Bengaluru: All eyes are on the upcoming 2026 budget to be presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. While the successful implementation of the 'Pancha Guarantee' schemes remains a priority, the government faces the massive challenge of ensuring that the state's infrastructure and development pace do not falter. Amidst this 'economic balancing act,' parents of school-going children have been hit with the sudden blow of a hike in textbook prices.
1. Budget Expectations: A Tug-of-War Between Guarantees and Growth
With the election year approaching, the overall budget size is expected to increase significantly.
Agriculture & Irrigation: Expectations are high for a special package to complete ongoing irrigation projects and increased grants for backward regions like Kalyana Karnataka.
Education & Employment: A new 'Ashraya' scheme for UPSC training for backward class students and the establishment of more Karnataka Public Schools are likely to be prioritized.
Industry: There are expectations of a reduction in electricity tax for small-scale industries and special subsidies for entrepreneurs adopting green energy.
2. A Massive Package for Bengaluru?
To tackle the Garden City's traffic congestion, more funding is expected for Metro expansion and new double-decker flyovers. Notably, the five corporations under the Greater Bengaluru (GBA) umbrella have requested grants totaling approximately ₹8,337 crore.
Breakdown of Grant Requests by Corporations:
Corporation | Demand (in Crore ₹) |
| Central Corporation | 2,047 |
| West Corporation | 1,725 |
| East Corporation | 1,685 |
| South Corporation | 1,675 |
| North Corporation | 1,205 |
3. Textbook Price Hike: A Burden for Parents
While there is talk of development on one hand, the Karnataka Textbook Society has shocked parents by increasing the prices of textbooks for the 2026-27 academic year by 45% to 50%.
Price Hike Highlights:
Class 3 Environmental Studies: Increased from ₹22 to ₹45.
Class 2 Mathematics (English Part-2): Increased from ₹25 to ₹51.
Music Textbooks: The price of the Class 4 textbook has jumped from ₹31 to ₹51.
Objections from Private Schools: "The government has hiked prices abruptly without following a transparent policy. Schools are not in a position to collect extra fees from students at this stage," stated D. Shashi Kumar, General Secretary of KAMS.
The Way Forward
It remains to be seen whether CM Siddaramaiah will cushion this price hike through any budget concessions or if he will find a new path for development amidst the financial weight of the guarantee schemes.