India, Feb. 24 -- Chhattisgarh finance minister OP Choudhary on Tuesday presented a Rs.1,72,000 crore budget for the financial year 2026-27, compared to Rs.1,65,000 crore in the last fiscal, saying it aims to accelerate growth. He said the budget reflects the resolve to ensure balanced regional development, strengthen infrastructure, expand livelihood opportunities, and prepare a future-ready workforce.

Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the budget is designed to ensure that development reaches farmers, women, youth, Scheduled Tribes (ST), and other weaker sections, while maintaining fiscal discipline.

The budget projected the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at Rs.7,09,553 crore for 2026-27, reflecting a 12.4% growth over the previo...