The Chhattisgarh Budget 2026 was presented in the state Assembly with a total outlay of ₹1.72 lakh crore, setting an ambitious development roadmap under the ‘Sankalp’ theme. Finance Minister OP Choudhary tabled the 2026–27 budget in the presence of members, announcing major welfare schemes for women, youth, farmers and government employees.
From 1,000 new forest department jobs to the creation of education cities in Abujhmad and Jagargunda, the budget aims to balance development with social welfare.
Big Push for Women and Girls
One of the headline announcements in the Chhattisgarh Budget 2026 is the Rani Durgavati Scheme, under which girls will receive ₹1.5 lakh when they turn 18. The move is being seen as a strong step toward women empowerment and financial security.
Additionally:
250 Mahatari Sadan buildings will be constructed.
Pension schemes get ₹1,400 crore allocation.
OBC girls’ hostel with 200 seats to be built in Raipur.
Cashless treatment scheme for state employees with ₹100 crore provision.
Policy experts believe this direct financial assistance could improve higher education enrollment among girls.
1,000 Forest Jobs and Conservation Boost
The state has allocated ₹930 crore for forest conservation and announced recruitment for 1,000 posts in the forest department. This is expected to generate employment while strengthening environmental protection.
Sanctuary development has also received a massive ₹11,000 crore provision. Officials say eco-tourism and wildlife preservation will be key focus areas.
Education and Youth: New Education Cities
A major highlight is the plan to build two Education Cities in Abujhmad and Jagargunda, aimed at transforming education access in tribal and remote regions.
The School Education Department received the highest allocation of ₹22,000 crore.
Other education initiatives include:
₹100 crore for Swami Vivekananda Excellent School Scheme
5 Nalanda Libraries with ₹22 crore
Mega Examination Center in Raipur
Nursing colleges in Kanker, Korba, and Mahasamund
Education analysts say this could reduce migration of students to other states.
Infrastructure, Health and Industry Expansion
The Chhattisgarh Budget 2026 outlines:
200-bed hospital in Raipur
District hospital in Manendragarh-Chirmiri
15 new police stations and 5 cyber police stations
₹100 crore EV subsidy scheme
23 new industries to be set up
The industry department’s budget has been increased threefold, signaling strong industrial push. Five airports in major cities will also get showroom facilities to promote local products.
Five Major Missions Announced
The government will focus on five flagship missions, each with ₹100 crore allocation:
Chief Minister AI Mission
Tourism Development Mission
Sports Excellence Mission
Infrastructure Mission
Startup and Skill Mission
These missions aim to modernize governance and create jobs.
Political Context
Assembly Speaker Raman Singh is currently undergoing medical treatment outside the state, and proceedings were chaired by senior members in his absence.
While the ruling party termed it a “development-oriented historic budget,” opposition leaders described it as ambitious but needing strict implementation monitoring.
Why This Budget Matters Now
With elections approaching in the coming years and rising expectations around jobs and welfare, the Chhattisgarh Budget 2026 attempts to address grassroots concerns—employment, women empowerment, rural connectivity, and tribal development.
If implemented effectively, the proposals could significantly reshape the state’s socio-economic landscape.
The ₹1.72 lakh crore Sankalp Budget sets an expansive vision for growth. From forest recruitment to education cities and financial support for girls, the coming fiscal year will test the government’s execution capacity.
