CM Siddaramaiah To Present Karnataka Budget On February 16

Karnataka is set to get its next budget announcement on February 16, as revealed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, informed the state's Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil during a press briefing on Friday. The upcoming budget session is scheduled to unfold from February 12 to 23 in the Karnataka assembly, prompting cabinet ministers to prepare by engaging in pre-budget consultations with experts in their respective domains.

This marks CM Siddaramaiah's 15th budget announcement, setting a noteworthy record. Patil conveyed, "The budget will be presented on February 16, and the session will extend until February 23," as reported by news agency PTI. The commencement of the budget session will feature a joint address to both houses of the Karnataka legislature by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, according to the agency.

Siddaramaiah, who previously helmed the finance ministry between 1994 and 1999 and again from 2013 to 2018, during which he also served as chief minister, reassumed control of the finance portfolio following the significant victory of the party in the recent May 10 assembly election.

While the budget size and primary allocations for the year remain uncertain, Siddaramaiah's previous budget prioritized substantial funding to fulfill the Congress party's five key electoral promises. He also allocated Rs 45,000 crore for 'Brand Bengaluru' and Rs 30,000 for Namma Metro, addressing the persistent traffic issues in the state capital.

Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao convened a pre-budget meeting with health experts and doctors on Friday. Seeking input from prominent figures in both the government and private sectors, he aimed to gather suggestions for the enhancement of healthcare facilities in the state.