New bodies for upliftment of deprived communities

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the formation of Karnataka Adivasi Development Corporation for the upliftment of some of the most backward among tribal communities, including Irula, Soliga, Jenukuruba, Kadukuruba, Kudiya, Siddi, and other vulnerable communities living in and around the forest fringes.

He announced that a Scheduled Tribes Commission will be established to hear their grievances and issues. Separately, the Chief Minister set aside ₹100 crore for the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Nomadic and Semi-nomadic Development Corporation.

In his 17th Budget, the Chief Minister also announced that a Buddhist Development Corporation will be established under the Social Welfare Department.

In the year 2026-27, a total of ₹44,632 crore has been provided under Karnataka Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP).

Residential schools

With a view to promote educational development of nomadic, semi-nomadic, micro and most-micro communities belonging to SC/ST, who are deprived of educational facilities, four special residential schools, will be started with one residential school in each revenue division.

Mr. Siddaramaiah announced four KREIS residential schools with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum, to be named after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the places visited by him at Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Belagavi, and Kolar. He assured quality food for the hostel students, announcing the formation of a mess committee in 50 post-matric hostels under the leadership of students.

Fast-food trucks

For the financial upliftment of the ST community, the State government has decided to provide fast-food truck trailers/mobile kitchen food kiosks.

The Budget announced a high-level committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister to oversee the implementation of Backward Classes programmes, employment and educational reservations.

“Ten working women’s hostels for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes women with a capacity of 50 each will be started in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru, Belagavi, and Kalaburagi,” the Budget announced.