Raipur, March 17 Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said on Tuesday that Chhattisgarh's progress was stalled when the Congress was in power and highlighted his government's commitment to a development push and serving "Chhattisgarh Mahtari (mother)".
Responding to the discussion on budgetary demand proposals for his departments, Sai said the government has been working with dedication over the past two years, and Chhattisgarh has been steadily moving toward the goal of a developed state.
He emphasised that effective budget management plays a crucial role in achieving this objective.
After the discussion, the legislative assembly passed budgetary demand proposals of Rs 10,617.73 crore for the General Administration, Water Resources, Mineral Resources, Aviation, Electronics & Information Technology, and Public Relations departments held by the chief minister.
Sai said while the themes of the previous two budgets were 'GYAN' (Garib, Yuva, Annadata, Nari) and 'GATI' (Good Governance, Accelerating Infrastructure, Technology and Industrial Growth), this year's budget is based on "SANKALP" (Samaveshi Vikas, Adhosanrachna, Nivesh, Kushal Manav Sansadhan, Antyoday, Livelihood and Policy se Parinam tak).
Targeting the erstwhile Bhupesh Baghel government, Sai said that memories of "misgovernance by Congress" in the last five years are still fresh in the minds of people.
"During that period, one line echoed everywhere: 'there was no one they did not deceive', he added.
Sai said Congress only talks about justice, but it failed to ensure justice for the common people and for party members.
He claimed that economic growth, particularly in the mining sector, had slowed during the Congress rule despite abundant natural resources, and alleged misappropriation of large sums.
Sai also accused the previous regime of corruption in transit pass systems, liquor sales, and sand mining, and alleged irregularities and diversion of funds meant for public welfare schemes.
He said the BJP government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and strengthened digital governance to plug systemic leakages.
Sai added that the excise revenue jumped from Rs 5,110 crore under the previous government to an estimated Rs 11,000 crore under the BJP rule, which is a testimony to improved transparency.
Highlighting development indicators, he stated that mineral revenue has increased from Rs 12,305 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 14,592 crore in 2024-25, which contributed around 11 per cent in the state's Gross Domestic Product.
The government estimates revenue to reach Rs 17,000 crore by the end of the 2025-26 financial year.
Sai added that the additional revenue is being used for welfare schemes benefiting farmers, women, and the general public.
He also highlighted that the state's total power generation capacity stands at 30,000 MW, including 24,000 MW from thermal power plants, placing it among the leading states in electricity production.
Calling the ongoing anti-Naxal operations a "major victory for democracy," Sai said many Maoists have surrendered and expressed faith in the Constitution.
He credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with the efforts of security forces and public support, for the progress in curbing Maoist violence.
The chief minister added that the government has been strengthening administrative systems in previously affected areas to promote peace, reconstruction, and inclusive development, while also expanding aviation infrastructure to boost the state's growth trajectory.