New academy for Havyaka, funds for publishing works of Kannada poets, and more in State Budget

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced several initiatives in his Budget, including the establishment of the Havyaka Bhasha Academy, a chair in honor of Prof. U.R. Ananthamurthy, and a project to showcase great poets and writers of Kannada to children. The budget also includes funding for events like Bengaluru Habba, Janapada Sangama, and a book on nameless freedom fighters. Siddaramaiah proposed ₹1 crore for publishing works of Dalit writers commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Dalit Literature Movement. He also earmarked funds for plays based on novels like "Kolaga" and a theatrical drama about Khwaja Bande Nawaz, among other cultural initiatives. However, some critics have questioned the focus on public events rather than promoting knowledge in contemporary global importance of Kannada.