Chhattisgarh Finance Minister OP Choudhary on Tuesday tabled a Rs 1.72 lakh crore Budget for FY2026–27 in the state Assembly, outlining a capex-driven growth strategy under the theme “Sankalp,” with emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, digital expansion and inclusive development.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the fiscal blueprint as a long-term development signal aligned with the state’s Vision of Viksit Chhattisgarh 2047. “With record investments across agriculture, infrastructure, women’s empowerment and industrial expansion, the Budget builds structural strength for sustained double-digit growth while ensuring inclusion of Bastar, Surguja and rural regions,” Sai said.
The Budget is structured around the Sankalp framework — Inclusive Development, Infrastructure, Investment, Skilled Human Resources, Antyodaya, Livelihood, and Policy to Performance — designed to extend development to underserved regions, particularly tribal districts.
A key highlight is the launch of five flagship missions, each receiving an initial Rs 100 crore allocation: Chief Minister AI Mission, Tourism Development Mission, Sports Excellence Mission, Infrastructure Mission, and Startup and Entrepreneurship Mission.
Education infrastructure saw targeted investment with the announcement of two new education cities in Abujhmad and Jagargunda, backed by Rs 100 crore. The integrated campuses will include schools, ITIs, hostels and teacher housing, aimed at strengthening long-term human capital development in tribal areas.
Agriculture remained a priority sector. Allocations include Rs 10,000 crore for the Krishak Unnati Yojana, Rs 5,500 crore for free electricity pumps and Rs 150 crore for palm oil cultivation. The government cited procurement achievements, noting the purchase of 437 lakh metric tonnes of paddy over three years.
On social welfare, the Budget earmarked Rs 8,200 crore for the Mahtari Vandan scheme and Rs 75 crore for Mahtari Sadan. Under the Rani Durgavati Scheme, eligible girls will receive Rs 1.5 lakh upon turning 18. Provisions were also made for establishing 500 new Anganwadi centres.
Healthcare allocations featured Rs 1,500 crore for the Ayushman scheme and Rs 2,000 crore under the National Health Mission, reflecting continued focus on public health capacity and insurance coverage.
Infrastructure spending remained central to the state’s growth plan. The Budget allocated Rs 9,450 crore to the Public Works Department and Rs 200 crore under the Mukhyamantri Drutgami Sadak Yojana for 36 key roads. Additionally, Rs 250 crore was set aside for developing 23 new industrial areas.
The government projected over Rs 30,000 crore in capital expenditure, reinforcing its infrastructure-led expansion strategy. The Budget also underscored investments in digital and industrial infrastructure to support future-ready economic activity. |
