Chhattisgarh Budget 2026–27 charts Rs 1.72 lakh crore roadmap with strong focus on Bastar

The Chhattisgarh government on Monday presented a Rs 1.72 lakh crore budget for the financial year 2026–27, outlining an expansive development roadmap with a pronounced focus on Bastar, Surguja, and other formerly Naxal-affected regions. Finance Minister OP Choudhary presented the state’s third budget under the theme “Sankalp”.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the budget as a long-term commitment to public welfare, aimed at strengthening agriculture, infrastructure, education, health, and employment generation across the state.

Social and economic priorities

The social sector accounts for 40 percent of total expenditure in the 2026–27 outlay, while 36 percent has been earmarked for economic development and 24 percent for administrative services. In addition, a green budget of Rs 14,300 crore has been proposed to promote environmental sustainability.

A major thrust has been given to Bastar and Surguja. In a significant announcement, two “Education Cities” will be established in Abujhmad and Jagargunda with a combined allocation of Rs 100 crore. These institutions are expected to expand access to structured education in remote and sensitive regions.

Healthcare infrastructure in southern Chhattisgarh is also set for expansion. The government announced a super-specialty hospital in Jagdalpur, a medical college and medical city in Dantewada, and special recruitment drives to address doctor shortages in remote districts. A 200-bed hospital will be built in Raipur, along with a Mother-Child Hospital in Kalibari and a district hospital in Chirmiri.

In the irrigation sector, a barrage on the Indravati River will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 2,024 crore, extending irrigation coverage to an additional 32,000 hectares in Bastar.

Agriculture and rural economy

Agriculture received significant allocations. Rs 10,000 crore has been earmarked for the Krishak Unnati Yojana to enhance farmer income. Another Rs 5,500 crore has been allocated for agricultural pumps to improve irrigation access. Landless agricultural families will receive Rs 600 crore in support.

An additional Rs 100 crore will promote agro-based industries, rice mills, poultry units, and agro-forest processing in Bastar and Surguja to strengthen rural employment.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Rs 1,700 crore has been allocated to expand rural road connectivity, while Rs 200 crore has been earmarked for the Chief Minister’s Road Scheme.

Women and youth-focused schemes

The budget proposes a 50 percent exemption on registration fees for property purchased in women’s names. The Rani Durgavati Yojana will provide Rs 1.5 lakh to eligible girls upon turning 18. The Mukhyamantri Lakhpati Didi Parikrama Yojana will be implemented to strengthen women’s self-help groups, along with the construction of 250 Mahatari Sadans.

A 200-seat hostel for OBC girl students will be built in Raipur. Five new Nalanda Libraries will be established with an allocation of Rs 22 crore.

Employee welfare and industry push

A cashless medical scheme for government employees has been introduced, backed by Rs 100 crore. Employees will receive treatment at empanelled hospitals without upfront payments. Additionally, Rs 1,500 crore has been allocated under the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Ayushman Yojana to provide cashless treatment up to Rs 5 lakh.

The Industries Department budget has been increased to Rs 1,750 crore. An industrial complex will be developed in Nava Raipur–Rajnandgaon with an allocation of Rs 10 crore. Showrooms will be set up at five major airports to promote local products.

The government also announced Rs 100 crore each for six flagship missions, including the Chief Minister’s AI Mission, Tourism Development Mission, Sports Excellence Mission, Infrastructure Mission, Start-Up Mission, and NIPUN Mission.

With allocations spanning agriculture, connectivity, education, industry, healthcare, and environmental protection, the 2026–27 budget signals a broad-based development strategy, with Bastar positioned as a central pillar of the state’s growth narrative.