Chhattisgarh Unveils ₹1.72 Lakh Cr Budget with Focus on Bastar & Agriculture

The Chhattisgarh government has presented a ₹1.72 lakh crore budget for the financial year 2026-27, underscoring a comprehensive roadmap for education, health, irrigation, digital connectivity and employment, with special focus on Bastar and other formerly Naxal-affected regions. Finance Minister OP Choudhary presented the state’s third budget under the theme of ‘SANKALP’.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the 2026-27 budget as a strong commitment to public welfare and development. He said that the budget aims to transform Chhattisgarh into a developed state by empowering farmers, women, youth and workers. Key allocations in agriculture, industry, health and infrastructure are expected to generate employment opportunities and enhance the living standards of citizens across the state.

The budget places strong emphasis on the social sector, which accounts for 40% of total expenditure, while 36% is earmarked for boosting economic activities and 24% for administrative and general services. In addition, a special green budget of ₹14,300 crore has been allocated to promote environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives.

In addition, the budget emphasised on the overall development of Surguja, Bastar and other formerly Naxal-affected regions. To ensure education in Bastar, the government has announced the establishment of two ‘Education Cities’ in sensitive areas like Abujhmad and Jagargunda, with a budget allocation of ₹100 crore. Special initiatives have also been planned to promote sports and preserve cultural identity, including the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum, providing a platform for local talent and reinforcing the region’s positive identity. In addition, 1,500 new positions have been created for Bastar Fighters.

The government has prioritised expanding healthcare services in remote areas. Plans include the establishment of a super-specialty hospital in Jagdalpur and a medical college and medical city in Dantewada. Special recruitment drives for doctors will be conducted to ensure that residents in these regions have access to quality healthcare within their own communities.

In the irrigation sector, a major project has been announced to construct a barrage on the Indravati River at an estimated cost of ₹2,024 crore. This initiative is expected to provide irrigation facilities to an additional 32,000 hectares in the Bastar region, significantly boosting agricultural productivity and supporting farmers’ livelihoods.

Women’s Empowerment Prioritised

The Chhattisgarh Budget 2026–27 includes major initiatives to promote the economic and social empowerment of women. A 50% exemption on registration fees for property purchased in women’s names has been proposed, encouraging property ownership and financial security. The government will also launch the Rani Durgavati Yojana, providing ₹1.5 lakh to eligible girls when they reach the age of 18. Additionally, the Mukhyamantri Lakhpati Didi Parikrama Yojana will be implemented and 250 Mahatari Sadans will be constructed to further support women’s social empowerment.

Agriculture Sector Initiatives

Significant allocations have been made to strengthen the agriculture sector. ₹10,000 crore has been earmarked for the Krishak Unnati Yojana, aimed at providing financial support to farmers and boosting agricultural development.

Irrigation infrastructure will be improved with ₹5,500 crore allocated for agricultural pumps, while ₹600 crore has been set aside to support landless farming families. A further ₹100 crore will be invested in employment-oriented initiatives such as agro-based industries, agro-forest processing, rice mills and poultry farms in Bastar and Surguja, helping increase farmers’ incomes and strengthen the rural economy.

Cashless Medical Scheme for Employees

The budget also provides for the implementation of a cashless medical scheme to safeguard the health of government employees. Under this scheme, employees will receive treatment at listed government and private hospitals without making cash payments, ensuring hassle-free access to healthcare. ₹100 crore has been allocated to support this initiative.

Budget 2026-27: Other Key Announcements

The budget of the Chhattisgarh government includes significant expenditures for industrial development, rural connectivity, healthcare, and agriculture. New hospitals in Raipur and Chirmiri, ₹5,500 crore for irrigation pumps, ₹1,700 crore for rural roads, and ₹10,000 crore for farmers under the Krishak Unnati Yojana are among the major allocations. A focus on inclusive development and economic growth is indicated by the plan's increased support for women's welfare, forest conservation, EV subsidies, sports infrastructure and start-up and AI missions.