The Karnataka Cabinet has finalized the Budget presentation dates for the fiscal year 2026–27. The Budget session of the State Legislature is scheduled to run from March 6 to March 27. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will present the Budget on the opening day, March 6.
A Cabinet meeting at Vidhana Soudha decided on the 14 working days for the Budget session. Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil confirmed the Chief Minister’s Budget presentation on March 6.
During the meeting, discussions were held on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The Law Department was tasked to conduct a detailed study and submit a report on the matter. Minister H.K. Patil mentioned the need for an in-depth examination of the legal aspects.
The Cabinet made significant policy decisions, including the approval of smart card distribution under the Shakti scheme for free bus travel by women. It was decided that smart cards from state-run transport corporations would be mandatory for free travel, replacing the use of Aadhaar cards.
Another notable decision was the relocation of the Bengaluru Turf Club to Kunigal in Tumakuru district. While the racecourse operations move, the club land in Bengaluru will be retained by the government. The Cabinet also designated 1,777 acres of land in Bengaluru Rural district as a ‘Permanent Special Agricultural Zone’ across 13 villages in Channarayapatna hobli of Devanahalli taluk.
Approval was granted for the procurement of HPV vaccines at an estimated cost of Rs 15 to 34 crore under the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB) funds. These vaccines will be administered to 14-year-old girls in specific districts. HPV vaccines are known for their effectiveness in preventing infections and cancers caused by human papillomavirus.
