Chhattisgarh’s Finance Minister, OP Choudhary, presented the state’s first paperless digital budget in the legislative assembly, outlining provisions totalling Rs. 1,47,500 crores. The budget introduces various initiatives to foster innovation and development in Raipur and its neighbouring areas.
The theme of the budget is on the foundation of Amritkal and GREAT CG. The government has announced to prepare a vision document to transform Chhattisgarh from a developing to a developed state by 2047, which has been named ‘Amrit Kaal- Chhattisgarh Vision at 2047.
Budget Highlights:
1. State Capital Region Development:
The government plans to transform Raipur-Bhilai and surrounding areas into the State Capital Region (SCR). This development aims to establish the region as a global hub for IT, a thriving wedding destination, an education hub, and a health destination.
2. ‘Plug and Play’ Model for IT-Based Employment:
A ‘Plug and Play’ model will be developed in New Raipur to generate IT-based employment, providing new opportunities for economic development and job creation.
3. Growth Engine for Cities:
Raipur, New Raipur Atal Nagar, and other towns will be developed as ‘Growth Engines,’ focusing on industrialization tailored to areas like Urla and Siltara. Emphasis will be placed on promoting agricultural-based development in flat agriculture-prone districts.
4. Infrastructure and Educational Facilities:
The budget allocates funds for the establishment of an Agricultural Engineering Operations Office, the construction of a state-level new agricultural machinery testing laboratory, and the establishment of a new postgraduate girls’ hostel in the Raipur district.
5. Judicial Reforms:
To expedite revenue cases, new courts, including tehsildar and deputy tehsildar courts, will be established in the Raipur district. The creation of new positions for tehsildars and deputy tehsildars is also included.
6. Connectivity and Education:
Rs. 30 crores are allocated to connect Central Schools, Medical Hubs, and other internal routes to the main roads in New Raipur, Atal Nagar. Additionally, Rs. 206 crores are provisioned for the Atal Nagar Smart City Corporation.
7. Technological Institutes:
The construction of buildings for the Chhattisgarh Technological Institute will commence this year, following the model of the Indian Institutes of Technology. The budget also supports the development of the Central Instrumentation Facility at Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, with a provision of Rs. 2 crores.
8. Start-ups and Research at Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University:
For the promotion of start-ups, innovation, and research at Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Rs. 2 crores are allocated for enhancing the Central Instrumentation Facility.
9. Vocational Studies and Forensic Sciences:
Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University will initiate vocational courses in commerce studies. Additionally, a forensic science study room will be inaugurated for impartial examinations and investigations.
10. Cultural and Educational Infrastructures:
Cultural and educational facilities will see growth with the establishment of a Music College and Gram Bhandar in New Raipur, Atal Nagar. A government college will be built in Abhanpur Development Block, Raipur district.
11. Science City Establishment:
A Science City will be established in the capital to spark interest in science among students and the public. A budget of Rs. 34.90 crores is set aside for this initiative.
12. Medical Infrastructure Enhancement:
Improvements in medical infrastructure include the expansion of Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University’s Medical College Hospital to 1,200 beds. A new hospital with 700 beds will also be constructed with a budget of Rs. 776 crores.
13. Ayurvedic Expansion:
A new Ayurvedic pharmacy will be opened in Semaria to provide holistic healthcare services.
14. Promoting Local Products:
A marketplace will be established in the capital to boost the sales and promotion of the state’s handloom, handicrafts, and other local products. An allocation of Rs. 80 crores has been made for the Unity Mall project.
Positive Takeaway
The Chhattisgarh Budget 2024 focuses on comprehensive development, fostering innovation, and improving the quality of life in Raipur and its surrounding regions. The initiatives outlined in the budget are geared towards creating a robust economic and educational landscape for the people of Chhattisgarh.
