In a significant move, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on March 6 that social media access will be restricted for individuals under the age of 16. This announcement was made during the presentation of the 2026-27 State Budget at the Vidhana Soudha. The Chief Minister stated that this initiative is aimed at mitigating the negative effects associated with rising mobile device usage among children.

New Technological Initiatives Announced

During the budget speech, Siddaramaiah unveiled plans for an AI and Technology Park to be established in partnership with the Indian Institute of Science. This initiative will feature a “Bangalore Robotics and AI Innovation Zone,” developed in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited.

Infrastructure Projects to Enhance Connectivity

The Chief Minister disclosed the approval of major infrastructure projects, including the North-South Corridor project spanning from Hebbal Junction to HSR Layout-Silk Board Junction and the East-West Corridor from K. R. Puram to Mysore Road. Together, these projects will cover a distance of 40 kilometers and are projected to cost approximately Rs 40,000 crore. Tenders for the initial 17 kilometers of the North-South Corridor have been issued, with an estimated budget of Rs 17,780 crore.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Siddaramaiah further announced plans for a tunnel road and an elevated road between Hebbal Junction and Mekhri Circle, developed by the Bangalore Development Authority at a cost of Rs 2,250 crore. The total Karnataka State Budget is set at Rs 4,48,004 crore, focusing on technological advancement, infrastructure enhancement, and environmental sustainability.

Economic Insights Presented

In his address, the Chief Minister acknowledged Karnataka’s key role in both national and international trade. He remarked on the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence and their transformative effects on global production systems. Additionally, he noted the budget has been crafted with foresight and responsibility, demonstrating a commitment to “turn fire into light.”

Impact of GST Changes on Revenue

Siddaramaiah addressed the implications of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate rationalization undertaken in September 2025, noting that the revisions have adversely affected the state’s GST collections. Prior to the changes, the average monthly GST revenue growth for Karnataka was around 10 percent. After the implementation of the new rates, this growth has significantly decreased to approximately 4 percent. The restructuring is expected to result in a decline of about Rs 10,000 crore in the current financial year and Rs 15,000 crore in the following year.

Initiatives for Artificial Intelligence Excellence

Among the prominent announcements, the establishment of an AI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru was made, which will consist of two centres developed in collaboration with the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, and NASSCOM at a total expenditure of Rs 16 crore.

Conservation and Water Management Efforts

A Leopard Rehabilitation Centre is set to be developed at the Bannerghatta Biological Park to aid leopards that have strayed into residential areas, with an estimated budget of Rs 5 crore. Furthermore, under the Karnataka Water Security and Resilience Programme, a World Bank-supported initiative, disaster management projects focused on flooding in Bengaluru will be executed over a five-year period with a budget of Rs 5,000 crore.

Enhancing Government Transparency

In addition, Siddaramaiah announced the implementation of revised transfer rules within the Excise Department, facilitating the digital counselling of Group-C cadre officers, including Excise Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors. This effort aims to improve transparency. Digital counselling will also be extended for the transfers of Excise Deputy Superintendents and Superintendents.

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