Chhattisgarh Set to Unveil Budget on Monday, Enhanced Focus on Women and Underprivileged

Bhopal, March 2 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party government in Chhattisgarh, led by Vishnu Deo Sai, is poised to reveal its second comprehensive budget on Monday. The state’s Finance Minister Om Prakash Choudhary will disclose the financial blueprint, expected to fall within the range of Rs 1.60 lakh crore to 1.75 lakh crore.

During the fiscal year 2024-25, the state recorded a revenue surplus of Rs 1059 crore, with total revenue expenditure reaching Rs 1.24 lakh crore. A cabinet meeting scheduled for Sunday is set to finalize the budget.

The Chhattisgarh Economic Survey for the fiscal year 2024-25, presented last Friday in the state Assembly, forecasts a growth rate of 7.5 percent, highlighting the economic expansion in this predominantly tribal state.

The finance minister is likely to prioritize commitments outlined in the ‘Sankalp Patra’, aligning with the ‘Amritkal Vision 2047’. Analogous to Madhya Pradesh's Sambal Yojana, the Chhattisgarh government offers immediate ex-gratia of Rs 2000 to families in distress following the death of their primary breadwinner via the ‘Shraddhanjali Yojana’. An increase in this ex-gratia amount may be considered. Moreover, enhancements to the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’ could also be on the agenda.

The economy of the state has exhibited an average growth rate of 6 percent from 2012-13 to 2024-25. In fiscal year 2023-24, the per capita income was recorded at Rs 148,922, anticipated to rise to Rs 162,870 in 2024-25, indicating a 9.37 percent increase in citizens' earnings.

Furthermore, significant allocations for the recruitment of new teachers and infrastructure development in key areas such as Bastar, Sarguja, and Raipur are expected.

According to the Economic Survey, the agricultural sector is projected to contribute 20 percent to the state's GDP, while the industrial and service sectors are likely to account for 43 percent and 36 percent, respectively. The state’s income from trade, industries, and agriculture is steadily increasing, resulting in higher earnings and an enhanced living standard for its residents.

The overall economic output of Chhattisgarh, assessed by GSDP, is expected to witness significant growth this year. The state, rich in mineral resources, accrued Rs 6757 crore from major minerals in 2024-25, as per the survey. Additionally, substantial revenue from tendu patta production, used in the bidi-rolling industry, amounted to 15.58 lakh sacks valued at Rs 1078 crore.

The previous fiscal year recorded the state's GSDP at Rs 306,712 crore, projected to rise to Rs 329,752 crore this year. This projection indicates a continuous increase in new industries, factories, and business opportunities across the state. Chhattisgarh's economy is supported by three primary sectors: agriculture, industry, and services — each anticipated to perform well this year, according to the Economic Survey.

For the fiscal year 2024-25, the agriculture, animal husbandry, and forestry sector is expected to grow by 5.38 percent. This sector's value in 2023-24 stood at Rs 48,987 crore, projected to advance to Rs 51,621 crore this year. The industrial sector is rapidly expanding, anticipated to rise by 6.92 percent, with a total valuation of Rs 147,172 crore. The establishment of new factories and companies will create ample job opportunities for the youth, as noted in the Economic Survey. Sectors like banking, tourism, and IT are experiencing a notable boom within the state.

The services sector is expected to grow by 8.54 percent, achieving a valuation of Rs 108,461 crore. The flourishing fields of tourism and digital services offer even greater prospects for future growth within this sector.