Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], March 7 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma stated on Monday that the State Budget is expected to be effective in eradicating Naxalism in Bastar.

On the state Budget 2025-26, Sharma said, 'I believe that the way the budget has been presented this time, it will complete the work with speed. This time the rate of petrol has been reduced. Some taxes have also been reduced... This budget is going to prove very effective in ending Naxalism in Bastar.'

Meanwhile, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday criticised the Chhattisgarh Budget 2025-26, stating that it lacks provisions for farmers and addressing unemployment.

Baghel said, 'There is nothing new in this budget. There is no scheme for farmers, irrigation, unemployment, and inflation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi guaranteed to provide LPG cylinders for INR 500; there was no talk about this. Therefore, there is nothing new in this budget.'

Finance Minister O P Choudhary presented the second budget of the current government for the financial year 2025-26.

A major highlight of the budget is the allocation of INR 10,000 crore for the Krishak Unnati Yojana, aimed at boosting agricultural prosperity, alongside INR 8,500 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) to upgrade rural housing.

Welfare schemes such as the Mahatari Vandan Yojana and Mukhyamantri Khadyann Sahayata Yojana have received substantial funding of INR 5,500 crore and INR 4,500 crore, respectively, reinforcing the government's commitment to empowering women and ensuring food security.

Additionally, INR 3,500 crore has been set aside to provide free electricity for agricultural pumps of up to 5 HP, easing the financial burden on farmers.

Infrastructure development remains a key priority, with INR 2,000 crore allocated for new road construction under the Public Works Department (PWD), marking a first in the state's history. Rural connectivity will be enhanced with INR 845 crore sanctioned for village roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and INR 500 crore earmarked to connect Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) habitations through the PM-JANMAN Sadak Nirman Yojana.

(ANI)