Chhattisgarh Finance Minister OP Choudhary presented the state’s annual budget of Rs 1.65 lakh crore for the financial year 2025-26. The budget follows the theme of ‘GATI,’ which focuses on Good Governance, Accelerating Infrastructure, Technology, and Industrial Growth.
Choudhary said last year’s budget was based on the theme ‘GYAN’ to support inclusive development, and this year’s budget builds on that foundation to help achieve the state’s long-term goals.
The budget focuses on improving rural infrastructure, especially in Maoist-affected areas, increasing security, and providing tax relief to residents. Choudhary stated that Chhattisgarh’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at current prices is expected to grow from Rs 5,67,880 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 6,35,918 crore in 2025-26, which is a 12 per cent increase.
The fiscal deficit for 2025-26 is estimated at 2.97 per cent, which is within the 3 per cent limit set by financial regulations. The government expects a revenue surplus of Rs 2,804 crore, meaning its income will exceed its expenses.
The total fiscal deficit is projected at Rs 22,900 crore, with Rs 4,000 crore allocated for capital expenses like roads, bridges, and schools. After excluding this amount, the net deficit stands at Rs 18,900 crore.
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The state plans to spend Rs 26,341 crore on capital expenses, which makes up 16 per cent of the total budget and 4.14 per cent of the state’s GSDP. The government will launch the Mukhyamantri Mobile Tower Scheme and Mukhyamantri Parivahan Yojana to improve mobile network and public transport in villages.
Funds will also be used to promote digital payments (UPI) in all panchayats. Seventeen new Nalanda Libraries will be built, and mobile science labs will be introduced in Bastar and Surguja regions. Science parks will be set up in Surguja, Bastar, Balrampur, Jashpur, and Raigarh.
A significant portion of the budget is allocated to agriculture and rural development. The government has earmarked ₹10,000 crore for the Krishak Unnati Yojana to support farmers and Rs 8,500 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) to improve rural housing.
Welfare schemes such as the Mahatari Vandan Yojana and Mukhyamantri Khadyann Sahayata Yojana have been allotted ₹5,500 crore and ₹4,500 crore, respectively, to support women and ensure food security.
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The state will also provide Rs 3,500 crore for free electricity to farmers using pumps up to 5 HP, ₹2,000 crore for new road construction, and ₹500 crore to connect Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) under the PM-JANMAN Sadak Nirman Yojana.
To support small traders, the government is increasing the e-Way bill limit from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh and will waive pending VAT liabilities of over 10 years up to ₹25,000. This will benefit more than 40,000 traders and help resolve 62,000 litigation cases. The government is also removing the cess on stamp duty for property transactions.
For security improvements, a Special Operations Group (SOG) will be set up to tackle high-risk criminals, and a State Industrial Security Force (SISF) will be formed to protect industries and key installations. Additional police establishments will be opened in Maoist-affected areas.
The budget also includes funding for 500 new Co-operative Societies, a National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), and sickle cell screening centers in all development blocks. A survey will be conducted to explore linking the Mahanadi and Indravati rivers, as well as the Sikasar and Kodar rivers.
Plans are also in place to establish Medi City, Education City, and the National Institute of Urban Management in Nava Raipur.
With this budget, the government aims to drive economic growth, develop infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for the people of Chhattisgarh while maintaining financial stability.
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