Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], March 7 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Finance Minister OP Choudhary on Monday announced several initiatives aimed at boosting the state's economy and improving the lives of its citizens.

In a significant move, the government has reduced the price of petrol by INR 1, a measure expected to benefit the people of Chhattisgarh.

Presenting the budget, Choudhary emphasised that it focuses on the welfare of knowledge and aims to accelerate progress in the state. The budget follows a strategy prioritising Good Governance, Accelerated Infrastructure, Technology, and Industrial Growth (GATI).

'We have reduced the price of petrol by one rupee, the benefit of which will be received by our brothers and sisters of Chhattisgarh. Today's budget is a budget for the welfare of knowledge, to bring progress in the state through speed. This budget has been presented with a speed strategy to ensure rapid economic development. In GATI, G stands for Good Governance, A for Accelerated Infrastructure, T for Technology, and I for Industrial Growth. Only when we pay attention to these areas will rapid economic development be possible,' said Choudhary.

Key Highlights of the Budget:

• Adoption of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the establishment of Chhattisgarh Institutes of Technology (CIT).

• Infrastructure development, including the creation of a State Capital Region (SCR) covering Raipur and Bhilai.

• Establishment of industries in Bastar for processing minor forest produce.

• Allocation of INR 500 crore for the Deendayal Upadhyay Land Agricultural Labourer Scheme.

• Continued electricity subsidies for people in Chhattisgarh.

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma stated that some taxes have also been reduced.

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

Meanwhile, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel criticised the Chhattisgarh Budget 2025-26, stating that it lacks schemes for farmers and employment.

'There is nothing new in this budget. There is no scheme for farmers, irrigation, unemployment, or inflation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi guaranteed LPG cylinders for INR 500, but there was no mention of this. Therefore, there is nothing new in this budget,' Baghel said.

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

According to a press release, a major highlight of the budget is the allocation of INR 10,000 crore for the Krishak Unnati Yojana, aimed at boosting agricultural prosperity. Additionally, INR 8,500 crore has been allocated for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) to improve rural housing.

Welfare schemes such as the Mahatari Vandan Yojana and Mukhyamantri Khadyann Sahayata Yojana have also received substantial funding of INR 5,500 crore and INR 4,500 crore, respectively, reinforcing the government's commitment to women's empowerment and 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 the Public Works Department (PWD) allocating INR 2,000 crore for new road construction, a first in the state's history.

Rural connectivity will also 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)