The Karnataka Cabinet has finalised the schedule for the State Budget for the financial year 2026–27, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah set to present the Budget on March 6.
The Budget session of the State Legislature will be held from March 6 to March 27, spanning 14 working days, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil said after the Cabinet meeting at Vidhana Soudha.
Siddaramaiah, who also holds the Finance portfolio, will present his 17th Budget on the opening day.
Key policy decisions
The Cabinet held detailed discussions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and directed the Law Department to conduct a comprehensive legal study and submit a report.
In a major move under the Shakti scheme, the Cabinet approved the distribution of smart cards for women availing free bus travel. Women will no longer be permitted to travel free by merely showing Aadhaar cards; smart cards issued by state transport corporations will be mandatory.
Turf Club relocation and agricultural zone
The Cabinet also approved the shifting of the Bengaluru Turf Club to the stud farm at Kunigal in Tumakuru district. While racecourse operations will move, the government will retain the club land in Bengaluru following the expiry of its lease.
Additionally, 1,777 acres across 13 villages in Channarayapatna hobli of Devanahalli taluk in Bengaluru Rural district have been declared a Permanent Special Agricultural Zone.
HPV vaccination drive
The Cabinet sanctioned procurement of HPV vaccines worth ₹15–34 crore under KKRDB funds. The vaccines will be administered to 14-year-old girls in Bidar, Koppal, Kalaburagi, Raichur and Yadgir districts.
HPV vaccines are highly effective in preventing infections and cancers caused by the human papillomavirus and are recommended before exposure to the virus.