Chhattisgarh Unveils Rs 1.72 Lakh Crore SANKALP Budget with Focus on Bastar and Surguja
In a significant move aimed at transforming its tribal heartlands, the state of Chhattisgarh on Monday rolled out a massive Rs 1.72 lakh crore budget titled SANKALP. This comprehensive financial plan places the regions of Bastar and Surguja at the forefront of the state's next development phase, blending substantial infrastructure investments with continued welfare initiatives and a reinforced security push in areas affected by Left Wing Extremism.
Budget Presentation and Fiscal Overview
Finance Minister O P Choudhary presented his third budget for the current BJP government on Tuesday at the new Vidhan Sabha building in Nava Raipur, Raipur. The budget outlines a strategic shift from policy intent to execution, with no new taxes introduced for the common citizen. Key fiscal projections include:
- Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) estimated at approximately Rs 7.09 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2026–27.
- Total receipts and expenditure both pegged at Rs 1.72 lakh crore, comprising revenue expenditure of around Rs 1.45 lakh crore and capital spending of about Rs 26,500 crore.
- A fiscal deficit projected at roughly Rs 20,400 crore, or 2.87% of GSDP, which remains within prescribed statutory limits.
Priority on Bastar and Surguja: Development Meets Security
The budget clearly prioritizes the tribal belts of Bastar and Surguja, aiming to foster balanced regional development while addressing security challenges. Key initiatives include:
- Infrastructure Expansion: Major investments in roads, connectivity, and infrastructure to boost economic activity and accessibility in remote areas.
- Security Enhancement: Creation of an additional 1500 Bastar Fighter posts to strengthen law enforcement and support the goal of a Maoist-free region.
- Welfare and Livelihood Schemes: Implementation of targeted programs such as livestock-based income support, additional nutrition initiatives, and the Chief Minister Bus Service Scheme to improve mobility in isolated communities.
- Healthcare and Education: Support for establishing medical colleges in Dantewada, Kunkuri, and Manendragarh to enhance healthcare infrastructure and promote social equity.
- Cultural and Tourism Promotion: Funding for the Bastar–Surguja Olympics and a new homestay tourism policy to boost local economies and cultural preservation.
Core Philosophy and Future Outlook
At its heart, the SANKALP budget embodies an approach focused on ensuring balanced regional development, as emphasized by Finance Minister Choudhary. By integrating economic expansion with social equity and security measures, the government aims to stabilize and revitalize Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, paving the way for sustainable growth and improved quality of life for residents in Bastar and Surguja.
