Policy Update
Sandra Menon
Background
Karnataka is one of the largest states of India, occupying an area of 1,91,791 sq.km. It is the sixth largest state of India and has a population of more than 6.1 crore (as per Census 2011), making it the eighth most populated state. There are sharp regional differences such as the technology-oriented metro-economy of Bangalore Urban district, the drought prone and less developed Kalyana Karnataka region in the northeast consisting of seven districts, the coastal region of Karavali and the ecologically vulnerable Western Ghats ranges of Malnad. Karnataka comprises 31 districts in four administrative divisions: Bangalore, Belagavi, Kalaburagi and Mysuru.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in his dual capacity of holding the Finance portfolio, laid out the Budget of Karnataka for 2026-27 in the Legislature on 6 March 2026, with total expenditures estimated at Rs 4,48,004 crore, of which Rs 35,316 crore pertains to the loan repayment, against a Gross State Domestic Product of Rs 33,05,500 crore.
Excluding loan repayment, expenditures for 2026-27 are estimated at Rs 4,12,688 crore, and it is based on this figure that the five Guarantee schemes of Karnataka, viz., Gruha Lakshmi, Gruha Jyothi, Anna Bhagya, Shakti and Yuva Nidhi, collectively amounting to an estimated sum of Rs 51,286 crore, form 12 percent or so, quite close to the total estimate of Rs 52,000 to 54,000 crore of the five Guarantees as per the compendium. D.K. Shivakumar has since taken the oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on 3 June 2026, replacing Siddaramaiah; but this changeover took place after laying down the Budget for 2026-27.
This compilation identifies 40 government departments of the Government of Karnataka along with 108 flagship schemes, policies, projects, and programs implemented by these departments, which have been taken from the budget allocation of the respective departments/sectors. A number of these departments use common digital infrastructure as well, like the Seva Sindhu single window portal since 2018, the Kutumba family database since 2021, the K-STaR commercial tax analytics portal, and the Khajane II integrated financial management system; however, they have different roles to play and do not guarantee successful implementation of all 108 schemes together.
KARNATAKA BUDGET 2026-27 – DEPARTMENT WISE LIST (40 DEPARTMENTS, 108 SCHEMES)
Agriculture Department
Latest Departmental/Sectoral Outlay: ~Rs 51,339 Cr
Scheme 1: Krishi Bhagya Scheme, Launch Year: 2014 (Revitalized 2023), Key Details: farm ponds (Krishi Honda), diesel/solar pump sets and micro-irrigation for rainfed regions, Coverage: Rainfed farming districts statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 440+ Cr
Scheme 2: Raitha Siri, Launch Year: 2019, Key Details: Rs 10,000/hectare DBT for farmers cultivating minor millets (Ragi, Jowar, Foxtail, Little, Kodo, Proso, Barnyard), Coverage: Minor millet farmers statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 20 Cr
Scheme 3: Bhoo Samruddhi & Soil Health Management, Launch Year: 2013 (Upgraded 2023), Key Details: digital soil testing, GPS-based fertility mapping and micronutrient distribution, Coverage: Farmers statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 52+ Cr
Scheme 4: Kisan Credit Subvention & Crop Insurance (PMFBY State Top-Up), Launch Year: Ongoing, Key Details: zero-percent interest short-term credit and state top-up compensation via cooperatives, Coverage: Farmers statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 880+ Cr
Horticulture Department
Latest Sectoral Outlay: ~Rs 1,850 Cr
Scheme 1: Integrated Horticulture Development Scheme (IHDS), Launch Year: 2005 (Periodic Revisions), Key Details: subsidised planting material, greenhouse cultivation, high-density orchards and polyhouses, Coverage: Horticulture farmers statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 125 Cr
Scheme 2: Cold Chain & Post-Harvest Infrastructure Initiative, Launch Year: 2016, Key Details: up to 50% capital subsidy for cold storage units, pack-houses, sorting/grading lines and refrigerated transport, Coverage: Horticulture value chain statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 80 Cr
Scheme 3: Centres of Excellence (CoE), Launch Year: 2017-2021, Key Details: Indo-Israel and Indo-Dutch precision hubs, e.g. Bagalkote for pomegranate and Kolar for mango, Coverage: Bagalkote and Kolar horticulture clusters, Latest Budget: Rs 35 Cr
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department
Latest Sectoral Outlay: ~Rs 3,200 Cr
Scheme 1: Ksheera Bhagya / Milk Producer Incentive Scheme, Launch Year: 2013, Key Details: Rs 5 per litre DBT subsidy to dairy farmers via KMF district cooperative societies, Coverage: Dairy farmers statewide, Latest Budget: ~Rs 1,450 Cr
Scheme 2: Pashu Sanjeevini, Launch Year: 2020, Key Details: customised mobile veterinary clinics via a 24×7 toll-free helpline (1962), Coverage: Cattle rearers statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 45 Cr
Scheme 3: Amrithabhoomi Fodder Development Scheme, Launch Year: 2018, Key Details: subsidised fodder seed kits, community silage pits and chaff cutters, Coverage: Drought-prone taluks, Latest Budget: Rs 30 Cr
Fisheries Department
Latest Sectoral Outlay: ~Rs 780 Cr
Scheme 1: Matsya Siri (Marine Fuel Subsidies & Safety), Launch Year: 2014 (Upgraded 2023), Key Details: diesel sales tax exemption up to 2 lakh kilolitres annually and transponder installation for traditional craft, Coverage: Coastal fishing communities, Latest Budget: Rs 250 Cr
Scheme 2: Inland Fisheries & Cage Culture Expansion, Launch Year: 2017, Key Details: intensive fish and prawn rearing in Almatti, Tungabhadra and KRS reservoirs via high-density floating cages, Coverage: Inland reservoir fishing communities, Latest Budget: Rs 75 Cr
Sericulture Department
Latest Sectoral Outlay: ~Rs 490 Cr
Scheme 1: Reshme Samruddhi Scheme, Launch Year: 2015, Key Details: up to 75% subsidy for Automatic Reeling Units and multi-end reeling machines producing 3A-4A grade bivoltine silk, Coverage: Silk reeling units statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 65 Cr
Scheme 2: e-Auction and Modern Cocoon Markets, Launch Year: 2021, Key Details: digitised trading platforms at Ramanagara and Sidlaghatta with instant DBT lot settlement, Coverage: Cocoon markets at Ramanagara and Sidlaghatta, Latest Budget: Rs 25 Cr
Cooperation Department
Latest Sectoral Outlay: ~Rs 2,650 Cr
Scheme 1: Yashaswini Health Insurance Scheme, Launch Year: 2003 (Revived 2022), Key Details: contributory cashless health coverage spanning over 1,600 surgical procedures, Coverage: Cooperative society members statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 300 Cr
Scheme 2: Zero-Percent Interest Agricultural Credit Scheme, Launch Year: 2006 (Annual Renewals), Key Details: interest-free short-term crop loans up to Rs 5 lakh and 3% medium/long-term loans via DCC Banks and PACS, Coverage: Farmer-borrowers statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 1,800 Cr subvention support
Health and Family Welfare Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 15,150 Cr
Scheme 1: Gruha Arogya Initiative, Launch Year: 2024, Key Details: universal doorstep NCD screening (hypertension, diabetes, cancers) and free home delivery of monthly medication, Coverage: Households statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 180 Cr
Scheme 2: Arogya Karnataka – Ayushman Bharat (AB-ArK), Launch Year: 2018, Key Details: cashless hospitalisation up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year across empanelled hospitals, Coverage: BPL households statewide, Latest Budget: ~Rs 1,650 Cr
Scheme 3: Namma Clinics, Launch Year: 2022, Key Details: neighbourhood outpatient clinics with 14 free lab tests and essential drugs, Coverage: Urban neighbourhoods statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 150 Cr
Scheme 4: Decentralized Dialysis & Chemotherapy Centers, Launch Year: 2021 (Expanded 2023), Key Details: day-care hemodialysis units and cancer chemotherapy suites at Taluk General Hospitals, Coverage: Taluk-level patients statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 120 Cr
Medical Education Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 4,800 Cr
Scheme 1: Medical College in Every District Program, Launch Year: 2014 (Accelerated 2021), Key Details: autonomous government medical colleges and 500+ bed teaching hospitals in peripheral districts, Coverage: Peripheral districts, Latest Budget: Rs 1,200 Cr
Scheme 2: Autonomous Super-Specialty Regional Hubs, Launch Year: Ongoing, Key Details: regional wings of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Kidwai Oncology, Coverage: Kalaburagi, Mysuru and Hubballi, Latest Budget: Rs 450 Cr
School Education and Literacy Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 44,422 Cr
Scheme 1: Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) Upgrade Project, Launch Year: 2018 (Expanded 2024), Key Details: 2,000 model bilingual schools, Pre-KG to Class 12, with smart classrooms and science labs, Coverage: School students statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 850 Cr annual (Rs 3,900 Cr multi-year)
Scheme 2: Kalika Balavardhana & Marusinchana, Launch Year: 2022, Key Details: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy interventions bridging learning deficits, Coverage: Students statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 95 Cr
Scheme 3: Supplementary Nutrition in Mid-Day Meals, Launch Year: 2021 (Expanded 2023), Key Details: boiled eggs, bananas or chikkis thrice weekly, Coverage: Class 1-10 students statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 380 Cr
Higher Education Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 6,200 Cr
Scheme 1: State Education Policy (SEP) Implementation, Launch Year: 2023, Key Details: restructured UG/PG curricula with regional research focus and industry-academia linkages, Coverage: UG/PG students statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 100 Cr
Scheme 2: K-WIN City (Knowledge, Wellbeing & Innovation City), Launch Year: 2024, Key Details: greenfield knowledge district hosting global university campuses and R&D think tanks, Coverage: Bengaluru region, Latest Budget: Rs 500 Cr seed infrastructure fund
Scheme 3: Modernization of Govt First Grade Colleges (GFGCs), Launch Year: 2020, Key Details: digital podiums, high-speed fiber connectivity and digital library repositories, Coverage: 400+ colleges statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 220 Cr
Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 1,450 Cr
Scheme 1: Yuva Nidhi Scheme, Launch Year: 2024 (Jan), Key Details: Rs 3,000/month DBT for degree holders and Rs 1,500/month for diploma holders with skill modules and job fairs, Coverage: Unemployed graduates and diploma holders statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 650+ Cr
Scheme 2: GTTC & ITI Transformation (Industry 4.0), Launch Year: 2021 (Phase II 2024), Key Details: modernising 150 ITIs/GTTCs for robotics, EV technology and CNC machining, Coverage: ITI/GTTC students statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 320 Cr
Women and Child Development Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 34,500 Cr
Scheme 1: Gruha Lakshmi Scheme, Launch Year: 2023 (Aug), Key Details: Rs 2,000 monthly unconditional cash transfer to the registered woman head of household, Coverage: Over 1.2 Cr women heads of household, Latest Budget: Rs 28,608 Cr
Scheme 2: Mathru Poorna Scheme, Launch Year: 2017, Key Details: free hot cooked meal, iron-folic acid supplements and milk daily at Anganwadis, Coverage: Pregnant and lactating mothers statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 610 Cr
Scheme 3: Bhagyalakshmi Scheme, Launch Year: 2006 (Revamped via Sukanya Samriddhi 2020), Key Details: financial asset bond for girl children in BPL families maturing at age 18, Coverage: Girl children in BPL families, Latest Budget: Rs 280 Cr
Social Welfare Department
Latest Departmental/SCSP Outlay: ~Rs 29,992-30,000+ Cr
Scheme 1: Karnataka SCSP/TSP Statutory Implementation, Launch Year: 2013 (Enacted), Key Details: mandatory allocation of 24.1% of state scheme outlays for SC/ST welfare, Coverage: SC/ST population statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 29,992 Cr (SCSP component of Rs 42,018 Cr)
Scheme 2: Airavatha Scheme, Launch Year: 2018, Key Details: capital subsidy for unemployed SC youth to acquire commercial vehicles with ride-hailing tie-ups, Coverage: Unemployed SC youth statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 100 Cr
Scheme 3: Prabuddha Overseas Scholarship Scheme, Launch Year: 2019, Key Details: fully state-funded scholarship for SC/ST students at top 500 QS-ranked global universities, Coverage: SC/ST students statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 125 Cr
Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department
Latest Departmental/TSP Outlay: ~Rs 12,026-14,000+ Cr
Scheme 1: Valmiki Ashrama Schools Modernization, Launch Year: 2017 (Upgraded 2023), Key Details: smart boards, solar power and modernised hostels at tribal residential ashrama schools, Coverage: Tribal students statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 160 Cr
Scheme 2: Minor Forest Produce (MFP) Processing & Value Addition, Launch Year: 2018, Key Details: subsidies and equipment for Large-sized Adivasi Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPS), Coverage: Tribal forest-produce collectors, Latest Budget: Rs 45 Cr
Backward Classes Welfare Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 3,850 Cr
Scheme 1: D. Devaraj Urs Post-Matric Scholarships & Hostels, Launch Year: 2008 (Annual Expansions), Key Details: full fee reimbursement and accommodation for OBC students in higher education, Coverage: OBC students statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 820 Cr
Scheme 2: Chaitanya Self-Employment Subsidy Scheme, Launch Year: 2012, Key Details: margin money subsidy up to 50%/Rs 1 lakh and soft bank loans for small enterprises, Coverage: OBC entrepreneurs statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 140 Cr
Minorities Welfare Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 2,200 Cr
Scheme 1: Swavalambana Margin Money Scheme, Launch Year: 2015, Key Details: 50% capital subsidy up to Rs 1.5 lakh and credit facilitation through KMDC, Coverage: Minority entrepreneurs statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 95 Cr
Scheme 2: Moulana Azad Model Schools, Launch Year: 2018, Key Details: English-medium CBSE curriculum residential/day schools, Coverage: Minority-dense taluks, Latest Budget: Rs 180 Cr
Scheme 3: Bidaai (Shaadi Bhagya) Scheme, Launch Year: 2013 (Restored 2023), Key Details: Rs 50,000 one-time financial aid for the marriage of destitute minority women and widows, Coverage: Minority women statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 50 Cr
Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 9,200 Cr
Scheme 1: Anna Bhagya Scheme, Launch Year: 2013 (Expanded 2023), Key Details: 10 kg free foodgrains per beneficiary per month, with cash DBT at Rs 34/kg where procurement falls short, Coverage: BPL and Antyodaya households statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 8,600 Cr
Scheme 2: PDS Automation & e-PoS/GPS Tracking, Launch Year: 2016, Key Details: 100% biometric and Aadhaar-authenticated electronic Point of Sale distribution, Coverage: Fair Price Shops statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 70 Cr
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 18,500 Cr
Scheme 1: Koosina Mane (Rural Childcare Creches), Launch Year: 2023, Key Details: childcare creches attached to Gram Panchayats enabling MGNREGS working mothers, Coverage: Rural working mothers statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 150 Cr
Scheme 2: Pragathi Patha Rural Road Package, Launch Year: 2024, Key Details: multi-year upgrade and asphalting of 9,450 km of village-to-market arterial rural roads, Coverage: Rural connectivity statewide, Latest Budget: ~Rs 1,300 Cr annual (Rs 5,190 Cr multi-year)
Scheme 3: Swachh Sankeerna & SWM Units, Launch Year: 2020, Key Details: localised Solid Waste Management units with plastic shredding and organic composting, Coverage: Gram Panchayats statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 210 Cr
Scheme 4: Jala Samvardhane & Tank Rejuvenation, Launch Year: 2015 (Revamped 2023), Key Details: rejuvenation of open wells, step-wells (Kalyanis) and percolation tanks under MGNREGS convergence, Coverage: Rural water bodies statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 340 Cr
Water Resources Department (Major & Medium Irrigation)
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 19,800 Cr
Scheme 1: Upper Bhadra Project, Launch Year: 2008 (Accelerated 2023), Key Details: lift irrigation drawing 29.90 TMC from the Bhadra river to irrigate 2.25 lakh hectares, Coverage: Central Karnataka farmers, Latest Budget: ~Rs 2,500 Cr
Scheme 2: Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project, Launch Year: 2014 (Phase-I Operational 2024), Key Details: diverting 24.01 TMC flood water for drinking water supply, Coverage: Kolar, Chikkaballapur and Bengaluru Rural, Latest Budget: ~Rs 1,850 Cr
Scheme 3: Kalasa-Banduri Nala Diversion Project, Launch Year: Ongoing, Key Details: Mahadayi basin diversion to the Malaprabha reservoir, Coverage: Hubballi-Dharwad drinking water security, Latest Budget: Rs 450 Cr
Minor Irrigation and Ground Water Development Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 4,300 Cr
Scheme 1: KC Valley & HN Valley Secondary Wastewater Reuse, Launch Year: Phase-I 2018, Phase-II 2022, Key Details: pumping treated tertiary sewage water to fill over 1,000 minor irrigation tanks, Coverage: Kolar and Chikkaballapur farmers, Latest Budget: Rs 420 Cr
Scheme 2: Ganga Kalyana Scheme, Launch Year: 1989 (Periodic Revisions), Key Details: fully state-financed borewell drilling and pump energisation for SC/ST/OBC small farmers, Coverage: Small farmers statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 380 Cr
Urban Development Department (UDD, DMA & KUWSDB)
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 18,200 Cr
Scheme 1: Mahatma Gandhi Nagar Vikas Yojana (MGNVY), Launch Year: 2019 (Phase-II 2024), Key Details: direct infrastructure grants for storm drains, arterial roads and civic complexes, Coverage: Urban local bodies statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 2,000 Cr
Scheme 2: AMRUT 2.0 State Convergence, Launch Year: 2021, Key Details: universal piped water supply and sewerage connections, Coverage: Statutory urban local bodies, Latest Budget: ~Rs 1,150 Cr
Scheme 3: Urban Sanitation & Legacy Waste Remediation, Launch Year: 2020, Key Details: mechanised solid waste management, FSTPs and biomining of legacy landfills, Coverage: Urban local bodies statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 350 Cr
Energy Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 15,800 Cr
Scheme 1: Gruha Jyothi Scheme, Launch Year: 2023, Key Details: zero-billing on electricity up to 200 units a month via ESCOM subsidy transfers, Coverage: Over 1.6 Cr households, Latest Budget: Rs 9,657 Cr
Scheme 2: Karnataka Renewable Energy Policy 2022-27, Launch Year: 2022 (Enacted), Key Details: targets 10 GW renewable capacity addition, PM-KUSUM Component-C solarisation and Pavagada Phase-II, Coverage: Renewable energy sector statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 650 Cr
Scheme 3: Belaku Scheme, Launch Year: 2021, Key Details: 100% electrification of remote unelectrified hamlets and settlements via micro-grids, Coverage: Remote unelectrified hamlets, Latest Budget: Rs 85 Cr
Public Works Department (PWD)
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 11,500 Cr
Scheme 1: State Highway Development Project (SHDP Phase-V), Launch Year: 2022, Key Details: 2-lane/4-lane widening, bypasses and major bridges across state corridors, Coverage: State highway network, Latest Budget: Rs 3,200 Cr
Scheme 2: Road Asset Management System (RAMS), Launch Year: 2021, Key Details: dynamic GIS-based road condition mapping and automated laser profiler assessments, Coverage: State road network, Latest Budget: Rs 45 Cr
Transport Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 6,400 Cr
Scheme 1: Shakti Scheme, Launch Year: 2023 (June), Key Details: free travel on non-luxury intra-state routes for women, girl students and transgender persons across KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC, Coverage: All domiciled women, girl students and transgender persons, Latest Budget: Rs 5,015 Cr
Scheme 2: EV Fleet Transition Program, Launch Year: 2021 (Expanded 2024), Key Details: large-scale induction of electric buses into BMTC and KSRTC fleets, Coverage: Urban and intercity bus commuters, Latest Budget: Rs 350 Cr
Scheme 3: Automated Driving Testing Tracks (ADTT), Launch Year: 2019 (Statewide 2023), Key Details: video analytics and sensor-based licensing tracks across all RTOs, Coverage: Driving licence applicants statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 60 Cr
Commerce and Industries Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 2,900 Cr
Scheme 1: Karnataka Industrial Policy 2020-25, Launch Year: 2020 (Enacted), Key Details: PLI schemes, stamp duty exemptions and capital subsidies for Tier-2/Tier-3 zones, Coverage: Industrial investors statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 750 Cr
Scheme 2: Industrial Corridor Node Development (CBIC & BMIC), Launch Year: 2016 (Active), Key Details: mega industrial nodes at Tumakuru and Dharwad, Coverage: Tumakuru and Dharwad industrial corridors, Latest Budget: Rs 400 Cr
Scheme 3: Karnataka MSME Policy & Common Facility Centres, Launch Year: 2020 (Enacted), Key Details: capital assistance for industrial tool rooms, testing labs and raw material banks, Coverage: MSMEs statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 180 Cr
Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology (IT-BT)
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 1,150 Cr
Scheme 1: Beyond Bengaluru Policy, Launch Year: 2020, Key Details: rental subsidies and anchor unit incentives for tech companies in Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad and Mangaluru, Coverage: Tier-2 tech hubs, Latest Budget: Rs 150 Cr
Scheme 2: Karnataka Global Capability Center (GCC) Policy, Launch Year: 2024, Key Details: comprehensive policy to attract Fortune 500 R&D centres with talent and setup incentives, Coverage: Bengaluru and Tier-2 tech hubs, Latest Budget: Rs 100 Cr
Scheme 3: Karnataka Semiconductor & ESDM Policy, Launch Year: 2022, Key Details: capital subsidies for fabless startups, clean rooms and ATMP units, Coverage: Semiconductor and ESDM industry, Latest Budget: Rs 180 Cr
Scheme 4: Innovate Karnataka & ELEVATE 100, Launch Year: 2017 (Annual Cohorts), Key Details: up to Rs 50 lakh equity-free grant-in-aid for early-stage startups, Coverage: Early-stage startups statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 80 Cr
Infrastructure Development, Ports and Inland Water Transport Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 2,400 Cr
Scheme 1: Regional Greenfield Airport Network, Launch Year: 2018 (Multi-Airport), Key Details: fast-tracked operationalisation of airports at Shivamogga, Vijayapura, Hassan and Karwar, Coverage: Regional air connectivity, Latest Budget: Rs 480 Cr
Scheme 2: Commercial Deepwater Port Development (Pavinakurve/Majali), Launch Year: 2022, Key Details: maritime logistics infrastructure along the Arabian Sea coast, Coverage: Coastal Karnataka logistics, Latest Budget: Rs 220 Cr
Housing Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 4,600 Cr
Scheme 1: Basava Vasathi & Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Nivas Yojana, Launch Year: Ongoing (Upgraded), Key Details: subsidy of Rs 1.5 lakh (General) and Rs 2 lakh (SC/ST) for pucca rural houses, Coverage: Rural BPL and SC/ST households, Latest Budget: Rs 1,800 Cr
Scheme 2: Chief Minister’s One Lakh Multi-Storey Housing Scheme, Launch Year: 2017 (Phased Handover), Key Details: subsidised 1BHK/2BHK flats in the Bengaluru periphery, Coverage: Bengaluru periphery households, Latest Budget: Rs 650 Cr
Scheme 3: RGRHCL Geotagged Stage-Wise Disbursement, Launch Year: 2015, Key Details: automated GPS-verified fund disbursement, Coverage: Rural housing beneficiaries statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 35 Cr
Revenue Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 6,700 Cr
Scheme 1: Bhoomi 2.0, Launch Year: 2000 (2.0 Rolled out 2023), Key Details: fully digitised land records with auto-mutation and geo-referenced surveys, Coverage: Landholders statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 90 Cr
Scheme 2: Kaveri 2.0 Registration Platform, Launch Year: 2023, Key Details: paperless portal for property deed registrations and digital stamp duty payments, Coverage: Property registrants statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 45 Cr
Scheme 3: Grama One & Podi Muktha Grama, Launch Year: 2021, Key Details: village service delivery kiosks and statewide agricultural plot subdivision/title regularisation, Coverage: Rural landholders statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 110 Cr
Home Department (Police, Prisons & Fire Services)
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 9,100 Cr
Scheme 1: Emergency Response Support System (ERSS – Dial 112), Launch Year: 2020, Key Details: centralised computer-aided emergency dispatch with under-15-minute response time, Coverage: Statewide emergency response, Latest Budget: Rs 85 Cr
Scheme 2: Bengaluru Safe City Project, Launch Year: 2021 (Phased Deployment), Key Details: AI-enabled camera surveillance and SOS safety islands under the Nirbhaya Fund, Coverage: Bengaluru urban population, Latest Budget: Rs 260 Cr
Scheme 3: CEN (Cyber, Economic Offences & Narcotics) Stations, Launch Year: 2019 (Upgraded), Key Details: specialised digital forensics labs across district headquarters, Coverage: District police headquarters statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 55 Cr
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 1,250 Cr
Scheme 1: e-Courts & Paperless Subordinate Judiciary, Launch Year: 2015 (Phase-III 2023), Key Details: digital courtrooms and prison video-conferencing networks, Coverage: Subordinate judiciary statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 65 Cr
Scheme 2: Mega Lok Adalats & Free Legal Aid, Launch Year: Ongoing, Key Details: pre-litigation dispute resolution with KSLSA, Coverage: Litigants statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 40 Cr
Forest, Ecology and Environment Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 2,100 Cr
Scheme 1: Hasiru Karnataka & Urban Afforestation, Launch Year: 2018, Key Details: roadside green corridors and Miyawaki urban micro-forests, Coverage: Urban and roadside afforestation statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 140 Cr
Scheme 2: Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Package, Launch Year: 2019 (Expanded 2023), Key Details: railway barricades, solar fencing and AI thermal corridor surveillance, Coverage: Forest-fringe districts, Latest Budget: Rs 150 Cr
Scheme 3: Karnataka State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC 2.0), Launch Year: 2022 (Enacted), Key Details: Western Ghats biodiversity protection and coastal resilience framework, Coverage: Western Ghats and coastal districts, Latest Budget: Rs 60 Cr
Tourism Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 720 Cr
Scheme 1: Karnataka Tourism Policy 2020-26, Launch Year: 2020 (Enacted), Key Details: investment subsidies for eco-resorts, homestays and caravan parks, Coverage: Tourism investors statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 180 Cr
Scheme 2: UNESCO & Heritage Circuit Infrastructure, Launch Year: Ongoing (Upgraded 2023), Key Details: amenities and sound-and-light projects across Hampi, Pattadakal and the Hoysala Ensembles, Coverage: Heritage tourism circuits, Latest Budget: Rs 110 Cr
Scheme 3: Coastal & Cruise Tourism Development, Launch Year: 2022, Key Details: marina infrastructure along the Karavali coastline, Coverage: Coastal Karavali belt, Latest Budget: Rs 50 Cr
Kannada and Culture Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 540 Cr
Scheme 1: Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act Enforcement, Launch Year: 2022 (Rules 2024), Key Details: statutory mandate for administrative, signage and institutional Kannada adoption, Coverage: Statewide institutions, Latest Budget: Rs 40 Cr
Scheme 2: Folk Artist Financial Assistance & Pension Scheme, Launch Year: Ongoing (Revised 2023), Key Details: monthly pensions and instrument grants for Yakshagana and traditional artists, Coverage: Folk artists statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 85 Cr
Youth Empowerment and Sports Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 590 Cr
Scheme 1: Amrith Sports Adoption Scheme, Launch Year: 2021, Key Details: elite monthly stipend and coaching sponsorships for 75 Olympic-discipline athletes, Coverage: Elite Olympic-discipline athletes, Latest Budget: Rs 35 Cr
Scheme 2: District & Taluk Sports Infrastructure Upgrade, Launch Year: Ongoing, Key Details: synthetic athletic tracks, Olympic pools and indoor arenas in Tier-2/Tier-3 towns, Coverage: Tier-2/Tier-3 town athletes, Latest Budget: Rs 145 Cr
Labour Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 1,100 Cr (Plus BOCW Board Outlays)
Scheme 1: Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers Welfare Scheme, Launch Year: 2023 (Enacted 2024), Key Details: Rs 4 lakh life/accidental insurance cover, fee cess fund and grievance redressal, Coverage: Platform-based gig workers statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 50 Cr seed fund
Scheme 2: BOCW Board Welfare Schemes & Karmika Sarige, Launch Year: Ongoing (Annual Revisions), Key Details: educational scholarships, health clinics and free bus passes for construction workers, Coverage: Construction workers statewide, Latest Budget: ~Rs 850 Cr
Handlooms, Textiles and Sugar (Agro-Industries) Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 1,350 Cr
Scheme 1: Nekar Samman Yojana, Launch Year: 2020 (Expanded 2023), Key Details: annual DBT financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to registered handloom and powerloom weavers, Coverage: Handloom and powerloom weavers statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 120 Cr
Scheme 2: Karnataka Mega Textile Policy & Parks, Launch Year: 2019 (Extended), Key Details: Mega Textile Parks in Kalaburagi and Ballari with power subsidies and capital grants, Coverage: Textile industry statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 210 Cr
Scheme 3: Ethanol & Co-Generation Modernization Support, Launch Year: 2021, Key Details: interest subventions for sugar mills expanding bagasse and ethanol production, Coverage: Sugar mills statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 75 Cr
Finance Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: State Consolidated Fund ~Rs 4.09 Lakh Cr (FY 2026-27 Budget Outlay Rs 4,48,004 Cr). Note: the Fiscal Responsibility Framework (KFRA Compliance, enacted 2002) governs deficit targets under this department but is a compliance mechanism rather than a separately budgeted scheme.
Scheme 1: Khajane II IFMS Platform, Launch Year: 2016 (Continuous Upgrades), Key Details: statewide digital treasury managing end-to-end bill processing, DBT and receipt monitoring, Coverage: All departments, Latest Budget: Rs 65 Cr
Scheme 2: K-STaR & Big Data Commercial Tax Analytics, Launch Year: 2021, Key Details: GST analytics and commercial tax intelligence algorithms widening the State Own Tax Revenue base, Coverage: Commercial tax administration statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 30 Cr
Planning, Programme Monitoring and Statistics Department
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 6,100 Cr
Scheme 1: Kalyana Karnataka Development Board (KKDB – Article 371J), Launch Year: 2013 (Established), Key Details: statutory regional infrastructure fund for the 7 north-eastern districts, Coverage: Kalyana Karnataka region, Latest Budget: Rs 5,000 Cr
Scheme 2: Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission (KSPPC), Launch Year: 2021 (Reconstituted), Key Details: policy research, dynamic SDG monitoring and sectoral evaluation, Coverage: Statewide sectoral evaluation, Latest Budget: Rs 25 Cr
Scheme 3: Aspirational Taluks Programme, Launch Year: 2021, Key Details: focused composite financing for backward taluks identified through NITI Aayog indices, Coverage: Backward taluks statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 250 Cr
e-Governance / Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR)
Latest Departmental Outlay: ~Rs 890 Cr
Scheme 1: Karnataka Sakala Services Act, Launch Year: 2011 (Rules Updated 2023), Key Details: statutory time-bound guarantee for delivering hundreds of citizen services with automated penalty mechanisms, Coverage: All departments and citizens statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 30 Cr
Scheme 2: Seva Sindhu & Kutumba Dynamic Social Registry, Launch Year: Seva Sindhu 2018, Kutumba 2021, Key Details: single-window portal integrated with the Kutumba family database for instant, documentation-free DBT entitlement routing, Coverage: All departments and citizens statewide, Latest Budget: Rs 95 Cr
Scheme 3: e-Office (e-Karyalaya), Launch Year: 2016 (Statewide Saturation 2023), Key Details: 100% paperless digital file movement and workflow approvals, Coverage: Secretariat and district collectorates, Latest Budget: Rs 45 Cr
Conclusion
Karnataka Budget 2026-27 represents an interesting mix of a government that is pursuing a big social welfare agenda while at the same time managing the conventional needs of development such as infrastructure, agriculture and administration among others. With an expenditure level of Rs 4,48,004 crore, or Rs 4,12,688 crore after adjusting for debt servicing costs, and 12 percent of the above expenditure amount being spent on the five Guarantee schemes, the budget shows the magnitude of Karnataka’s welfare ambitions and the difficult task of balancing revenues and expenditures, which is evident from a revenue gap of around Rs 22,957 crore, or 0.7 per cent of GSDP, required to sustain them.
References
1. PRS Legislative Research. (2026). Karnataka Budget Analysis 2026-27. https://prsindia.org/budgets/states/Karnataka-budget-analysis-2026-27
2. Drishti IAS. (2026, March 7). Karnataka Budget 2026-27. https://www.drishtiias.com/state-pcs-current-affairs/karnataka-budget-2026-27
3. The South First. (2026, March 6). Karnataka Budget 2026-27: What are the key announcements? https://thesouthfirst.com/karnataka/karnataka-budget-2026-27-what-are-the-key-announcements
4. News Arena India. (2026, March 6). Siddaramaiah presents Rs 4.48 lakh-cr budget. https://newsarenaindia.com/states/siddaramaiah-presents-4-48-lakh-cr-budget/71530
5. Government of Karnataka. (2025). Comprehensive Master Compendium of Department-Wise Flagship Schemes, Initiatives, Policies and Budgetary Allocations. https://karnataka.gov.in/
6. News on Air. (2026, June 3). D K Shivakumar Sworn In as 25th Karnataka Chief Minister. https://newsonair.gov.in/d-k-shivakumar-sworn-in-as-karnataka-chief-minister/
7. Deccan Herald. (2023, June 11). Karnataka govt launches ‘Shakti’ scheme offering free bus ride for women. https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/story/india%2Fkarnataka%2Fkarnataka-govt-launches-shakti-scheme-offering-free-bus-ride-for-women-1226783.html
8. Deccan Herald. (2023, July 30). Government to launch Gruha Jyothi on August 5 at Kalaburagi. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/government-to-launch-gruha-jyothi-on-august-5-at-kalaburagi-1242867.html
9. Careers360 News. (2023, December 14). Karnataka govt’s ‘Yuva Nidhi’ unemployment allowance scheme to start from January 1. https://news.careers360.com/karnataka-govts-yuva-nidhi-unemployment-allowance-scheme-start-from-january-1
10. Wikipedia. (n.d.). Karnataka. Retrieved September 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karnataka
About The Contributor
Sandra Menon is a Research and Editorial Intern at IMPRI and a first-year Master’s student in Public Policy at M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women, Chennai. Her academic interests lie in public policy and governance.
Acknowledgement
The author extends sincere thanks to the IMPRI team for their guidance.
Reviewers: Amrutha Lahari Kolluru & Gowri Kodali
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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