The Gujarat government has granted in-principle approval to more than 80 per cent of the new measures outlined in the 2026-27 state budget, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel directing departments to accelerate implementation so that citizens receive scheme benefits without delay. The decision was formalised at a state cabinet meeting chaired by Patel in Gandhinagar on Friday, 15 May.

Key Developments from the Cabinet Meeting

Government spokesperson and cabinet minister Jitu Vaghani confirmed the progress after the meeting, stating that the bulk of budget proposals had already cleared the first administrative hurdle. He added that the remaining proposals — held up by the model code of conduct in force during the recently concluded elections — have been directed for immediate clearance.

'More than 80 per cent of the new matters mentioned in the state budget have already been given in-principle approval,' Vaghani said. 'The remaining proposals pending because of the model code of conduct should also be cleared immediately so that schemes can be implemented at the earliest.'

What the ₹4.08 Lakh Crore Budget Covers

The Gujarat government had earlier presented a ₹4.08 lakh crore budget for 2026-27, with allocations directed at infrastructure expansion, student welfare, healthcare, tourism, and preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games planned for Ahmedabad. The budget also includes provisions for legal reforms and investment-oriented projects under Gujarat's development programme documents for the year.

Scholarship Push Ahead of New Academic Year

The cabinet separately discussed scholarship support for students, with Chief Minister Patel instructing officials to ensure no eligible student is left out when schools and colleges reopen after the summer break. 'Continuous monitoring should be maintained so that every eligible student receives the scholarship due to them,' Vaghani quoted the Chief Minister as saying. Departments have been asked to streamline approval and disbursement procedures before the academic year begins.

Implementation Pressure and Administrative Reforms

The state government's drive for faster execution reflects a broader push on timely delivery of budget commitments and administrative efficiency. Officials said departments have been directed to maintain inter-departmental coordination to speed up budget-related schemes and citizen services across Gujarat. The cabinet also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his Gujarat visit on 10 and 11 May, during which several public programmes and roadshows were held across the state.

With the model code of conduct now lifted, the government is expected to move quickly on the backlog of pending approvals, setting the pace for implementation through the remainder of the financial year.