New Delhi, Feb 24 (NationPress) The Finance Minister of Chhattisgarh, O.P. Choudhary, unveiled a state budget amounting to Rs 1.72 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2026-27 during a session in the Legislative Assembly. This budget, themed "Sankalp," aims to foster inclusive development, enhance welfare, and promote infrastructure expansion under the administration of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.

The budget highlights a robust focus on farmers, women, youth, and tribal communities, with significant provisions intended to uplift agriculture, security, tourism, and women's empowerment. Farmers will benefit from interest-free loans along with ample funds allocated for the Krishak Unnati Yojana, support for natural farming, agricultural pumps, and dairy initiatives.

A landmark announcement for women includes a provision of Rs 1.5 lakh for every girl reaching the age of 18 through the Rani Durgavati Scheme, complemented by the construction of 250 Mahatari Sadans with an allocation of Rs 75 crore. In terms of healthcare, the budget proposes a new 200-bed Mother-Child Hospital in the Kalibari area of Raipur, in addition to a district hospital in Chirmiri and another 200-bed facility in Raipur.

Under the Shaheed Veernarayan Singh Ayushman Scheme, a treatment coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh will be provided, supported by an investment of Rs 1,500 crore, the minister announced.

To bolster security, the plan includes the establishment of five new cyber police stations, 15 general police stations, and additional women's police stations, along with renovations at Raipur's Telibandha police station and Rs 3 crore set aside for a scene-of-crime unit.

The budget also places a spotlight on tourism and culture through the Shaktipeeth Yatra Yojana, which receives Rs 5 crore for developing a Shaktipeeth circuit, Rs 36 crore for enhancements in Sirpur, including a riverfront and meditation center, and a Memorandum of Understanding with FICCI for eco-tourism backed by Rs 500 crore.

Electric vehicle initiatives will receive Rs 100 crore, while a National Archery Academy and Sports Complex will be established in Naya Raipur with Rs 57 crore allocated for promoting sports. Educational advancements include the establishment of two education cities in the Abujhmad-Jagargunda region and 22 Nalanda libraries with Rs 22 crore, alongside grants for hostels and schools for Scheduled Caste and OBC students, including a 200-seat OBC girls' hostel in Raipur.

In environmental conservation, Rs 930 crore is allocated with plans for recruiting 1,000 personnel, while Rs 11,000 crore is reserved for sanctuary development. Rural connectivity improvements will see an investment of Rs 1,700 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, along with Rs 10 crore for bus services in Bastar and construction of barrages at Matnar and Deurgaon in Indravati.

Other significant allocations include Rs 100 crore each for multiple initiatives, Rs 1,400 crore for pensions, Rs 1,000 crore for salt-related projects, Rs 2.5 crore for the Mathpuraina School for the Blind in Raipur, Rs 20 crore for de-addiction centers, and Rs 350 crore for the Mitanin Welfare Fund.

The Chief Minister's Road Scheme will cover 36 roads with Rs 200 crore, while Rs 10 crore will be allocated for AI applications in Mekara.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his optimism about the budget, viewing it as a new impetus for Chhattisgarh's development, aligning with the vision of effective governance aimed at achieving prosperity and contributing to Viksit Bharat.

This presentation follows heightened expectations from farmers, youth, and women, continuing the prior themes of GYAN and GATI with targeted, welfare-focused measures.