BC Federation seeks Rs 10k crore in Karnataka Budget

Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Backward Castes Federation on Thursday urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to allocate Rs 10,000 crore for the Backward Classes Welfare Department in the upcoming 2026-27 Budget.

A large delegation of backward class leaders, members of the federation and others met Siddaramaiah as part of pre-budget consultations. Over 230 members are said to have met the chief minister.

"Though Rs 10,000 crore was sought for BCW department in the 2025-26 budget, only Rs 3,514.08 crore was allotted. Since backward classes comprise over 70% of the state population, at least Rs 10,000 should be allotted," they said.

The Federation has also insisted that the Madhusudan Naik-led backward classes commission should release the report of the social and educational survey, and subsequently increase the reservation share for backward classes from the existing 32% to 50%.

Of all the corporations coming under the BCW department, the federation has sought Rs 1,000 crore for the D Devaraj Urs corporation, and Rs 500 crore each for all other corporations.

"There are 179 Morarji schools in the state to provide quality education to students from backward classes. This isn't sufficient and we need another 25 Morarji schools. A loan of Rs five lakh should be provided at an interest of 2% for law graduates to open their own offices," the delegation sought.