Bengaluru, Mar 7 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday presented the state budget for 2025-26, announcing that total borrowings for the fiscal year stand at ₹1.16 lakh crore—₹11,000 crore higher than the previous year.
The fiscal deficit for 2025-26 is pegged at ₹90,428 crore, making up 2.95 percent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Meanwhile, the revenue deficit is estimated at ₹19,262 crore, or 0.63 percent of GSDP. By the end of the financial year, Karnataka’s total liabilities are projected to reach ₹7,64,655 crore, constituting 24.91 percent of GSDP.
"By keeping fiscal deficit and total outstanding liabilities within the limits mandated under the Karnataka Fiscal Responsibility Act, we have maintained fiscal discipline in the financial year 2025-26," the CM noted.
The budget estimates total receipts at ₹4,08,647 crore, with revenue receipts amounting to ₹2,92,477 crore. This includes the state's own tax revenue of ₹2,08,100 crore, non-tax revenue of ₹16,500 crore, and receipts from the Government of India totalling ₹67,877 crore.
Additionally, gross borrowings of ₹1,16,000 crore and non-debt capital receipts of ₹170 crore have been factored into the financial outlook. The total estimated expenditure for 2025-26 stands at ₹4,09,549 crore, comprising revenue expenditure of ₹3,11,739 crore, capital expenditure of ₹71,336 crore, and loan repayment of ₹26,474 crore.
Karnataka, which ranks second in GST revenue collection nationwide, has set a revenue target of ₹1,20,000 crore for the Commercial Tax Department in FY26. The state expects to generate ₹40,000 crore from State Excise, up from ₹36,500 crore in 2024-25. Additionally, the government aims to collect ₹28,000 crore in property registration tax, marking an increase from ₹24,000 crore last year. The Motor Vehicle Tax revenue target for FY26 has been set at ₹15,000 crore, up from ₹12,500 crore in the previous year.
Royalty collections for 2025-26 are estimated at ₹9,000 crore, while revenue from the Mines and Geology Department is projected at ₹7,250 crore for 2024-25.
Despite the surge in borrowings, infrastructure development in the state has been minimal, raising concerns about fund utilisation. Experts note that while the fiscal deficit remains within manageable limits, the absence of substantial capital expenditure could hamper long-term economic growth. Critics argue that unless infrastructure investment is prioritised, the increasing debt burden may fail to yield tangible benefits for Karnataka’s economy.
While presenting the budget to the house, Siddaramaiah quoted 12th-century reformer Basavanna on social equity. He emphasised that the budget focuses on sustainable economic growth while ensuring financial consolidation.
"By prioritising key sectors such as infrastructure, irrigation, and social welfare, we are laying the foundation for long-term prosperity. As we move forward, this budget will not only foster growth but also secure a strong fiscal health of the state," the CM said.
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