Gandhinagar, Feb 26 (NationPress) The Rs 4.08 crore budget for the year 2026-27 in Gujarat stands as a landmark document, laying a solid groundwork for the state’s aspiration of ‘Developed Gujarat @ 2047’, asserted Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani on Thursday.

While engaging in the general discourse within the Legislative Assembly, Minister Vaghani drew a stark contrast between the current fiscal management and the budgets from the Congress era.

“In the times of Congress, budgets were simply a tangled mess of figures, lacking any cohesive development strategy. Their administration transformed the nation's economy into a 'non-economic' state, failing to deliver even basic amenities to the populace, while some leaders flaunted freshly ironed garments imported from Paris,” he remarked.

He underscored Gujarat’s fiscal accomplishments as outlined in NITI Aayog’s ‘Fiscal Health Index-2025’, highlighting that Gujarat is categorized as an ‘Achiever’, the top tier for financial management, unlike opposition-governed states like Punjab, Kerala, and West Bengal, which fall into the lowest ‘Aspirational’ category.

Furthermore, the minister pointed out the state’s manageable debt levels. “Gujarat’s public debt is merely 18.2 per cent of GSDP, significantly beneath the legal cap of 27 per cent, showcasing a commitment to stringent fiscal discipline. In contrast, Punjab’s Debt-to-GSDP ratio stands at 47 per cent, while Himachal Pradesh is at 45 per cent. According to NCAER, Gujarat has recorded the most significant decline in debt ratios over the last decade,” he explained.

He clarified the necessity of government borrowing, stating, “A state cannot be sustained solely through savings. Major projects like highways, bridges, the Narmada dam, and hospitals require substantial funding. Investing in infrastructure through borrowing is essential and productive, unlike borrowing for luxury.”

Discussing budgetary growth, he noted, “In 2001-02, the budget was just Rs 36,000 crore. Now, it has surged by 1,100 per cent to Rs 4,08,053 crore. Likewise, per capita income has escalated from Rs 19,713 to Rs 3,01,000, which is 60 per cent above the national average. Gujarat currently contributes 8.2 per cent to the national GDP.”

He also criticized the Congress government’s approach to national security.

“Seventeen years ago, during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the Congress administration merely sent documents and capitulated. Their own Home Minister acknowledged that the army was ready, but the government obstructed action. Today, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our armed forces take decisive action, as demonstrated in Operation Sindoor,” he stated.

Highlighting the infrastructure delays during Congress's tenure, the minister remarked, “Congress denied Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel the Bharat Ratna for 41 years and postponed the Narmada project for decades, causing its cost to soar from Rs 6,000 crore to Rs 56,286 crore. The people of Gujarat bore this financial burden.”

Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s GYAN mantra, which supports the poor, youth, farmers, and women, he reiterated the government’s dedication to enhancing these demographics.

“A total of Rs 7,086 crore has been allocated for Social Justice initiatives. Over 57 crore accounts have been created under the Jan Dhan Yojana for financial inclusion. Rs 25,403 crore is designated for Health and Family Welfare, with PMJAY - Ayushman Bharat aiding the underprivileged. Additionally, roads and housing have received Rs 29,709 crore, allowing even rural roads to meet international standards,” he elaborated.

The minister also emphasized policy-driven industrial progress.

“Gujarat has evolved into a manufacturing hub under contemporary policies in sectors like semiconductors, IT, biotechnology, and renewable energy. Farmers are now receiving daytime electricity through the ‘Kisan Suryodaya Yojana’, with 44 lakh hectares cultivated this Rabi season across the state,” he mentioned.

Minister Vaghani hailed the budget as a written testament to a prosperous future for forthcoming generations, commending Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Finance Minister Kanu Desai, and their team for the extensive budget.