Chhattisgarh Presents ₹1.47 Lakh Crore Budget, Focuses on GYAN and Infrastructure Growth

GG News Bureau
Raipur, 10th Feb. Chhattisgarh Finance Minister OP Choudhary presented a budget of Rs 1,47,446 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25 in the state Assembly today, emphasizing prosperity for ‘gareeb, yuva, annadata and naari’ (poor, youth, farmers, and women), known as GYAN, alongside stimulating infrastructure development.

This budget, the first under the Vishnu Deo Sai-led BJP government sworn in last December, does not introduce new taxes.

The Finance Minister announced the forthcoming release of a document titled ‘Amritkaal: Chhattisgarh Vision @2047’ on November 1, aimed at transitioning the state from developing to developed status. Under this vision, the primary goal is to double the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) from Rs 5 lakh crore to Rs 10 lakh crore by 2028.

Choudhary highlighted the budget’s focus on economic development for GYAN, bolstering infrastructure growth through increased capital expenditure, and promoting youth employment and livelihood opportunities.

He also addressed the pre-poll promises made under ‘Modi ki guarantee,’ criticizing the previous Congress government for alleged injustices towards the marginalized segments. Notably, the budget allocates Rs 500 crore for the Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Yojana and provisions Rs 8,369 crore for constructing 18 lakh houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

The budget also includes provisions for initiatives like Mahtari Vandan Yojana, aimed at empowering women, and the establishment of a State Capital Region covering Raipur and Bhilai cities. Additionally, plans for climate action, encouragement of solar energy adoption, and organizing investment events are outlined.

Choudhary assured that there would be no new taxes for the fiscal year 2024-25, and the state’s own revenue is projected to increase by 22 percent without any tax increments. The capital expenditure proposed for 2024-25 stands at Rs 22,300 crore, accounting for 15 percent of the budget outlay and indicating a 10 percent increase from the previous fiscal year.

The budget reflects a comprehensive strategy aimed at fostering inclusive growth, infrastructure development, and economic resilience in Chhattisgarh.