Gandhinagar, Feb 18 (NationPress) The Gujarat government has unveiled its Budget for the 2026–27 financial year, amounting to Rs 4.08 lakh crore, marking a 10.2 percent increase compared to last year. Notably, 65 percent of the overall budget is dedicated to developmental initiatives.

Finance Minister Kanu Desai presented the Budget in the Legislative Assembly.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel responded positively, stating that this fiscal plan propels the state’s growth without imposing any new taxes.

“This Budget continues the state’s journey of development while ensuring that citizens do not face any new tax burdens,” he remarked, noting that 39 percent of the budget is allocated for capital expenditures aimed at enhancing infrastructure through effective financial management.

According to Patel, the Budget is structured around five key pillars: social security, human resource development, infrastructure, economic growth, and green initiatives, embodying a governance model based on trust and a focus on citizens.

There is a significant focus on empowering vulnerable groups, including the poor, youth, farmers, and women.

Over Rs 64,000 crore, which is 20 percent of the total budget, has been allocated for education, sports, arts, and culture. “To foster a skilled and educated youth, Rs 226 crore has been designated for the ‘Namo Gujarat Skill and Employment Mission’,” Patel stated.

Furthermore, 19 percent of the Budget has been assigned to health and social services, while 11 percent is reserved for agriculture, irrigation, water resources, and urban development.

Highlighting the state’s environmental commitments, Patel announced that over Rs 15,000 crore has been allocated under the Green Budget.

“In response to the Prime Minister’s initiative for green growth, we have made substantial provisions to enhance sustainable development,” he added.

In honor of the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the state has earmarked over Rs 35,000 crore for tribal development.

Patel mentioned plans for a lift irrigation scheme covering 51,480 hectares across 18 talukas in four tribal districts, along with the establishment of five new GIDC estates in tribal areas to create local employment opportunities.

The Budget also allocates more than Rs 1,200 crore to enhance sports infrastructure and modern transport facilities as Ahmedabad prepares to host the Commonwealth Games and aims to become an Olympic-ready city.

Patel credited Prime Minister Modi and Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah for their roles in securing this hosting opportunity.

Additional allocations include Rs 800 crore for the Gujarat High-Speed Corridor, Rs 600 crore for climate-resilient roads, and over Rs 850 crore for initiatives in artificial intelligence and digital governance, including a Data Fusion Centre and a Centre of Excellence.

Around Rs 7,000 crore has been set aside for six Regional Economic Master Plans aimed at ensuring balanced economic growth and working towards the vision of Viksit Gujarat @2047.

Patel expressed his appreciation for Finance Minister Desai and his team, asserting that this Budget will enable citizens to take pride in the ongoing development of the state.