Raipur: Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday presented the budget for the financial year 2023-24. The briefcase used by the chief minister to present the budget reflects the culture and tradition of Chhattisgarh, as well as the priority of the Chhattisgarh government towards its heritage and culture. The design of the budget briefcase is prepared by the world-renowned Bhittichitra art (Mural) of the remote forest area of Chhattisgarh.
The front side of the budget briefcase depicts the image of ‘Chhattisgarh Mahatari’, which shows the Chief Minister’s faith and love for Chhattisgarh Mahatari, and also sends the message that the budget is equally compassionate for all people like the compassion of Chhattisgarh Mahtari. On the other side of the briefcase, the image of Maa Kamdhenu is depicted, which shows a cow nursing its calf and reflects the government’s affection for its citizens.
Making of the Budget Briefcase
The Bhitti Chitra (mural) inscribed in the budget briefcase has been made with cow dung paint produced in the urban Gauthan of Chhattisgarh. The commercial production of cow dung paint was started in the urban Gauthans of two cities in the state, Raipur and Ambikapur. The mural was prepared by an artist from the village of Sukhri in Surguja by mixing watercolor pigment in an emulsion made in Gauthan. It took 15 days to prepare the budget briefcase and the artist used 9 different colors.
This budget briefcase has successfully showcased the current priorities of the state of Chhattisgarh. The state government is focusing on the development of Gauthans and opening up rural and urban livelihood parks as their primary priorities. The culture and art of Chhattisgarh also remain a priority for the government. The cow dung paint manufactured in Gauthans is becoming world-renowned, and the Bhitti Chitra (mural art) of Surguja is also globally renowned. This briefcase highlights the government’s priorities. In previous years, Kosa, Bastar Art, and Cow Dung Briefcases have been used among other things, in the budget briefcase.
Mural art is a tradition that showcases Chhattisgarh’s culture through the medium of art. It depicts nature and rural surroundings using materials like plywood, coconut ropes, and mud. Finally, it is painted with natural colors. In making paint from cow dung, 30 per cent cow dung is used. The cow dung solution is bleached and mixed with other ingredients to create a base emulsion for paint preparation. The pigment is added to this base emulsion to prepare paint of any color and distemper.
