Karnataka Budget 2025: Reactions of AIDSO, KPRS, ASHA & Anganwadi Workers

Karnataka Budget Sparks Outrage: Anganwadi Workers, Teachers, Farmers & ASHA Workers Speak Out

Anganwadi Workers Express Disappointment

Anganwadi workers have voiced their dissatisfaction with the Karnataka state budget, citing unfulfilled promises and lack of financial justice. “During the Assembly elections, the Congress party had assured an increment of ₹4,000. After two budget presentations, we expected at least ₹2,000, but Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ignored us,” said S. Varalakshmi, representing Anganwadi workers.

They also urged the government to declare Anganwadi centers as Montessori schools and introduce LKG and UKG classes across all centers. Concerns were raised regarding the Women and Child Development Department’s allocation, which they claim has been merged with funds for the ‘Gruha Lakshmi’ scheme. “With women making up nearly half of the population, the department requires more funding,” they added, blaming the central government for not increasing its share of Anganwadi allocations.

AIDSO Opposes School Closures and Skill-Based Education

The All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) has strongly criticized the state government’s education policies, particularly the ‘Hub and Spoke’ model, which aims to shut down government schools. “The government is set to close over 6,000 schools in the first phase, despite widespread opposition. While constructing 500 new public schools is welcome, it does not justify shutting down existing ones,” said Ajay Kamath, AIDSO Karnataka State Secretary.

AIDSO also condemned the shortage of teachers, stating that 59,000 vacancies remain unfilled while the government’s recruitment of 5,267 teachers is inadequate. They also criticized the lack of scholarship funds, which has impacted lakhs of students. The organization further opposed the newly introduced ‘Skill at School’ scheme, arguing that it mirrors the NEP-2020 framework despite the state government’s earlier opposition to it.

Farmers’ Association Criticizes Budget for Ignoring Agrarian Crisis

The Karnataka Pranta Raitha Sangha (KPRS) has labeled the budget as disappointing, stating that it fails to address crucial issues such as rural unemployment, rising prices, and the increasing number of farmer suicides. “This budget does not provide relief for farmers burdened by debt, declining crop prices, and rural distress,” said Y. Basavaraj, President of KPRS.

The association expressed concerns over the digitization of land records by linking Aadhaar to land revenue documents, fearing an increase in cyber fraud and land encroachments. They also criticized the lack of measures to support small and marginalized farmers, including Bagair Hukum, forest cultivators, and mining farmers.

Additionally, KPRS accused both the central and state governments of promoting privatization in agriculture, education, and health sectors. “Despite large-scale protests demanding an end to anti-farmer laws and corporate encroachments on agricultural land, this budget does little to protect farmers’ rights and economic security,” they stated.

ASHA Workers Demand Clarity on Honorarium Hike

ASHA workers have also expressed dissatisfaction with the budget, particularly regarding the promised increase in their monthly honorarium. Earlier this year, the Chief Minister had assured a minimum payment of ₹10,000 per month to all ASHA workers. However, the budget announcement included only a team-based increase of ₹1,000, raising concerns among workers.

“The Chief Minister had promised a significant pay hike in January, which led to the withdrawal of our protests. Now, instead of implementing a clear increase for all 42,000 ASHA workers, the government has created confusion with a selective team-based increment,” said D. Nagalakshmi, State Secretary of the Karnataka State United ASHA Workers’ Association.

ASHA workers are now demanding the government clarify whether the ₹1,000 increase applies to all ASHA workers or only to select groups and ensure that the previously promised ₹10,000 minimum wage is implemented without delays.

Budget Sparks Widespread Discontent

The Karnataka budget has sparked mixed reactions, with various organizations criticizing its failure to address core issues in education, agriculture, and labor sectors. While the government has focused on welfare schemes, activists and workers argue that fundamental concerns such as employment, financial security, and institutional support remain largely unaddressed. With widespread discontent across multiple sectors, calls for policy revisions and increased budget allocations are expected to grow stronger in the coming months.

Quotes:

S. Varalakshmi, Anganwadi Workers’ Representative:
“We expected at least a ₹2,000 hike in our wages after two budgets, but the government has completely ignored us. This is deeply disappointing.”
Ajay Kamath, AIDSO Karnataka State Secretary:
“The closure of 6,000 government schools in the name of ‘Hub and Spoke’ is nothing but a betrayal of students and teachers. Constructing 500 model schools cannot justify this mass closure.”
Basavaraj Y., President, Karnataka Farmers’ Association (KPRS):
“Farmers continue to suffer due to mounting debt and rising input costs. The budget has failed to provide real relief while promoting corporate land acquisitions.”
D. Nagalakshmi, State Secretary, Karnataka ASHA Workers’ Union:
“The government had promised a ₹10,000 fixed honorarium, but now they have merely announced a ₹1,000 team-based incentive, which creates confusion and disparity.”

Q & A:

Q: What are the key concerns of Anganwadi workers regarding the budget?
A: They feel the government has ignored its promise to increase their wages. Despite announcements of expanding Anganwadi services, there is no financial commitment for fair pay.

Q: Why is AIDSO protesting the school closures?
A: AIDSO argues that shutting down 6,000 schools under the ‘Hub and Spoke’ model is an attack on public education. They demand increased recruitment of teachers and scholarships instead.

Q: What is KPRS’ stance on the budget’s impact on farmers?
A: KPRS says the budget does not address rising rural unemployment, farm distress, or unfair land acquisition policies that favor corporations.

Q: What is ASHA workers’ main demand now?
A: They demand clarity on whether the ₹1,000 increase applies to all 42,000 ASHA workers and insist that the government fulfill its promise of a ₹10,000 fixed honorarium.