CM Siddaramaiah presented the Karnataka government’s budget on Friday. In this budget, he announced a new industrial policy with an investment of ₹7.5 lakh crore and assured the creation of 20 lakh new jobs. He also introduced several major schemes for minorities, particularly the Muslim community. One of these initiatives includes the establishment of 15 women’s colleges exclusively for Muslim girls. These colleges will be built on vacant land owned by the Waqf Board, funded by the government. Additionally, 16 more women’s colleges are planned to be set up.

Furthermore, the government has announced financial assistance of ₹50,000 for minority families for weddings, provided the ceremony is conducted in a simple manner. If the wedding is extravagant or luxurious, this financial aid will not be granted.

Presenting his 16th budget, CM Siddaramaiah also declared an increase in the salaries of Imams to ₹6,000 per month. Jain priests and Sikh Granthis will receive the same salary. Assistant Granthis and Muazzins in mosques will also be given an honorarium of ₹5,000 per month. Additionally, the Haj House in Bengaluru will be expanded, offering modern facilities for Haj pilgrims and their families.

Another significant announcement was the launch of the Chief Minister’s Minority Colony Development Program, with a budget allocation of ₹1,000 crore. The budget also includes plans to establish 250 Maulana Azad Model English Schools across Karnataka. These schools will be set up under government policies and developed as model institutions, with an allocation of ₹500 crore.

There were speculations that the Karnataka government might introduce a 4% reservation for Muslim contractors in government tenders, but no official policy has been announced yet. The decision to increase Imams’ salaries and develop separate minority colonies is expected to face opposition from the BJP.

Another major announcement in the budget is the renaming of Bangalore City University after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The university will now be called Dr. Manmohan Singh Bangalore City University.