Main Features of budget of Chhattisgarh | Chhattisgarh State PSC (CGPSC) Preparation: All subjects - CGPSC (Chhattisgarh) PDF Download

Introduction

On March 6, 2023, the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel introduced the budget for 2023-24 with a total allocation of Rs 1,21,500 crore. The budget aims to propel the state towards progress and prosperity under the slogan 'Garhbo Nawa Chhattisgarh'. It emphasizes the 'Chhattisgarh Model', focusing on the development of agriculture and the rural economy.

Economic 2023-24 Status of Budget

• The state’s GDP for 2022-23 is projected to grow by 8%, compared to a stable rate in 2021-22. This growth rate exceeds the national average increase of 7%.
• In 2022-23, the agriculture sector saw a 5.93% growth, the industrial sector grew by 7.83%, and the service sector expanded by 9.21%. All three sectors are growing faster than the overall state growth rate.
• The state’s GDP at current prices rose from ₹4,06,416 crore in 2021-22 to ₹4,57,608 crore in 2022-23, marking a 12.60% increase from the previous year.
• Per capita income increased from ₹1,33,898 in 2021-22 to ₹1,48,827 in 2022-23, which is a 10.93% rise compared to the previous year.

Highlights of the Budget

• Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyaya Scheme: Rs. 6,800 crore allocated to enhance Chhattisgarh's reputation as the 'bowl of paddy' and to expand the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Landless Agricultural Worker Justice Scheme to rural and Nagar Panchayat areas.
• Unemployment Allowance: Rs. 250 crore set aside to provide Rs. 2,500 per month to educated unemployed individuals under a new scheme.
• Social Security Pension: Monthly pension for destitute, elderly, disabled, widows, and abandoned women increased to Rs. 500.
• Urban Infrastructure: Rs 1,000 crore allocated for various urban infrastructure projects.
• Industrial Park: Rs. 50 crore allocated for establishing an industrial park in urban areas similar to the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Industrial Park.
• Medical Colleges: Rs. 200 crore provided for setting up new medical colleges in Manendragarh, Geedam, Janjgir-Champa, and Kabirdham districts.
• Thermal Powerhouse: Rs. 25 crore allocated for establishing a new thermal powerhouse in Korba West.
• Naveen Swami Atmanand Schools: Rs. 870 crore allocated to open English medium schools.
• Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana: Rs. 38 crore provisioned for the scheme.
• Light Metro Service: Funds allocated for introducing Light Metro service from Nava Raipur Atal Nagar to Durg.
• Anganwadi Workers' Honorarium: Monthly honorarium for Anganwadi workers increased from Rs. 6,500 to Rs. 10,000; Anganwadi helpers from Rs. 3,250 to Rs. 5,000; mini Anganwadi workers from Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 7,500.
• Mitanin Sisters' Honorarium: Increased from Rs. 2,200 to Rs. 3,000 per month.
• Village Kotwars' Honorarium: Increased based on service length, with amounts ranging from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 6,000 per month; Village Patel's honorarium increased from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,000.
• Mid-Day Meal Program: Honorarium for kitchens providing school lunches increased from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 1,800 per month; sanitation workers' honorarium increased from Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 2,800 per month.
• Home Guard Personnel: Honorarium increased to a minimum of Rs. 6,300 and a maximum of Rs. 6,420 per month.
• Swavalambi Gothans: Rs. 750 allocated for the chairman of the Steering Committee, and Rs. 500 for non-government members.
• Journalists' Housing Loans: Rs. 50 lakhs provided for interest grants on housing loans up to Rs. 25 lakh under the Journal House Construction Loan Grant Scheme.