Chhattisgarh Finance Minister OP Chaudhary on Tuesday presented A $budget of Rs 1,72,000 crore for FY 2026-27, as compared to $1,65,000 crore in the last financial year, saying it aims to accelerate growth. He said the budget reflects the determination to ensure balanced regional development, enhance infrastructure, expand livelihood opportunities, and prepare a future-ready workforce.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the budget is designed to ensure that development reaches farmers, women, youth, Scheduled Tribes (ST) and other weaker sections, while maintaining fiscal discipline.
The budget projected the gross state domestic product (GSDP) at $7,09,553 crore for 2026-27, reflecting a growth of 12.4% over the previous year’s estimate of $6,31,290 Crores. Total revenues and expenses are estimated at $1,72,000 crores. Revenue expenditures are linked in $1,45,000 crores. The financial deficit is estimated at $20,400 crores, or 2.87% of GDP. The state expected a revenue deficit of $2000 Crores for this year.
Includes major allocations $Rs 6,700 crore for energy subsidy, including free electricity for agricultural pumps up to 5 HP and relief to domestic consumers. $Rs 4,000 crore has been allocated for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Rural Housing Scheme $Rs 720 crore for Prime Minister Janman Yojana for particularly vulnerable tribal groups.
School education was individualized $Rs 22,380 crore, Panchayat and Rural Development $Agriculture 16,560 crores $13,507 crore, health and medical education $8,050 crores.
The budget provided for the Artificial Intelligence Mission, Sports Excellence Mission, Tourism Development Mission, Infrastructure Mission, Start-up Mission and NIPUN Mission with a commitment to allocate at least $100 crores per annum each over the next five years.
Chaudhry pointed out that the budget increased 35 times $4,944 crore when Chhattisgarh was granted statehood in 2000. He described the 2026-27 budget as an attempt to align economic expansion with social justice and regional balance.
