Prakash Mahobiya on Chhattisgarh Budget 2025-26: “A Bold Step Towards Growth, Innovation, and Welfare
The Chhattisgarh Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister OP Choudhary, is a visionary roadmap for the state’s economic growth, infrastructure development, and welfare. With an outlay of ₹1,65,000 crore, this budget focuses on the theme of ‘GATI’—Good Governance, Accelerating Infrastructure, Technology, and Industrial Growth—while continuing the momentum of last year’s ‘GYAN’ framework, benefiting farmers, youth, women, and the underprivileged. One of the most notable aspects of this budget is its strong push for industrial growth and ease of doing business. The introduction of 216 reforms across 20 departments under the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) will simplify regulations and attract new investments. The increase in the e-way bill limit from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh and the waiver of old VAT liabilities will provide much-needed relief to traders and businesses. Infrastructure development has also been prioritized, with major allocations for roads, rural connectivity, and mobile tower installations in remote areas. ₹2,000 crore has been set aside for road construction, ₹845 crore for village roads, and ₹500 crore for tribal habitations under the PM-JANMAN Sadak Nirman Yojana. These investments will enhance connectivity, improve logistics, and boost employment opportunities across the state. The agricultural sector, which is the backbone of Chhattisgarh’s economy, has received a significant boost with ₹10,000 crore allocated under the Krishak Unnati Yojana. Free electricity for agricultural pumps up to 5 HP, interlinking of key rivers, and financial support for farmers will enhance agricultural productivity and rural prosperity. Additionally, ₹8,500 crore has been allocated for rural housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), further strengthening the state’s commitment to rural development. On the tax front, the reduction in VAT on petrol by ₹1 per litre is a welcome move that will lower transportation costs and benefit businesses and consumers alike. The removal of cess on stamp duty will also simplify property transactions and encourage real estate investments. A major highlight of this budget is its focus on digital advancements and entrepreneurship. From promoting UPI-based digital payments in gram panchayats to establishing a National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Chhattisgarh, the government is ensuring technological integration in governance, industry, and education. The setting up of sickle cell screening centers across all development blocks is another significant step in improving public health, particularly in tribal areas. The fiscal health of the state also remains strong, with a projected GSDP growth of 12%, a revenue surplus of ₹2,804 crore, and a net fiscal deficit well within FRBM limits. The capital expenditure of ₹26,341 crore, making up 16% of the total budget, reflects the government’s commitment to long-term infrastructure and economic growth. Women empowerment and social welfare have not been overlooked, with ₹5,500 crore allocated for Mahatari Vandan Yojana and ₹4,500 crore for Mukhyamantri Khadyann Sahayata Yojana, ensuring food security and financial support for marginalized communities. Overall, this budget is a well-balanced financial plan that prioritizes growth, governance, and welfare. As an entrepreneur, I see immense opportunities in industrial expansion, infrastructure projects, and digital initiatives. The government’s business-friendly approach, coupled with its focus on technology and governance reforms, makes Chhattisgarh a highly attractive destination for investment and development. This is not just a budget—it’s a vision for a prosperous and progressive Chhattisgarh, setting the stage for long-term economic stability and social upliftment.
The Chhattisgarh Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister OP Choudhary, is a visionary roadmap for the state’s economic growth, infrastructure development, and welfare. With an outlay of ₹1,65,000 crore, this budget focuses on the theme of ‘GATI’—Good Governance, Accelerating Infrastructure, Technology, and Industrial Growth—while continuing the momentum of last year’s ‘GYAN’ framework, benefiting farmers, youth, women, and the underprivileged.
One of the most notable aspects of this budget is its strong push for industrial growth and ease of doing business. The introduction of 216 reforms across 20 departments under the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) will simplify regulations and attract new investments. The increase in the e-way bill limit from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh and the waiver of old VAT liabilities will provide much-needed relief to traders and businesses.
Infrastructure development has also been prioritized, with major allocations for roads, rural connectivity, and mobile tower installations in remote areas. ₹2,000 crore has been set aside for road construction, ₹845 crore for village roads, and ₹500 crore for tribal habitations under the PM-JANMAN Sadak Nirman Yojana. These investments will enhance connectivity, improve logistics, and boost employment opportunities across the state.
The agricultural sector, which is the backbone of Chhattisgarh’s economy, has received a significant boost with ₹10,000 crore allocated under the Krishak Unnati Yojana. Free electricity for agricultural pumps up to 5 HP, interlinking of key rivers, and financial support for farmers will enhance agricultural productivity and rural prosperity. Additionally, ₹8,500 crore has been allocated for rural housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), further strengthening the state’s commitment to rural development.
On the tax front, the reduction in VAT on petrol by ₹1 per litre is a welcome move that will lower transportation costs and benefit businesses and consumers alike. The removal of cess on stamp duty will also simplify property transactions and encourage real estate investments.
A major highlight of this budget is its focus on digital advancements and entrepreneurship. From promoting UPI-based digital payments in gram panchayats to establishing a National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Chhattisgarh, the government is ensuring technological integration in governance, industry, and education. The setting up of sickle cell screening centers across all development blocks is another significant step in improving public health, particularly in tribal areas.
The fiscal health of the state also remains strong, with a projected GSDP growth of 12%, a revenue surplus of ₹2,804 crore, and a net fiscal deficit well within FRBM limits. The capital expenditure of ₹26,341 crore, making up 16% of the total budget, reflects the government’s commitment to long-term infrastructure and economic growth.
Women empowerment and social welfare have not been overlooked, with ₹5,500 crore allocated for Mahatari Vandan Yojana and ₹4,500 crore for Mukhyamantri Khadyann Sahayata Yojana, ensuring food security and financial support for marginalized communities.
Overall, this budget is a well-balanced financial plan that prioritizes growth, governance, and welfare. As an entrepreneur, I see immense opportunities in industrial expansion, infrastructure projects, and digital initiatives. The government’s business-friendly approach, coupled with its focus on technology and governance reforms, makes Chhattisgarh a highly attractive destination for investment and development.
This is not just a budget—it’s a vision for a prosperous and progressive Chhattisgarh, setting the stage for long-term economic stability and social upliftment.
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