Karnataka Budget session: CM Siddaramaiah to present his record 16th Budget on March 7

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to present 16th budget, assures no cuts in funding for guarantees, focuses on agriculture development.

With the Budget session set to commence from March 3, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who holds the Finance portfolio, is scheduled to present his record 16th budget on March 7. Amidst demand coming from within the ruling party to cut down on funding to five guarantees, the Chief Minister on Monday (February 17, 2025) reiterated that there was no proposal to cut down on funds to guarantees.

Since the budget session will be the first legislature session in the calender year, it will commence with the joint address of Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. Till March 6, the legislature will debate the governor’s address.

“After the discussion on the budget, the Government will respond by the end of March. The Business Advisory Committee of the legislature will decide on the number of days that the legislature session is to be conducted,” Mr. Siddaramaiah told presspersons here after holding a pre-budget meeting with representatives of farming community.

Stating that the government was not lagging behind in protecting the interest of the farmers, the Chief Minister said that the demands would be considered within the limitations of budget preparation. “The State Government will always remain in favour of farming community and development of agriculture,” he said.

When his attention was drawn to people’s expectations having increased due to price rise, he said that the onus is on the Centre though both State and Central government will try to address the issue. “State Government will make efforts to address issue of price rise.”

On the question of beneficiaries of guarantees not receiving their share for the past few months, the Chief Minister said that there was no proposal to cut on funding to guarantees. “If payment has not been done, we will make the payment. If it is delayed, we will review it and release it.” His attention was drawn to Anna Bhagya payment not made in five months and Gruhalakshmi payment pending for three months.

Regarding Jal Jeevan Mission, he accused the Centre of not releasing the funds on time, and that the pace of implementation had slowed down. The Chief Minister also said that the party was ready to face the zilla panchayat and taluk panchayat elections and were awaiting court orders.