Chhattisgarh Budget 2026-27: ₹1.72 Lakh Crore Outlay Announced; ‘Rani Durgavati Scheme’ for Girls Unveiled

Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government on Tuesday presented a ₹1.72 lakh crore Budget for the financial year 2026-27, outlining a mix of welfare initiatives, infrastructure spending and youth-focused schemes. A major highlight of the Budget was the announcement of the Rani Durgavati Scheme, under which eligible girls will receive ₹1.5 lakh upon attaining 18 years of age.

Presenting the Budget in the State Assembly, the Finance Minister said the government aims to strengthen social security, promote women’s empowerment and accelerate economic growth through targeted investments.

₹1.72 Lakh Crore Budget Focus

The total outlay of ₹1.72 lakh crore marks a significant allocation towards agriculture, rural development, education, healthcare and infrastructure. The government stated that priority sectors would receive enhanced funding to boost employment opportunities and improve service delivery across districts.

Key allocations include:

• Increased funding for irrigation and farmer-support schemes

• Higher allocation for rural roads and connectivity projects

• Strengthening of public health infrastructure

• Investment in school and higher education facilities

The Minister emphasized that the Budget seeks to balance fiscal discipline with welfare commitments, ensuring sustainable growth while addressing the needs of vulnerable sections.

Rani Durgavati Scheme for Girls

The newly announced Rani Durgavati Scheme is aimed at supporting the education and financial independence of girls. Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries will receive ₹1.5 lakh when they turn 18, subject to certain conditions likely linked to education and legal age of marriage compliance.

The government said the initiative is designed to:

• Encourage girls to complete their education

• Discourage child marriage

• Provide financial security at a critical stage of transition into adulthood

Officials indicated that detailed guidelines regarding eligibility criteria, documentation and disbursement mechanisms will be issued soon.

Focus on Women and Youth

The Budget speech underscored the government’s commitment to women-led development. Apart from the Rani Durgavati Scheme, additional provisions have reportedly been made for self-help groups, skill development programs and entrepreneurship support for young women.

The Finance Minister described the Budget as “development-oriented and inclusive,” adding that it reflects the government’s long-term vision for social equity and economic resilience in the State.

The Budget proposals will now be taken up for discussion in the Assembly before being passed.