UNION Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale said the Union Budget 2026-27 has given a strong financial boost to Chhattisgarh’s inclusive development and economic growth, in line with the vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’. Addressing the media, Athawale said Rs 50,427 crore has been proposed as tax devolution to Chhattisgarh, while a grant provision of Rs 15,000 crore for 2025-26 would strengthen the State’s financial capacity and support infrastructure development. Highlighting the progress of central welfare schemes, he said programmes aimed at financial inclusion, clean energy, housing and social security are making a significant impact, particularly among rural, poor and tribal communities. Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, more than 1.88 crore bank accounts have been opened in Chhattisgarh, with deposits exceeding Rs 9,324 crore. More than 39.75 lakh LPG connections have also been provided under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, expanding access to clean cooking fuel in rural households.

 

Athawale said approval has been granted for five new medical colleges, which would strengthen medical education and healthcare infrastructure in the state. He also highlighted the Indian Oil bottling plant in Korba, constructed at a cost of more than Rs 130 crore, saying it would contribute to logistics, local employment and energy security. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), more than 1.77 lakh houses have been constructed with an allocation of Rs 4,699 crore. Meanwhile, 1.08 crore LED bulbs have been distributed across the State under the Ujala Scheme. The minister said the Centre has also provided funding for five de-addiction centres and three old age homes in the region as part of its social defence initiatives. Earlier, Athawale chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the Chhattisgarh Government and Raipur Municipal Corporation. The meeting assessed the implementation of social welfare schemes and reviewed progress in backlog recruitment for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe positions.