The Chhattisgarh government on Monday presented a Rs. 1.6 lakh crore budget focused on safe and developed state. In the budget, the government announced to cut down the price of petrol by Rs 1 per liter giving a big relief to the people of the state.
Earlier, the government had reduced VAT on bulk diesel purchases to 17 per cent, lowering transportation and agricultural costs. Additionally, the dearness allowance (DA) for state government employees has been increased by 3 per cent, effective from March.
Apart from this, from education, rural development, urban infrastructure to security, the government has introduced new initiatives in every sector.
The government has decided to develop the state’s first Iconic Tourism Destination with an investment of Rs 200 crore, offering nature, water, and wildlife experiences.
Meanwhile, the government will invest Rs 845 crore for Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Rs 500 crore for roads in tribal area, Rs 119 crore for Mukhyamantri Gramin Sadak Yojana, Rs 100 crore for the new Mukhyamantri Ring Road Yojana, and Rs 2000 crore for the construction of new roads.
The government is going to introduce several major projects to modernize and beautify cities including Medi-City in Nava Raipur – a dedicated hub for top healthcare facilities, Education City – a centre for higher education with premier colleges and universities, and establishment of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).
Under the budget, the government will set up 17 new Nalanda Libraries for students preparing for competitive exams, Mobile Science Labs will be introduced in Bastar & Surguja.
The government will also set up Science Parks in Surguja, Bastar, Balrampur, Jashpur, and Raigarh.
In the healthcare sector, the government will introduce the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) at Raipur Medical College Hospital for childless couples, MRI and CT scan machines will be installed in government hospitals, and sickle cell screening centres will be established in all blocks.
The government has planned to strengthen the security measures in the state under which a Special Operation Group (SOG) will be formed, similar to the NSG, to tackle high-risk criminals.
Meanwhile, the State Industrial Security Force (SISF) will be established, modeled after CISF, to enhance security for industries and key installations.
For providing relief to businesses and common citizens, the government also removed the 12 per cent surcharge on property transfer stamp duty.
The e-way bill generation limit has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh, easing compliance for businesses, and the government has also decided to waive off pending VAT dues for small traders, providing long-awaited relief.
