Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary outlines ‘Sankalp-Based Budget’ aimed at inclusive growth and economic stability
TFP Bureau, Raipur, March 18,2026: The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on Wednesday passed an Appropriation Bill worth ₹1.87 lakh crore for the financial year 2026–27, with Finance Minister O. P. Choudhary describing it as a “resolve-based” roadmap for inclusive development, farmer welfare, women’s empowerment and infrastructure expansion.
Replying to the discussion in the House, Choudhary said the budget has been prepared under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, keeping in mind the aspirations of nearly three crore people of the state. He said the government aims to transform Chhattisgarh into a developed state by 2047 through balanced growth, fiscal discipline and targeted welfare measures.
Balanced Financial Framework
The Finance Minister informed the House that the total appropriation stands at ₹1,87,500 crore, including repayments and adjustments, while the net budget size is estimated at ₹1,72,000 crore. Total receipts are pegged at ₹1,72,000 crore, comprising ₹1,41,000 crore in revenue receipts and ₹29,000 crore in capital receipts.
On the expenditure side, revenue expenditure is proposed at ₹1,45,000 crore and capital expenditure at ₹27,000 crore. The state’s revenue deficit is estimated at ₹2,000 crore, while the fiscal deficit is projected at ₹20,400 crore—2.87 per cent of GSDP—reflecting what the minister termed “sound financial management and discipline.”
‘Sankalp’ Pillars and New Missions
Choudhary said the budget is anchored on seven pillars—Inclusive Development, Infrastructure, Investment, Skilled Human Resources, Antyodaya, Livelihood and Policy. To operationalise this vision, five new missions with an outlay of ₹500 crore have been announced.
These include ₹100 crore each for Chief Minister’s AI Mission, Sports Excellence Mission, Tourism Development Mission, Infrastructure Mission, and Start-up and ‘Nipun’ Skilling Mission, aimed at boosting innovation, employment and sectoral growth.
Strong Economic Indicators
Highlighting the state’s economic performance, the minister said Chhattisgarh recorded a growth rate of 8.11 per cent in 2025–26, surpassing the national average of 7.4 per cent. Sector-wise growth stood at 7.49 per cent in agriculture, 7.21 per cent in industry and 9.11 per cent in services. Per capita income has risen to ₹1,79,244, marking a growth of over 10 per cent.
Major Push for Agriculture
Agriculture and farmer welfare remain at the core of the budget, with ₹10,000 crore allocated for the Krishak Unnati Yojana—the largest single provision. The government continues to procure paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal, with around ₹1.40 lakh crore already transferred directly into farmers’ accounts.
The scheme has also been expanded to include crops such as maize, Kodo-Kutki, ragi and cotton to promote diversification. Additionally, ₹5,500 crore has been earmarked for free electricity to agricultural pumps, reducing input costs for farmers.
Women-Centric Initiatives
In a major push for women’s empowerment, ₹8,200 crore has been allocated for the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, under which nearly 70 lakh women receive ₹1,000 per month as financial assistance. The government has also declared 2026 as “Mahtari Gaurav Varsh” to emphasise women’s dignity, safety and self-reliance.
Further allocations have been made for Anganwadi services, nutrition programmes and other women and child welfare initiatives.
Infrastructure and Development Focus
Infrastructure development has been given significant thrust, with ₹27,000 crore allocated for capital expenditure. This includes ₹837 crore for construction of 1,162 roads and ₹163 crore for 393 bridges, aimed at improving connectivity across the state.
Irrigation projects will receive ₹4,400 crore, while ₹3,000 crore has been allocated for the Jal Jeevan Mission to strengthen water supply systems. In healthcare, ₹1,500 crore has been earmarked under the Ayushman scheme, along with plans to establish new medical colleges and upgrade district hospitals and primary health centres.
In the education sector, 700 new school buildings will be constructed and technical institutions upgraded to enhance academic infrastructure.
Rural and Urban Development
A balanced approach has been adopted for rural and urban growth. Rural development will see allocations of ₹4,000 crore each under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and employment guarantee programmes. For urban areas, ₹750 crore has been set aside for infrastructure, along with initiatives like the Adarsh Shahar Samriddhi Yojana.
Projects such as underground electrification, housing schemes and the Nalanda Campus initiative are also aimed at improving urban living standards.
Tourism, Governance and Security
Tourism and cultural heritage have been prioritised through initiatives like the Shakti Peeth Project and Ramlala Darshan Yojana. The Home Stay Policy is expected to generate local employment and boost allied industries.
To strengthen law and order, the budget provides for recruitment of 1,500 Bastar Fighters, establishment of 15 new police stations and five cyber police stations. Emphasis has also been laid on e-governance, digital services and transparency through technological reforms.
Debate and Conclusion
Leader of Opposition Charandas Mahant and several ministers and MLAs, including Laxmi Rajwade, Ajay Chandrakar and Kiran Singh Deo, participated in the discussion on the Appropriation Bill.
Concluding the debate, Choudhary said the budget represents a visionary yet practical roadmap that seeks to uplift every section of society while ensuring that the benefits of development reach the last person in the queue. He expressed confidence that the measures outlined would accelerate the journey towards a “prosperous and self-reliant Chhattisgarh.”
