Chhattisgarh's Finance Minister OP Chaudhary presented the state's budget for the financial year 2025-26 on March 3, with a total outlay of Rs 1,65,000 crore. This budget is designed around the theme of 'GYAN ke Liye GATI', where GYAN stands for Gareeb (poor), Yuva (youth), Annadata (farmer), and Nari (women), while GATI represents Good Governance, Accelerating Infrastructure, Technology, and Industrial Growth.
The budget emphasizes inclusive growth, social welfare, and significant advancements in infrastructure, aiming to accelerate the state's economic progress while ensuring benefits for all sectors of society. Compared to the 2024-25 budget of Rs 1,47,446 crore, the new budget reflects a 12% increase in expenditure, underlining the government's commitment to driving development across Chhattisgarh.
Key Highlights of Chhattisgarh Budget 2025-26:
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Agriculture and Rural Development: A major allocation of Rs 10,000 crore has been made for the Krishak Unnati Yojana, aimed at enhancing agricultural prosperity in the state. Additionally, Rs 8,500 crore has been allocated to support rural housing through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin).
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Social Welfare Initiatives: The government has earmarked Rs 5,500 crore for the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, a scheme dedicated to women's welfare, and Rs 4,500 crore for the Mukhyamantri Khadyan Sahayata Yojana to improve food security.
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Energy and Infrastructure: To support farmers, Rs 3,500 crore has been allocated for providing free electricity for agricultural pumps up to 5 HP. The government is also investing Rs 2,000 crore in the construction of new roads through the Public Works Department, with an additional Rs 845 crore for rural road development under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
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Technology and Connectivity: The budget introduces the Mukhyamantri Mobile Tower Scheme to provide mobile connectivity in remote areas. To foster digital inclusion, all gram panchayats will be encouraged to adopt UPI for transactions.
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Urban Development: Rs 875 crore has been allocated for urban housing development under the Sabke Liye Awas Yojana. Moreover, the creation of 500 new co-operative societies and the allocation of Rs 500 crore for the Mukhyamantri Nagarotthan Yojana will focus on the urbanization and development of municipal corporations.
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Health and Education: The state will set up the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), aiming to provide new educational opportunities. Additionally, Rs 1,500 crore has been allocated to support the Aayushman Yojana, further strengthening the state's health infrastructure.
The budget's focus on enhancing infrastructure, technology, and industrial growth is expected to pave the way for significant economic progress in Chhattisgarh, benefiting all segments of society, especially farmers, youth, and women.
