Source: @OPChoudhary_Ind/X

Chhattisgarh finance minister OP Choudhary on Tuesday presented the annual budget of Rs 1.72 lakh crore for the financial year 2026-27 in the state assembly, saying it is focused on inclusive growth, accelerating infrastructure and boosting investment.The government will launch the Rani Durgavati Scheme under which girls will receive Rs 1.5 lakh on attaining 18 years of age, he said.A provision of Rs 2,024 crore has been made in the budget for constructing the Matnar and Deurgaon barrages on the Indravati river in Bastar, which was once a Naxal stronghold.The budget has allocated Rs 9,450 crore for the Public Works Department and Rs 3,500 crore for the Water Resources Department.Choudhary said Rs 100 crore has been allocated for the construction of ‘Education Cities’ in Abujhmad and Jagargunda in Bastar region.An allocation of Rs 50 crore has been made for opening new medical colleges in Kunkuri, Manendragarh and Dantewada.To promote sports and culture, Rs 10 crore has been allocated for the Bastar and Surguja Olympics, the minister said.Digital connectivity in remote regions will be strengthened with Rs 5 crore approved for the Bastar Net project, he added.This is the third budget of the Vishnu Deo Sai government.The first budget of the government was based on the theme ‘GYAN’ (Gareeb, Yuva, Annadata, Nari), while last year it focused on ‘GATI’ (Good Governance, Accelerating Infrastructure, Technology and Industrial Growth).This year’s budget is centred on ‘SANKALP’ — Samaveshi Vikas, Adhosanrachna, Nivesh, Kushal Manav Sansadhan, Antyoday, Livelihood and Policy se Parinam tak — aimed at accelerating the state’s development journey, Choudhary said.The budget also has a provision of Rs 250 crore to set up 23 new industrial parks to boost investment and employment generation.Besides, Rs 5 crore has been allocated for tourism development at Mainpat in Surguja, while air services will be expanded in Jagdalpur and Ambikapur, Choudhary said. PTI