Excellence (COE) in Fintech, Spacetech and Automotive Tech at a cost of Rs.10 crore will be set up over a period of 5 years in collaboration with entrepreneurs and educational institutions.

--Karnataka Innovation of Technology Solutions (KITS), in collaboration with KEONICS, will establish Skilling & Innovation Centers in emerging technologies across Kalaburagi, Shivamogga, Hubbali, and Tumakuru, with a budget of Rs 12 crore.

-- An Institute of Advanced Genome Editing and Gene Therapy will be established to promote study and research in Genomics in the state. This institute aims to become a hub for cutting-edge research in health, agriculture and other areas of life sciences.

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Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act will be enforced strictly: CM Siddaramaiah

"Kannada is the official language of Karnataka. Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act will be enforced strictly to make usage of 60% of Kannada mandatory in the nameplates and boards of all offices, shops and various commercial establishments in the State," CM Siddaramaiah.

Also, the government will come up with programmes to encourage use of Kannada language in border areas by organizing cultural programmes and development of Kannada schools through Karnataka Border Development Authority.

International standard Sports City to come up in Bengaluru city: CM Siddaramaiah

--A Sports City with modern and international standards will be established in 70 acres of land available in Bengaluru North Taluk, under Public-Private Partnership.

--State-of-the-art sports complexes of international standards including multi-sports facilities will be constructed under Public-Private partnership in four places of Bengaluru.

--A State level Olympics for the sports persons and a mini Olympics for athletes below age of 14 years will be organised every year to provide the best competing opportunities

--A prize money of Rs. 6 crore, Rs. 4 crore or Rs. 3 crore will be given for those sports persons who bag gold, silver or bronze medal respectively in the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Government allocates Rs 100 crore for Anjanadri Hills

"Rs 100 crore will be provided to develop tourism at Anjanadri hill, and surrounding areas of Koppal district hold mythological (Hanuman birthplace) and historical importance, " said CM Siddaramaiah.

Government introduces new 'Bhoo-Suraksha' scheme

"Bhoo-Suraksha’ scheme will be rolled out on pilot basis to provide the citizen computerized records online by scanning land, survey and registration records of Revenue Department, by this we can computerize and maintain the old records permanently without allowing to create fake records," said CM Siddaramaiah.

Key announcements related to revenue deparment:

--The Government will voluntarily prepare records 1 to 5 for undisputed lands to smoothen the correction process (durasti) of land owned by farmers under Dharakastu Phodi Abhiyana.

--The programme to issue property and title deeds to landowners by conducting drone survey of about 30,700 gram thana areas in a phased manner will be extended throughout the State.

--Under Digi-Kandaya scheme, action will be taken to provide all services provided by Revenue Department to public through digital platform. Offices from village level to the State level will be covered under digital service. Laptops will be provided to the Village Administrative Officers and Revenue Inspectors working at field level.

-- Action will be taken to make revenue records available to public through a transparent and online system by modernizing 240 record rooms of Land Survey Department.

State government to take measures to mitigate the severity of drought

-- Rs 629 crore has been released for input subsidy to 33.19 lakh farmers affected by drought

--Mini fodder kits have been distributed to reduce severity of drought at a cost of Rs. 20 crore

--Rs 200 crore is provided to augment underground water level under Krishi Bhagya scheme.

--Water conservation works of Rs. 100 crore have been taken up through Minor Irrigation Department.

--During the current year, action will be taken to initiate various drought mitigation measures at a total cost of Rs. 500 crore from State Disaster Relief Fund.

More government services to go digital

-- E-registration facility will be introduced for registration of select records that require mandatory registration.

-- Government to bring programme for integration of software related to registration of immovable property

--Some of the Sub-registrar offices will be open even on Sundays for the convenience of public.

--Certified copies will be made available through centralised virtual distribution system to avoid delay.

Government to set-up housing complexes for karnataka pilgrims in major religious centres around India

Wwell-equipped residential complexes will be constructed at pilgrimage destinations such as Thirumala, Srishaila, Varanasi, Guddapur etc. The construction work undertaken at a cost of Rs. 200 crore in Thirumala is nearing completion. The works in Srishaila at a cost Rs. 85 crore and at Guddapur at a cost of Rs.11 crore are in progress. In the current year, construction work in Varanasi will be undertaken at a cost of Rs 5 crore," said CM Siddaramaiah.

Government to setup Information Disorder Tackling Unit to curb misinformation: Karnataka CM

"Information Disorder Tackling Unit will be formed in collaboration with I.T.B.T. Department to take stringent action against those who create insecurity and fear in the society by spreading fake news. In Home department, a special cell will be formed and empowered to take suitable legal action against them," said CM Siddaramaiah.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah.

Key announcement related to Home deparment:

-- In the wake of increasing deep fake and other cybercrime cases, 43 C.E.N. (Cyber, Economic and Narcotics) Police Stations will be upgraded with a view to strengthen Cybercrime Branch in the State to investigate and take effective action against those who cheat innocent citizens.

--Under Police Gruha-2025 scheme, 1,128 police quarters have been constructed so far and the construction work of 2,956 police quarters is under progress at a cost of Rs. 800 crore and Rs. 200 crore will be provided for the year 2024-25 for this project.

--Necessary equipment and software will be provided to strengthen mobile forensic and audio-visual branch of Forensic Science Laboratories at the cost of Rs. 10 crore

--High-security prison will be constructed in Shivamogga district at a cost of Rs. 100 crore.

Rs 3,000 crore to Shakti scheme (free traveling for Women on govt buses)

"Under Shakti scheme, more than 155 crore women commuters have availed the benefit of free travel so far and Rs.3,000 crore has been provided for this," said CM Siddaramaiah.

Also, government will be setting up automated driving test tracks at Udupi, Chikkaballapur, Nelamangala, Madikeri, Madhugiri, Hunasuru at an estimated cost of Rs 36 crore.

To enact Civil Procedure Code (Karnataka Amendment) Act, 2023 for poor and farmers: CM Siddaramaiah

"To provide speedy justice to farmers and economically weaker individuals, action has been taken to enact Civil Procedure Code (Karnataka Amendment) Act, 2023. Action has been taken to amend the Karnataka High Court Act and Karnataka Civil Courts Act to reduce number of pending cases before High Courts and Civil courts in the State," said CM Siddaramaiah.

Also, government to set up new court complex in Virajpet at an estimated cost of Rs. 12 crore. Advocate Bhavan in Mysuru which is under construction, will be completed during this year, noted CM Siddaramaiah.

'Karnataka 2nd in terms of total GST contribution': CM Siddaramaiah

"Karnataka ranks 2nd in terms of total GST contribution to the country compared to other States in 2023-24. Upto January, a total of Rs.58,180 crore SGST revenue has been collected and had achieved a growth of 14% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year," said CM Siddaramaiah.

Now, revenue collection target of Rs.1,10,000 crore has been fixed to Commercial Tax Department for the year 2024-25.

Government to revise tax slabs for IML and beer

"In order to rationalise the tax slabs and make them competitive with neighbouring States, the tax slabs for IML and beer will be revised," said CM Siddaramaiah.

In 2023-24, upto January Rs 28,181 crore tax revenue has been collected from State Excise. The revenue collection target for 2024-25 to Excise Department has been fixed at Rs. 38,525 crore.

Revised Estimates 2023-24

Total Receipts has been revised to Rs. 3,12,708 crore in the revised estimates for 2023-24. Revenue Receipts is estimated at Rs. 2,26,780 crore which includes State own tax revenue of Rs. 1,60,303 crore, non-tax revenue of Rs. 12,000 crore and receipts of Rs. 54,477 crore from the centre.

In 2023-24 revised estimates, total expenditure is estimated to be Rs. 3,17,836 crore, which includes revenue expenditure of Rs. 2,40,731 crore and Rs. 77,105 crore for capital expenditure including loan repayment.

Karnataka Budget Estimates 2024-25

Total Revenue Receipts of Rs 2,63,178 crore is estimated for 2024-25, out of which Rs 1,89,893 crore is State own tax revenues and Rs. 13,500 crore revenue is from non-tax revenue sources.

A total of Rs 44,485 crore under tax devolution and Rs 15,300 crore as Grant-in-aid is estimated to be received from Government of India. In addition to these revenue receipts, gross borrowings of Rs 1,05,246 crore, non-debt capital receipts of Rs. 38 crore and recovery of loans of Rs. 213 crore is estimated. Total Receipts estimated in budget for 2024-25 is Rs 3,68,674 crore.

Total Expenditure for 2024-25

Total Expenditure for 2024-25 is estimated to be Rs. 3,71,383 crore, which includes Revenue expenditure of Rs. 2,90,531 crore, Capital Expenditure of Rs. 55,877 crore and loan repayment of Rs. 24,974 crore.

Revenue Deficit estimation for 2024-25

For the financial year 2024-25, Revenue deficit is estimated to be Rs 27,354 crore. Fiscal Deficit is estimated to be Rs. 82,981 crore, which 2.95% of GSDP. Total liabilities at the end of 2024-25 is estimated to be Rs. 6,65,095 crore, which is 23.68% of GSDP. We have maintained fiscal discipline by restricting fiscal deficit and total outstanding liabilities for 2024-25 within the limits mandated under Karnataka Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2022.

"In this budget, I have ensured fiscal discipline by keeping the fiscal deficit within 3% of GSDP," CM Siddaramaiah concludes speech

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presents the State Budget 2024-25 in the Assembly, in Bengaluru.

"I have presented a growth-inducing welfare-oriented budget which envisions inclusive and prosperous Karnataka with a priority to provide much needed support to farmers, women, youth and marginalized sections of the Society who are battered by high inflation, increasing inequality and jobless growth in the country," CM Siddaramaiah.

"More importantly, I have ensured fiscal discipline by keeping the fiscal deficit within 3% of GSDP and outstanding liabilities within 25% of GSDP. Further I am confident of achieving Revenue Surplus after next 2 years as projected in MTFP," CM Siddaramaiah concludes the budget speech.

'An anti-farmer anti-people bogus budget full of lies': Karnataka BJP president Vijayandera Yediyurappa

"The budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today is anti-farmer, zero progress budget in terms of development of the state, boycotted the House and protested with our BJP and JDS party MLAs in front of the Vidhan Sabha. Without announcing any programs or projects for the youth, the state has been pushed back by 20 years in development," said Vijayandera Yediyurappa (Karnataka BJP president).

"The budget presented by CM Siddaramaiah lacks commitment and direction': Opposition leader R Ashoka

"This budget lacks foresight, fails to instil confidence in the public and has no new initiatives to address the needs of farmers, women, poor, youth, and industry. It is only decorated with empty slogans and fancy titles," said R Ashoka, Opposition leader of the Karnataka Assembly