Mungeli : Former Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Dharamlal Kaushik on Friday described the state government’s 2026–27 budget as development-oriented and forward-looking. Addressing a press conference in Mungeli, he said the government led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has presented the budget under the theme “Sankalp”, focusing on key sectors such as education, agriculture, tourism, sports, healthcare, and the development of the Bastar and Surguja regions.
Mr. Kaushik said the budget has been designed with the vision of a “Developed India and Developed Chhattisgarh”, aiming for long-term and inclusive growth across the State.
He highlighted that the government has launched five new missions to accelerate development: the Chief Minister Infrastructure Mission, Chief Minister AI Mission, Chief Minister Tourism Development Mission, Chief Minister Startup Mission and Chief Minister Sports Excellence Mission.
According to him, 13.5% of the total budget has been allocated to school education, the highest among sectors. The government has also announced the establishment of two Education Cities in Abujhmad and Jagargunda in the Bastar region. In addition, a cashless medical treatment facility for government employees has been included in the budget.
Mr. Kaushik further stated that ₹250 crore has been earmarked for the establishment of 23 new industrial parks to boost industrial development in the State. Provisions of ₹200 crore each have also been made for the Chief Minister Adarsh City Prosperity Scheme and the Land Development Bank scheme.
To strengthen the agriculture sector, the budget has allocated ₹13,500 crore, while the arrangement to pay farmers the difference amount in paddy procurement at ₹3,100 per quintal will continue as a lump-sum payment.
He added that ₹100 crore has been allocated to promote food processing, agriculture and allied industries in the Bastar and Surguja regions. Livelihood activities such as goat farming, pig farming and beekeeping will also be encouraged.
For irrigation expansion in Bastar, more than ₹2,000 crore has been provided for the construction of Devergav and Bhatnar barrages on the Indravati river. To strengthen security in Maoist-affected areas, the government will recruit 1,500 personnel in the Bastar Fighters force, he said.
Mr. Kaushik also noted that the budget includes provisions for five new medical colleges, expansion of air services, the Chief Minister Bus Service, Bastar-Surguja Olympics, and strengthening the efficiency of the Vyapam recruitment system to expedite government job recruitments.
He added that the Chhattisgarh Yuva Darshan Yojana will be launched for youth, while provisions have also been made for exposure visits of “Lakhpati Didis”.
“The budget lays a strong foundation for making Chhattisgarh a developed State by the year 2047,” Mr. Kaushik said.
Among those present at the press conference were Punnulal Mohle, District Panchayat President Shrikant Pandey, BJP district president Dinanath Kesharwani, Janpad Panchayat president Ramkamal Singh, former district president Shailesh Pathak, district general secretary Kailash Thakur and several other party leaders and workers.
