Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], March 3 (ANI): Chhattisgarh Finance Minister OP Choudhary on Monday announced a slew of initiatives aimed at boosting the state's economy and improving the lives of its citizens.

In a significant move, the government has reduced the price of petrol by one rupee, which is expected to benefit the people of Chhattisgarh

He said that the government have reduced the price of petrol by Rs 1, adding that the budget is a budget for the welfare of knowledge, to bring progress in the state through speed.

Presenting the budget, Choudhary emphasised that it is focused on the welfare of knowledge and aims to bring progress to the state through speed.

The budget is designed to ensure rapid economic development, with a strategy that prioritizes Good Governance, Accelerated Infrastructure, Technology, and Industrial Growth (GATI).

'We have reduced the price of petrol by one rupee, the benefit of which will be received by our brothers and sisters of Chhattisgarh. Today's budget is a budget for the welfare of knowledge, to bring progress in the state through speed... This budget has been presented with a speed strategy to ensure rapid economic development. In GATI, G means - Good Governance, A means - Accelerated Infrastructure, T means - Technology and I means - Industrial Growth and only when we pay attention to these points, rapid economic development will be possible,' Finance Minister said.

Some of the key highlights of the budget include state government plans to adopt the National Education Policy 2020 and establish Chhattisgarh Institutes of Technology (CIT), infrastructure development, a State Capital Region (SCR) will be established, covering Raipur and Bhilai cities, and industries will be set up in Bastar for processing minor forest produce, the budget allocated funds for agriculture, including Rs 500 crore for the Deendayal Upadhyay Land Agricultural Laborer Scheme and electricity subsidies, people in Chhattisgarh will continue to receive electricity bills at subsidized rates.

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said that some taxes have also been reduced.

'I believe that the way the budget has been presented this time, it will complete the work with speed. This time the price of petrol has been reduced. Some taxes have also been reduced... This budget is going to prove very effective in ending Naxalism in Bastar,' Vijay Sharma said.

Meanwhile, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday slammed the Chhattisgarh Budget 2025-26, stating there is no scheme for farmers and unemployment.

He also said that there was no mention of providing an LPG cylinder for Rs 500 guaranteed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

'There is nothing new in this budget. There is no scheme for farmers, irrigation, unemployment and inflation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi guaranteed to provide LPG cylinders for Rs 500; there was no talk about this. Therefore, there is nothing new in this budget,' Baghel said.

Finance Minister O P Choudhary presented the 2nd budget of this government for the Financial Year 2025-26.

According to a press release, a major highlight of the Budget is the allocation of Rs 10,000 crore for the Krishak Unnati Yojana, aimed at boosting agricultural prosperity, alongside the allocation of Rs 8,500 crore for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) to upgrade rural housing.

Welfare schemes such as Mahatari Vandan Yojana and Mukhyamantri Khadyann Sahayata Yojana have also received substantial funding of Rs 5,500 crore and Rs 4,500 crore, respectively, reinforcing the government's dedication to empowering women and ensuring food security, it said.

Additionally, Rs. 3,500 crore has been set aside to provide free electricity for agricultural pumps of up to 5 HP, easing the financial burden on farmers, as per the release.

Infrastructure development remains a key priority. The Public Works Department (PWD) has allocated Rs 2,000 crore for new road construction, marking a first in the state's history.

Rural connectivity will be enhanced with Rs 845 crore sanctioned for village roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), and Rs 500 crore earmarked to connect Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) habitations through the PM-JANMAN Sadak Nirman Yojana, the release said. (ANI)