Handwritten Budget Prioritizes Education, Rural Development, and Agriculture

The Chhattisgarh government, led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, has presented a meticulously handwritten budget worth ₹1.65 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2025-26. This budget prioritizes school education, rural development, and agriculture, marking a significant shift towards enhancing infrastructure and governance through technology-driven solutions.

Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary emphasized that the state government aims to boost industrial investments, generate local employment, and strengthen rural communities. The budget reflects a strategic increase from the ₹1.47 lakh crore allocated for the previous fiscal year.

No New Taxes, Increased Capital Expenditure to Boost Infrastructure

In a bid to promote economic growth without imposing additional financial burdens on citizens, the government has refrained from introducing new taxes. Meanwhile, capital expenditure (CapEx) has been significantly increased from ₹22,300 crore (3.93% of GSDP) to ₹26,341 crore (4.14% of GSDP), ensuring better infrastructure development and industrial progress.

The five sectors receiving the highest budget allocations are:

School Education: ₹22,356 crore

Panchayat and Rural Development: ₹18,461 crore

Agriculture: ₹13,506 crore

Public Works: ₹9,501 crore

Food & Civil Supplies: ₹9,440 crore

Boosting Industrial Growth with a Focus on Service Sector and Ease of Business

The budget has earmarked ₹1,420 crore to support the state’s newly implemented industrial policy, which aims to promote service sector growth, provide incentives for Agniveers and surrendered Maoists, and streamline business operations through a single-window clearance system.

Key Economic Relief Measures: Petrol Price Cuts and Increased DA for Government Employees

The state government has announced a ₹1 per liter reduction in petrol prices and a 17% VAT reduction on bulk diesel prices to ease fuel costs. Additionally, a new pension fund has been introduced, along with a 3% increase in dearness allowance (DA) for state government employees, enhancing financial stability for government workers.

A Major Push for Tourism and Sustainable Economic Growth

A sum of ₹200 crore has been allocated for developing Chhattisgarh’s first ‘Iconic Tourism Destination’ featuring nature, water, and wildlife attractions. The government has also introduced a new homestay policy for the tribal areas of Bastar and Surguja, promoting local entrepreneurship and eco-tourism.

Furthermore, adventure tourism circuits will be developed in Jashpur to attract domestic and international visitors.

Infrastructure Development: Metro, Mobile Connectivity, and Public Transport Expansion

A feasibility survey for the Raipur-Durg metro line has been sanctioned, signaling a move towards modern urban transport solutions.

The Chief Minister Mobile Tower Scheme will enhance mobile connectivity in remote villages, ensuring better communication access. Additionally, the Mukhyamantri Parivahan Yojana aims to improve public transport services in rural areas, connecting even the most inaccessible regions.

Healthcare and Education: New Institutes and Disease Screening Initiatives

Chhattisgarh’s 2025-26 budget prioritizes healthcare and education, with significant investments in:

Establishing a new National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in the state

Developing a Medi City and Education City in Nava Raipur

Conducting a comprehensive survey for interlinking the Mahanadi-Indravati and Sikasar-Kodar rivers to improve water resource management

Launching the first phase of sickle cell anemia screening centers in all blocks to improve healthcare access in rural areas

Strengthening Security: Special Forces and Anti-Insurgency Measures

To address law and order concerns, the government has proposed the formation of:

A Special Operation Group (SOG), modeled after the National Security Guard (NSG), to tackle high-risk criminal threats

A State Industrial Security Force (SISF), similar to CISF, to protect industries and key installations

3,200 new posts for Bastar Fighters, a specialized anti-insurgency force, to recruit personnel from remote and conflict-prone villages

A Budget for Growth, Stability, and Economic Resilience

The 2025-26 Chhattisgarh budget aims to strike a balance between growth and financial stability. The newly established Chhattisgarh Growth and Stability Fund will act as a financial cushion for the state during economic downturns, ensuring long-term sustainability.

By focusing on education, healthcare, infrastructure, tourism, and industrial growth, this budget sets the stage for Chhattisgarh’s long-term prosperity while reinforcing its commitment to inclusive and technology-driven governan