Chhattisgarh Budget 2026-27: Rs 1.72 Lakh Crore Plan Focuses on Inclusive Growth, Infrastructure and Investment

‘SANKALP’ Theme Drives Third Budget of Vishnu Deo Sai Government​

Raipur, February 24: Chhattisgarh Finance Minister OP Choudhary on Tuesday presented a Rs 1.72 lakh crore annual budget for the financial year 2026-27 in the state assembly, outlining a roadmap centered on inclusive growth, faster infrastructure development, and enhanced investment activity.

This is the third budget of the Vishnu Deo Sai government. While the first budget was framed around the theme ‘GYAN’ covering Poor, Youth, Food and Women, and last year’s budget was based on ‘GATI’ focusing on Good Governance, Accelerating Infrastructure, Technology and Industrial Growth, the 2026-27 budget has been introduced under the theme ‘SANKALP’.

According to the Finance Minister, ‘SANKALP’ represents Comprehensive Development, Infrastructure, Investment, Human Resources, Welfare, Livelihoods and Policy Implementation, aimed at accelerating the state’s development trajectory.

Rani Durgavati Scheme to Support Girls at 18​

A key social welfare announcement in the budget is the launch of the Rani Durgavati Scheme. Under this initiative, girls will receive Rs 1.5 lakh upon attaining the age of 18, reinforcing the government’s focus on empowerment and long term support for young women.

Major Push for Infrastructure and Water Projects​

Infrastructure development remains a core priority in the 2026-27 budget.

An allocation of Rs 2,024 crore has been made for the construction of the Matnar and Deurgaon dams on the Indravati river in Bastar. The region, once known as a stronghold of Naxalites, is being positioned for structural transformation through irrigation and water resource development.

The Public Works Department has been allocated Rs 9,450 crore, reflecting the emphasis on road and infrastructure expansion. Additionally, the Water Resources Department will receive Rs 3,500 crore to strengthen irrigation and water management systems across the state.

Education and Healthcare Expansion in Bastar Region​

The budget outlines targeted interventions in education and healthcare, particularly in remote and tribal regions.

An allocation of Rs 100 crore has been approved for the construction of ‘Education Cities’ in Abujhmad and Jagargunda in the Bastar region, aimed at improving access to structured and modern education infrastructure.

In the healthcare sector, Rs 50 crore has been earmarked for establishing new medical colleges in Kunkuri, Manendragarh and Dantewada, expanding medical education and health services in underserved districts.

Industrial Parks and Investment Promotion​

To boost industrial activity and employment generation, the budget provides Rs 250 crore for setting up 23 new industrial parks across the state.

This move is designed to strengthen the investment ecosystem and attract new enterprises, in line with the broader ‘SANKALP’ vision of infrastructure and livelihood development.

Sports, Culture and Digital Connectivity​

Promoting cultural and sporting engagement, the government has allocated Rs 10 crore for organizing the Bastar and Surguja Olympics.

Digital inclusion in remote areas has also found space in the budget, with Rs 5 crore sanctioned for the Bastar Net project to enhance connectivity.

Tourism and Air Connectivity Expansion​

Tourism development at Mainpat in Surguja will receive Rs 5 crore to improve infrastructure and attract visitors.

The Finance Minister also announced the expansion of air services in Jagdalpur and Ambikapur, indicating efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and support economic activity.

With a total outlay of Rs 1.72 lakh crore, the Chhattisgarh Budget 2026-27 positions infrastructure creation, welfare measures, investment promotion and regional development at the core of its policy framework under the ‘SANKALP’ theme.