‘Protecting Our Youth’: Karnataka CM Proposes Social Media Ban For Children Under 16

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the state government is planning to ban social media usage for children under the age of 16.  Presenting the budget 2026-27, the Chief Minister claimed that this measure is intended to prevent the adverse effects of increasing mobile phone usage and to protect the younger generation from the negative psychological and social impacts associated with digital platforms. He framed the proposal as a necessary step for the well-being of the state's youth as part of a broader vision for a tech-driven but responsible future.

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AI Tutors, Mental Health Support, Campus Safety

The Karnataka government has launched a multi-pronged strategy to enhance student welfare and academic quality under the slogan "Uttama Kalike, Ujjwala Bhavishya." A key pillar of this plan is the Rs 3,900 crore upgrade of 800 schools into Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) over the next three years to provide comprehensive education under one roof. To support student well-being, the state will implement strict anti-drug measures on campuses and appoint qualified mental health counsellors across all 204 Block Resource Centres.

The budget, which estimates a total expenditure of Rs 4,48,004 crore, balances these social regulations with significant investments in high-end technology and infrastructure. A major highlight is the establishment of the Bangalore Robotics and AI Innovation Zone in collaboration with ISRO and Keonics, which will serve as a dedicated campus under the Indian Institute of Science. Furthermore, the government has committed Rs 16 crore to set up two AI centres of excellence to foster innovation in biotechnology and molecular platforms.

Govt To focus On Environment Friendly Projects

In addition to technological growth, the budget addresses urban and environmental concerns through a Rs 5,000 crore World Bank-funded disaster management project aimed at mitigating urban flooding in Bengaluru over the next five years. The Chief Minister also announced a Rs 5 crore leopard rehabilitation facility at Bannerghatta Biological Park to manage human-wildlife conflict on the city’s outskirts.

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Sidarammaiah Criticises Centre

The session was also marked by the Chief Minister's sharp criticism of the Union Government, as he alleged that Karnataka has faced financial injustice under the current federal structure. He highlighted a sharp decline in GST revenue growth, which plummeted from 10 per cent to 4 per cent following rate rationalisations in late 2025. This slowdown is expected to result in a cumulative revenue loss of approximately Rs 25,000 crore over the current and upcoming financial years, leading the Chief Minister to urge the Centre to be more sensitive to the state's fiscal contributions and demands.