Finance Minister Choudhary presents ‘GYAN’ Budget,Half electricity bill, free ration for 5 years, 10 thousand crores for farmers; Implementation of National Education Policy key features

Raipur
In a significant move aimed at fostering inclusive growth and development, the ruling government of Chhattisgarh has presented its first budget for the financial year 2024-25. The budget, amounting to a substantial one lakh 47 thousand 500 crores, marks a remarkable 22 percent increase compared to the previous fiscal year under the Bhupesh government.
Finance Minister OP Choudhary, presenting the budget, outlined its central theme as ‘GYAN,’ which stands for the holistic development of the poor, youth, farmers, and women. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring economic prosperity for these segments of society, Chaudhary highlighted the goal of doubling the state’s GDP from 5 lakh crores to 10 lakh crores within five years, with a focus on ten identified pillars.
Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai congratulated Finance Minister OP Chaudhary for his comprehensive budget, symbolically offering sweets as a gesture to mark the beginning of a transformative era, termed ‘Amrit Kaal.’
The budgetary allocations underscore a prioritization of sectors crucial for societal well-being, including education, healthcare, employment generation, tourism, religious infrastructure, and agricultural advancement. Notably, the budget refrains from imposing any new taxes while allocating a substantial 33% increase in funds for agricultural development. Furthermore, the continuation of schemes such as the half electricity bill and the extension of the five-year free ration scheme demonstrate a commitment to social welfare.

\Key Highlights from the Budget:

Youth Empowerment:
Measures to boost employment, education, and self-employment opportunities for the youth.
Reforms proposed for UPSC examination processes.
Provision of financial support and recognition for youth contributions in arts, literature, and sports.

\Women’s Welfare:

Launch of the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, offering financial assistance to eligible women.
Significant budget allocation for supplementary nutrition and development programs for women and children.
Establishment of women’s assemblies at the grassroots level for empowerment initiatives.
\Agricultural Advancement:
Substantial increase in the agriculture budget, with a focus on interest-free loans for farmers.
Launch of the Chhattisgarh Sports Promotion Scheme and development of sports infrastructure.
Expansion of irrigation projects and introduction of modern equipment in agriculture.

\Education Reform:
Implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 to enhance the education system.
Establishment of technology institutes across Lok Sabha constituencies.
Development initiatives for universities and colleges to promote innovation and research.
\Rural Development:
Significant budgetary allocation for rural infrastructure development, including housing, roads, and bridges.
Continued support for schemes like PM Rural Housing and PM Gram Sadak Yojana.
Strengthening of MNREGA and other livelihood programs for rural empowerment.
The unveiling of this ambitious budget reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, setting the stage for a transformative journey towards prosperity and well-being for all citizens of Chhattisgarh.