In an era where artificial intelligence is being used even in drafting court rulings, Chhattisgarh’s Finance Minister OP Choudhary has taken a unique approach by presenting a 100-page handwritten budget in Hindi. His effort reflects not only his commitment but also his personal involvement in the state’s financial planning and governance.
Choudhary, a former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, resigned from his bureaucratic career to join politics, believing it to be a larger platform for public service. As he prepared for the budget presentation on March 4, he worked tirelessly, often sleeping for only a couple of hours each night in the days leading up to the announcement for the fiscal year starting April 1.
The decision to handwrite the budget was a rare one, setting him apart from other finance ministers who generally rely on teams of officials to draft and type budget documents. Explaining his choice, Choudhary stated, "When I was writing my speech, I realised that a handwritten document expresses my feelings, emotions, vision, commitment, and attachment more deeply. That’s when I decided to write it in my own handwriting."
Choudhary displayed his handwritten 100-page budget document, emphasising that it reflects his dedication and involvement in the process. He revealed that while the budget had been in development for five to six months, the actual writing of the document began just a week or ten days before the presentation.
"I barely slept for four nights before the budget presentation, managing just one to one-and-a-half hours of rest each night. That’s when I wrote the budget," he said.
His handwritten budget is being seen as a symbol of authenticity and transparency in governance, highlighting his meticulous attention to detail. It also underscores his hands-on approach in crafting a financial roadmap for the state.
The budget, totaling Rs 1,65,100 crore, focuses on rapid economic advancement, with special attention to the development of Bastar, a region affected by Left-wing extremism. Choudhary explained that while last year’s budget revolved around the theme GYAN (Gareeb, Yuva, Annadata & Nari), this year’s budget follows the theme of GYAN ke liye 'GATI'.
The acronym GATI stands for:
- G - Good Governance
- A - Accelerating Infrastructure
- T - Technology
- I - Industrial Growth
He highlighted that while the previous budget laid the foundation for inclusive development, this year's budget takes the next step in that journey.
Choudhary’s journey from bureaucracy to politics has been marked by deep involvement and commitment. A 2005-batch IAS officer, he resigned from his position as the Collector of Raipur in 2018 to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His strong command of Hindi, a subject he studied extensively during his UPSC preparation, helped him craft the budget in his preferred language and style.
Recalling his transition to politics, Choudhary said, "For 13 years of my bureaucratic life, I gave my 100 per cent. I was at the peak of my career as the Collector of Raipur. But I realised that there is immense growth and opportunity in India. I felt that politics provides an even bigger platform to make a significant impact on people’s lives."
He was particularly influenced by a thought he had encountered in his childhood: "If good people do not join politics, then bad people will rule over them." This belief motivated him to enter politics. He also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for inspiring his decision.
Choudhary contested the 2018 elections but faced defeat. However, in 2023, he successfully won from the Raigarh constituency, further strengthening his political journey. His handwritten budget presentation has now positioned him as a leader who values personal involvement, transparency, and deep commitment to governance.
Also Read: C'garh unveils ₹1.65L cr budget for rural growth, security
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