Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh‘s Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, Jagdish Devda, presented the state’s budget for the year 2026, which amounts to ₹4.38 lakh crore. This budget, marking a historical first as a fully digital presentation, comes with major provisions for women, farmers, youth employment, and infrastructure development. Importantly, the budget does not include any new taxes or increases in existing taxes.
Key Highlights of the 2026 Budget
The Madhya Pradesh budget of ₹4.38 lakh crore emphasizes significant investments in infrastructure, social security, and economic growth sectors. Among the major announcements, the Ladli Behna Yojana stands out with a provision of ₹23,882 crore, alongside various schemes to empower women, farmers, and youth.
Read also: Madhya Pradesh CM Dr. Mohan Yadav Inaugurates Hyatt Place Bhopal, Boosting Tourism and Employment
No New Taxes: A Balanced Financial Approach
Finance Minister Jagdish Devda made it clear that no new taxes have been introduced in the budget, nor have existing tax rates been raised. The focus is on utilizing existing resources and central government support to ensure the state’s financial growth and social welfare programs.
The state government aims to raise ₹1,17,667 crore through taxes, with ₹1,12,137 crore expected from central tax sharing and ₹54,505 crore in central assistance.
A Historic Digital Budget for Madhya Pradesh
This is the first time in the history of Madhya Pradesh that the state budget has been presented in a fully digital format. Although the opposition raised concerns during the initial proceedings, the session went ahead smoothly. Finance Minister Devda delivered a comprehensive speech that lasted nearly 90 minutes, emphasizing sectors like education, health, agriculture, and youth welfare.
Major Provisions for Social Welfare
- Ladli Behna Yojana: ₹23,882 crore, aimed at supporting women.
- Gi Ramji Scheme: ₹10,428 crore for rural welfare.
- PM Janman Scheme: ₹900 crore.
- Panchayat and Rural Development: ₹40,062 crore for rural development programs.
- Labor Department: ₹1,335 crore to address worker welfare and labor reforms.
Focus on Youth and Farmers
The budget also outlines key initiatives to support youth employment and empower farmers:
- 15,000 Teacher Recruitment: Aimed at addressing the shortage of teachers in the state.
- Solar Pumps for Farmers: Provision of 1 lakh solar pumps to help farmers increase productivity.
- Short-Term Agricultural Loans: ₹25,000 crore with ₹720 crore allocated for interest subsidy.
Infrastructure and Rural Development Investments
A substantial portion of the budget has been allocated for infrastructure and rural development:
- Road Repair and Infrastructure Development: ₹12,690 crore for road maintenance and upgrades.
- Water Life Mission: ₹4,454 crore to ensure water access in rural areas.
- Elevated Corridor in Ujjain: ₹1,000 crore.
- Indore-Pithampur Economic Corridor: ₹2,360 crore.
- Flyovers and Roads: ₹350 crore for flyover construction in Jabalpur and ₹21,630 crore for rural road projects.
Education, Health, and Agriculture Sector Focus
The education, health, and agriculture sectors have been allocated substantial funds to ensure their growth and sustainability:
- Education: ₹31,953 crore to enhance the education system.
- Health: ₹24,144 crore for public health services.
- Agriculture: ₹1.15 lakh crore, including ₹25,000 crore for short-term agricultural loans.
Additionally, a special focus on livestock development is reflected in the allocation of ₹2,364 crore for the modernization of cattle shelters (Gau Shalas).
Provision for Environmental and Social Security Schemes
- Tetra Pak Milk for Children: ₹600 crore to provide milk in schools for children up to class 8.
- Ayushman Bharat Scheme: ₹863 crore for medical coverage.
- Scholarships: ₹813 crore allocated for scholarships for students from classes 11-12 and colleges.
Commitment to Infrastructure and Industrial Growth
The budget also dedicates significant funds to infrastructure and industrial development:
- Ken-Betwa Link Project: ₹1,000 crore allocated for this ambitious water project.
- Metro Rail Projects: ₹650 crore allocated for metro rail expansions in the state.
- PM Shri Scheme: ₹530 crore for school infrastructure development.
Opposition Criticism and Public Reactions
While the budget received praise for its focus on inclusive growth, the opposition, led by Congress, staged a protest outside the assembly. Opposition leader Umang Singhar criticized the state government for alleged misuse of public funds and questioned the financial discipline of the government. However, the ruling government maintained that the budget was designed to ensure equitable development across all sectors, with a strong emphasis on rural development and social security.
A Balanced Vision for Madhya Pradesh’s Future
The 2026 budget of Madhya Pradesh focuses on creating a balanced development model by investing in infrastructure, agriculture, social security, and youth employment, without imposing new taxes. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and long-term growth, this budget aims to build a prosperous and inclusive future for the state.
Read also: Madhya Pradesh CM Dr. Mohan Yadav Launches Cyber Registration Office for Paperless Land Registry
