Chhattisgarh Unveils Rs 1.65 Lakh Crore Budget, Focuses on Bastar’s Development
The Chhattisgarh government has presented a development-oriented budget of Rs 1.65 lakh crore for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with a significant emphasis on the growth of the Bastar region and development of Naxal-affected areas.
The budget allocates a substantial Rs 26,341 crore for capital expenditure, marking an 18% increase from the previous year. This fund will be utilized to build essential infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals.The budget presented by Finance Minister OP Choudhary in the state assembly is aimed to accelerate development across the state.
State has witnessed notable gains in its fight against Naxalism, marked by the neutralization of 305 Naxalites and the surrender of 1,000 others in recent years.
Commenting on the budget, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the budget would further strengthen Chhattisgarh’s development foundation. He highlighted that special attention is being given to the Bastar region, with investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. These initiatives are designed to bring permanent peace and progress to the Naxal-affected areas of the state.
To enhance law enforcement and security, the government has allocated funds to create 3,200 new police positions and establish police stations in Elmagunda and Dabbakonta, two villages impacted by Naxalism.
A Special Operation Group, modeled on the National Security Guard, will be established to tackle Naxalism effectively. An Anti-Narcotics Task Force will also be set up in 10 districts to curb narcotics-related activities.
In addition, cyber police stations will be established in five districts to enhance online security and tackle cybercrime. A specialized force, Bharat Rakshit Vahini, will be created to protect mineral resources in the region, preventing Naxalites from exploiting these resources.
The budget also allocates funds for cultural and sporting initiatives in Bastar, including Rs 5 crore for organizing the Bastar Olympics annually. Provisions have also been made for yoga camps, biodiversity tourism zones, and folk festivals.
Education and welfare initiatives in Bastar have also received significant allocations, including Rs 30 crore for the School Education Department and Rs 12 crore for the Tribal Welfare Department.
As per state government, Chhattisgarh’s economy is expected to grow by 7.51% this year, surpassing the national average of 6.5%. The government has estimated a total revenue income of Rs 1.41 lakh crore.
The state government has also unveiled a long-term development plan, “Chhattisgarh Anjor – Vision 2047”, which includes 10 major missions focusing on key sectors such as health, tourism, agriculture, education, IT, and infrastructure.
