Karnataka Budget: Panels pitch for reforms in 5 areas

Bengaluru: The formulation of a comprehensive State Gender Policy, the setting up of a Transgender Development Board, and the removal of the contract labour system are among the key recommendations made for the upcoming 2026–27 State Budget by a sub-committee functioning under the Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission (KSPPC).

In addition to the sub-committee on women, children, marginalised communities and labour, four other sub-committees were constituted to focus on the education, health, agriculture, and environment sectors.

By the end of February, KSPPC Vice-Chairman B R Patil is expected to meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also chairs the KSPPC, to present these recommendations. The budget is likely to be tabled on March 6.

The document prepared by the sub-committee on women, children, marginalised communities and labour, accessed by Deccan Herald, has suggested specific paragraphs to be included in the Budget speech. “...This year, we strengthen our response to gender-based violence through coordinated, accountable, and survivor-centred systems. We will begin annual pre-budget consultations with women’s and community organisations, launch a ‘Status of Women in Karnataka’ report to guide a new State Gender Policy.”

The sub-committee has also urged the government to ensure economic dignity and security for sex workers.

It has recommended a transition to a Direct Payment System across departments, corporations, boards, and local bodies, covering all outsourced workers.

Monitoring health sector

A source in the health sub-committee told DH that the recommendations stress effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation within the health sector, along with streamlining the functioning of Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officers.

The education sub-committee reportedly held extensive discussions on filling vacancies in government and public higher education institutions.

According to a source, some members—while conceptually supporting the filling of vacancies and opposing reliance on guest lecturers—felt the recruitment process should not be “hurried.”

“Technological shifts and the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have reduced the market’s reliance on generic degrees. If teachers are recruited permanently, it may become challenging later, as some traditional degree courses could become redundant. However, until a clear policy is formulated, guest lecturers should be paid more than their existing salaries,” the source said.

Speaking to DH, Patil described the initiative as being in line with the vision of a planning commission as envisaged by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and later implemented by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

“For the first time in 30 years, we are advising the CM on different departments. Due to time constraints, we have chosen only five departments this year. We will expand this exercise next year,” he said.