Raipur, February 24 Chhattisgarh Finance Minister O P Choudhary presented the annual budget of Rs 1.72 lakh crore for the 2026-27 fiscal year in the state assembly, emphasizing inclusive growth, infrastructure development, and investment promotion.
The government will launch the Rani Durgavati Scheme, which will provide Rs 1.5 lakh to girls upon reaching the age of 18, he announced.
The budget prioritizes the social sector, accounting for 40% of the total expenditure, while 36% is allocated for boosting economic activities, and 24% for administrative and general services.
It also emphasizes the overall development of Surguja, Bastar, and other regions affected by Naxalism.
The government has announced the establishment of two "Education Cities" in Abujhmad and Jagargunda, previously Naxal strongholds in Bastar, with a budget allocation of Rs 100 crore.
Special initiatives have also been planned to promote sports and preserve cultural identity, including the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum, providing a platform for local talent and reinforcing the region's positive image. Additionally, 1,500 new positions have been created for Bastar fighters, a unit of the state police.
A 50% exemption on registration fees for women purchasing immovable property has also been provisioned.
Choudhary stated that Chhattisgarh, formed in 2000, completed 25 years of its formation and celebrated its Silver Jubilee year as "Atal Nirman Varsh." During this period, the state has made remarkable progress in economic development.
This is reflected in the state budget, which has increased 35-fold—from Rs 4,944 crore at the time of state formation to Rs 1,72,000 crore now, he said.
The 2026-27 state budget is a decisive step toward achieving the goals outlined in the vision document "Chhattisgarh Anjor 2047" and strengthening the state's journey of sustainable development, he said.
Choudhary noted that the guiding principles 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 centered on 'SANKALP'—Samaveshi Vikas, Adhosanrachna, Nivesh, Kushal Manav Sansadhan, Antyoday, Livelihood and Policy se Parinam tak—aimed at accelerating the state's development journey, he said.
"SANKALP reflects the government's commitment not merely to formulate policies but to ensure their effective implementation at the grassroots level so that policy intentions translate into measurable outcomes and development benefits reach every citizen and every region," he said.
A provision of Rs 2,024 crore has been made in the budget for constructing the Matnar and Deurgaon barrages on the Indravati river in Bastar, which was once a Naxal stronghold, he said.
The minister said Rs 100 crore have been allocated for the construction of 'Education Cities' in Abujhmad and Jagargunda in Bastar region.
An allocation of Rs 50 crore has been made for opening new medical colleges in Kunkuri, Manendragarh and Dantewada, he said, adding that to promote sports and culture, Rs 10 crore has been allocated for the Bastar and Surguja Olympics.
Digital connectivity in remote regions will be strengthened with Rs 5 crore approved for the Bastar Net project, he added.
The budget allocated Rs 22,360 crore for the education department, Rs 16,560 crore to the panchayat and rural development department, Rs 9,450 crore for the Public Works Department and Rs 3,500 crore for the Water Resources Department.
The budget also includes a provision of Rs 250 crore to set up 23 new industrial parks to boost investment and employment generation.
Besides, Rs 5 crore have been allocated for tourism development at Mainpat in Surguja, while air services will be expanded in Jagdalpur and Ambikapur, Choudhary said.
Under the Krishak Unnati Yojana, a provision of Rs 10,000 crore has been made to promote modern agricultural technology, better inputs, productivity enhancement and crop diversification, he said.
Under Viksit Bharat G RAM G Yojana, a provision of Rs 4,000 crore has been made. The scheme will ensure 125 days of guaranteed employment annually in rural areas and support rural infrastructure development and public amenities, he said.
A provision of Rs 200 crore has been made for new Chief Minister Adarsh Shahar Samriddhi Yojana aimed at improving basic infrastructure, civic services and sanitation in municipalities and nagar panchayats, Rs 200 crore for Chief Minister Drutgami Sadak Sampark Yojana focused on construction of high-speed 2/4-lane roads, Rs 100 crore for Swami Vivekananda Utkrisht Shala Yojana dedicated to enhancing the quality of school education and Rs 100 crore for Cashless Medical Facility to state government employees, he said.
The Chhattisgarh Assistance for Competitive Exams (CG ACE) scheme will be launched to provide financial assistance for competitive examinations under three components- 'Udaan' for preparation of NEET, JEE, CLAT, 'Shikhar' for UPSC and CGPSC examination and 'Manzil' for Railway, Banking, SSC examinations. A provision of Rs 33 crore has been made for it, he said.
Chhattisgarh Viability Assistance for Yatri Udaan (CG-VAYU) scheme will be launched which is aimed at promoting air services from Bilaspur, Jagdalpur and Ambikapur, for which Rs 30 crore has been provisioned, he said.
