Raipur: Chhattisgarh Finance Minister O. P. Chaudhary on Wednesday presented a ₹1.72 lakh crore state budget for the financial year 2026 in the Legislative Assembly. This is the third budget of the government led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and it has been themed “SANKALP”, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
What “SANKALP” Stands For
The Finance Minister explained that SANKALP represents the government’s long-term vision:
- S – Social Inclusion
- A – Infrastructure Development
- N – Investment Promotion
- K – Skilled Human Resources
- A – Antyodaya (upliftment of the last person)
- L – Livelihood Generation
- P – Policy to Performance
The budget is aligned with the state’s Vision@2047, aiming to transform Chhattisgarh into a developed state by India’s centenary year of independence.
GATI Framework to Drive Growth
Finance Minister Chaudhary also highlighted the GATI framework as the foundation of development strategy:
- G – Good Governance
- A – Accelerating Infrastructure
- T – Technology-led Growth
- I – Industrial Expansion
He stated that GATI will play a crucial role in achieving mid-term targets by 2030 and long-term goals by 2047.
Special Focus on Bastar, Surguja, Abujhmad and Naxal-Affected Areas
The budget places strong emphasis on development in backward and Naxal-affected regions such as Bastar, Surguja, Abujhmad and Jagargunda.
Key provisions include:
- ₹75 crore for Bastar Development Authority
- ₹100 crore for setting up Education Cities in Abujhmad and Jagargunda
- ₹50 crore each for Bastar and Surguja Medical Colleges
- ₹10 crore for bus connectivity in Bastar–Surguja region
- ₹5 crore for development of Mainpat (Surguja)
The Finance Minister said these initiatives aim to bring education, healthcare, and connectivity to the most remote regions.
Five Major Missions Announced
Budget allocations were made for five flagship missions:
- Chief Minister AI Mission
- Chief Minister Tourism Development Mission
- Chief Minister Sports Excellence Mission
- Chief Minister Infrastructure Mission
- Chief Minister Startup and Skilled Youth Mission
Welfare, Women and Health-Centric Budget
Major social welfare provisions include:
- ₹8,200 crore for Mahtari Vandan Yojana
- ₹52 crore for construction of 500 new Anganwadi centers
- ₹75 crore for Mahatari Sadan
- ₹1,500 crore for Ayushman Bharat
- ₹2,000 crore for National Health Mission
- ₹350 crore for Mitanin Welfare Fund
- Cashless medical treatment for government employees with ₹100 crore allocation
Infrastructure and Roads
- ₹9,400 crore for overall infrastructure development
- ₹9,450 crore for Public Works Department
- ₹475 crore for Chief Minister Rural Roads Scheme
- ₹250 crore to connect 206 villages to urban areas
- Chief Minister Fast-Track Road Connectivity Scheme announced
- Raipur underground power supply project: ₹100 crore
Education, Jobs and Skill Development
- ₹731 crore for universities
- 350 schools to be developed as PM Shri Model Schools
- Swami Vivekananda Excellence School Scheme launched
- 1,500 new government posts created; recruitment on 4,000+ posts
- CM Good Governance Fellowship in collaboration with IIMs and IIITs
Agriculture, Farmers and Rural Economy
- ₹10,000 crore for Krishak Unnati Yojana
- ₹6,000 crore for Markfed
- ₹5,500 crore for agricultural pumps
- ₹820 crore for crop insurance
- ₹90 crore for Dairy Integrated Development Scheme
- Expansion of milk processing units in Raipur, Bilaspur and Jagdalpur
Industry, Investment and Ease of Doing Business
- Investment proposals worth over ₹8 lakh crore received
- ₹250 crore for development of 23 industrial areas
- Electronic manufacturing cluster in Bhilai
- Single Window System to promote Ease of Doing Business
- ₹10 crore for Atal Monitoring Portal
- Mandatory procurement via GeM Portal
Tourism, Culture and Religious Development
- ₹146 crore for Bhoramdeo (Kabirdham) development
- ₹36 crore for Sirpur development
- ₹35 crore for ropeways at religious sites
- ₹93 crore for Unity Mall in Raipur
- ₹350 crore Film City project
- Giroudpuri Mela allocation doubled to ₹50 lakh
CM Vishnu Deo Sai Praises Budget
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the budget, calling it growth-oriented and inclusive. He said the budget takes care of every section of society and will play a key role in transforming backward regions like Bastar and Surguja.
“This budget is a roadmap for development, employment, infrastructure, and social justice, fully aligned with Vision 2047,” the Chief Minister said.