Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary outlines “Sankalp-Based Budget” with major allocations for agriculture, women welfare and capital expenditure; aims to transform state into a developed economy by 2047
Published on: March 19, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on Wednesday passed a comprehensive ₹1.87 lakh crore Appropriation Bill for the financial year 2026–27, marking a significant step toward inclusive and sustainable development in the state. Presenting the budget, Finance Minister O. P. Choudhary emphasized that the fiscal roadmap is designed to address the aspirations of nearly 30 million citizens while strengthening economic stability and ensuring last-mile delivery of welfare schemes.
Describing the financial plan as a “Sankalp-Based Budget,” the minister said it aligns with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s vision of transforming Chhattisgarh into a developed state by 2047. The total budget size stands at ₹1.87 lakh crore, including repayments and adjustments, while the net budget outlay has been fixed at ₹1.72 lakh crore.
The state’s fiscal structure reflects a balanced approach, with total receipts estimated at ₹1.72 lakh crore, including ₹1.41 lakh crore in revenue receipts and ₹29,000 crore in capital receipts. Revenue expenditure is projected at ₹1.45 lakh crore, while capital expenditure is pegged at ₹27,000 crore. The revenue deficit is estimated at ₹2,000 crore, and the fiscal deficit stands at ₹20,400 crore, accounting for 2.87% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), indicating prudent financial management.
The budget is anchored on seven key pillars—Inclusive Growth, Infrastructure, Investment, Skilled Human Resources, Antyodaya, Livelihood, and Policy—and introduces five ambitious missions with a combined allocation of ₹500 crore. These include initiatives in artificial intelligence, sports excellence, tourism development, infrastructure expansion, and startup promotion.
Highlighting economic progress, the minister noted that the state recorded a growth rate of 8.11% in 2025–26, surpassing the national average of 7.4%. Sector-wise growth includes 7.49% in agriculture, 7.21% in industry, and 9.11% in services. Per capita income has risen to ₹1,79,244, reflecting a growth of over 10%.
Agriculture remains the top priority, with ₹10,000 crore allocated under the Krishak Unnati Yojana—the largest single provision in the budget. The government continues paddy procurement at ₹3,100 per quintal and has already disbursed nearly ₹1.40 lakh crore directly into farmers’ accounts. Efforts to promote crop diversification include incentives for maize, millets, and cotton. Additionally, ₹5,500 crore has been earmarked for free electricity to agricultural pumps, aiming to reduce farming costs.
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Women empowerment also receives a major push, with ₹8,200 crore allocated to the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. Under this scheme, around 7 million women receive ₹1,000 per month as direct financial assistance. The government has declared 2026 as “Mahtari Gaurav Year,” reinforcing its commitment to women’s dignity, safety, and self-reliance.
Infrastructure development is another cornerstone of the budget, with ₹27,000 crore in capital expenditure. This includes ₹837 crore for constructing 1,162 roads and ₹163 crore for 393 bridges. Irrigation projects will receive ₹4,400 crore, while ₹3,000 crore has been allocated under the Jal Jeevan Mission to improve water supply and agricultural productivity.
The health and education sectors have also been prioritized. The National Health Mission will receive ₹2,000 crore, and ₹1,500 crore has been earmarked for the Ayushman scheme. Plans include strengthening district hospitals, community health centers, and primary health facilities, along with establishing new medical colleges. In education, the construction of 700 new school buildings and upgradation of technical institutions aim to improve learning infrastructure.
Balanced rural and urban development remains a key focus. Rural housing and employment guarantee schemes have been allocated ₹4,000 crore each, while ₹750 crore has been earmarked for urban infrastructure. Initiatives like underground electrification, housing projects, and “Adarsh Shaher Samriddhi Yojana” are expected to enhance urban living standards.
Tourism and cultural heritage promotion have also been included, with initiatives such as the Shakti Peeth Project and Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana aimed at boosting religious tourism. The homestay policy is expected to generate local employment and support allied industries.
To strengthen law and order, the government has proposed 1,500 new Bastar Fighter posts, 15 new police stations, and five cyber police stations. Emphasis will also be placed on e-governance and digital services to enhance transparency and efficiency.
The minister concluded that the budget represents a forward-looking and inclusive development blueprint that aims to uplift every section of society and ensure that the benefits of growth reach the last mile.
