In an unprecedented move, the Finance Minister of C'garh presents a handwritten budget during the Assembly proceedings.

In a unique and symbolic move, the Chhattisgarh Assembly witnessed the presentation of a handwritten annual budget of 100 pages for the fiscal year 2025-26. The finance minister, O P Choudhury, was the one to present this historic document, emphasising authenticity and transparency in governance.

The budget, worth Rs 1,65,100 crore, is part of the 'Amrit Kaal Vision 2047', a goal for the state's progress towards 2030. The theme of this year's budget is GATI (Good governance, Accelerating infrastructure, Technology, and Industrial growth), aiming to build on the progress made with the previous year's theme of GYAN (Gareeb, Yuva, Annadata, and Nari).

The budget proposes significant provisions to accelerate infrastructure development. Ten new schemes have been introduced, focusing on areas such as the establishment of mobile towers in remote regions, particularly in Bastar. The budget also gives special focus to the development of Leftwing extremism-hit Bastar, with special development efforts planned for these areas.

One of the key initiatives in the budget is the creation of a Special Operation Group (SOG) in the line of the National Security Guard (NSG) for addressing Maoist violence. This move is expected to strengthen the state's fight against extremism and ensure a safer environment for its citizens.

The chief minister, Vishnu Deo Sai, stated that the budget presents the next step in the developmental journey started by the previous year's budget. He emphasised that the budget focuses on building on the progress made and moving towards a more prosperous and developed Chhattisgarh.

The handwritten budget in the digital age holds significance, as stated by Mr. Choudhury. He believes that it symbolises the commitment to honesty and transparency in governance, making it an apt representation of the state's vision for the future.

The budget's theme of GATI is aimed at ensuring speedy development of the state, focusing on good governance, accelerating infrastructure, technology, and industrial growth. This approach is expected to drive Chhattisgarh towards a more prosperous and developed future, in line with the 'Amrit Kaal Vision 2047'.