Gujarat Unveils Record Rs 4.08 Lakh Crore Budget with Focus on Development and Public Welfare
The Gujarat government has presented a landmark budget of Rs 4,08,053 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27, advancing the state's continuous development journey with a steadfast commitment to public welfare and imposing no new tax burden on citizens. This budget allocates a significant 65% of total expenditure towards developmental spending, underscoring a strategic push for growth across various sectors.
Major Allocations for Infrastructure and Technology
In a move to enhance urban and sports infrastructure, over Rs 1,200 crore has been earmarked for Olympic-ready Ahmedabad. This funding will support the development of modern sports facilities and upgraded transport services, positioning the city as a hub for international events.
Recognizing the importance of digital transformation, the budget allocates more than Rs 850 crore to keep Gujarat at the forefront of artificial intelligence and digital governance initiatives. Key announcements include the establishment of a Data Fusion Centre and a Centre of Excellence, aimed at fostering innovation and efficiency in public services.
Government's Commitment to Social and Economic Pillars
State Finance Minister Kanu Desai outlined that the budget is built on five foundational pillars: social security, human resource development, intra-infrastructural facilities, development of economic activities, and green growth. This comprehensive plan aims to address long-term goals, with a vision extending to 2047.
In a historic move, the budget approves over 20,400 new residential units with full facilities for police families, marking the first such initiative in the country's history. The Police Housing Corporation has been allocated Rs 1,500 crore, demonstrating the government's strong commitment to police welfare.
Political Reactions and Support
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed heartfelt gratitude, describing the budget as fully inclusive and a clear roadmap from a developed Gujarat to a developed India. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi echoed this sentiment, highlighting the budget's focus on charting a comprehensive plan for the year.
Opposition Criticism and Concerns
Despite the government's positive framing, the budget has faced sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Amit Chavda, President of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee, labeled it as against the expectations of youth, women, farmers, and the middle class. Key grievances include the absence of a farm loan waiver, no increase in allocations for social justice or pensions for the elderly, widows, and differently-abled persons, and a lack of measures to address inflation relief for women or minimum wage hikes for workers.
Chaitar Vasava, an AAP MLA, accused the BJP government of presenting an election-oriented budget. He pointed out that while provisions like Rs 5,425 crore for tribal development and Rs 7,690 crore for women and child development exist, there is no clarity on implementation, such as tackling malnutrition or addressing shortages of rooms and teachers in schools. He also noted that despite a Rs 25,403 crore allocation for health, tribal areas still lack essential resources like morgue vans and medical equipment.
The budget sets a ambitious tone for Gujarat's future, balancing large-scale investments with contentious debates over social equity and practical outcomes.
