Karnataka Social Media Will be Banned for Children Under 16 Announced in 2026-27 Budget: Full Details on Siddaramaiah’s Major Announcements
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the 2026-27 state budget on March 6, 2026, in the Vidhana Soudha, outlining a comprehensive plan with a total outlay of Rs 4,48,004 crore. The budget emphasizes technology-driven growth, major infrastructure development in Bengaluru, environmental sustainability, welfare schemes, and bold protective measures for children. A standout announcement is the proposed social media ban for children under 16, aimed at curbing the negative impacts of excessive mobile and digital usage.
In a landmark move to safeguard children’s mental and physical well-being, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that social media will be banned for children under the age of 16. This decision, revealed during the presentation of the Karnataka Budget 2026-27, addresses growing concerns over rising mobile phone addiction, exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and other adverse effects of prolonged screen time among young users.
Siddaramaiah stated, “With the objective of preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile usage on children, usage of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16.” The announcement positions Karnataka as one of the pioneering states in India to implement such an age-specific restriction on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and others. While enforcement details—such as age verification mechanisms, parental controls, platform responsibilities, or penalties—are yet to be outlined in subsequent policy documents, the proposal has sparked nationwide discussions on child digital safety.
This bold step aligns with global trends, including Australia’s recent social media restrictions for minors, and follows consultations with educationists, university vice-chancellors, and experts on the detrimental impacts of social media. Critics argue it may face implementation challenges, while supporters praise it as a necessary measure to prioritize real-world interactions, education, and mental health over digital distractions.
Beyond child protection, the budget highlights Karnataka’s push toward becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology. Siddaramaiah announced the establishment of an AI and Technology Park under the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), including a dedicated Robotics and AI campus named the “Bangalore Robotics and AI Innovation Zone.” This initiative will be developed in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (Keonics).
To further bolster AI capabilities, two state-of-the-art AI Centres of Excellence will be set up in Bengaluru in partnership with the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, and NASSCOM, at a total cost of Rs 16 crore. These centers aim to foster innovation, research, and skill development in emerging technologies.
The Chief Minister underscored Karnataka’s pivotal role in national and international trade, noting how rapid advancements in AI are reshaping global production systems. He described the budget as forward-looking, with the resolve to “turn fire into light” through responsible innovation in science and technology.
Infrastructure development, particularly in Bengaluru, received significant attention to alleviate traffic congestion and support urban growth. One of the flagship announcements includes approval for major tunnel road projects under the BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) model.
The North-South Corridor from Hebbal Junction to HSR Layout-Silk Board Junction and the East-West Corridor from K.R. Puram to Mysore Road will span a total of 40 km at an estimated cost of Rs 40,000 crore. In the first phase, tenders have already been invited for the 17-km North-South Corridor segment valued at Rs 17,780 crore.
Additionally, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) will construct a tunnel road and elevated road from Hebbal Junction to Mekhri Circle at Rs 2,250 crore. These projects are expected to significantly reduce travel times and ease pressure on surface roads in India’s tech hub.
Other Bengaluru-focused allocations include Rs 7,000 crore for overall infrastructure development, Rs 3,000 crore for white-topping over 450 km of roads (phased over three years), and plans for Namma Metro expansion with additional lines. The budget also earmarked funds for a second airport in Bengaluru (feasibility study with Airports Authority of India), suburban rail enhancements, and Cauvery Phase-VI water supply improvements.
On the environmental front, a Leopard Rehabilitation Centre will be established in Bannerghatta Biological Park at Rs 5 crore to rehabilitate leopards captured from Bengaluru’s outskirts. Under the Karnataka Water Security and Resilience Programme (World Bank-funded), Rs 5,000 crore will support disaster management projects over five years, focusing on flood mitigation in Bengaluru.
Siddaramaiah also addressed fiscal challenges, particularly the impact of GST rationalisation implemented in September 2025. He noted that prior to these changes, Karnataka’s average monthly GST revenue growth (net of refunds) was around 10% in 2025-26. Post-rationalisation, it moderated to about 4%, leading to an estimated revenue shortfall of Rs 10,000 crore in the current year and Rs 15,000 crore in 2026-27.
Despite this, the state maintains strong economic fundamentals, ranking second nationally in GST collections. The budget balances welfare commitments with infrastructure and innovation investments, incorporating the “11G Economic Model” for sustainable development—covering areas like Guarantee Economy, Good Education, Green Economy, and more.
Other notable announcements include filling thousands of vacant government posts, education upgrades (e.g., Karnataka Public Schools), farmer support schemes like ‘Krishi Vistara’, and welfare enhancements.
The Karnataka Budget 2026-27 reflects a visionary approach, blending child protection through measures like the social media ban under 16, technological advancement via AI parks, and massive infrastructure upgrades to position the state as a leader in sustainable growth. As details on the social media restriction rollout emerge, it could set a precedent for other states grappling with similar digital challenges.
This comprehensive budget aims to make Bengaluru the world’s most liveable city while ensuring equitable development across Karnataka. Stay tuned for updates on implementation and reactions to these transformative announcements.
