Madhya Pradesh Government Presents Development-Focused Budget with Emphasis on Women's Welfare

Bhopal:Madhya Pradesh Finance Minister Jagdish Devda presented the state Budget for 2026-27 with a total outlay of Rs 4,38,317 crore. He said no new taxes would be imposed. This is the third consecutive budget of the government led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. During the speech, Opposition members raised concerns over rising state debt and created disruptions in the Assembly. The government described the budget as development-focused and centred on women’s welfare. Focus on Women and Welfare A total of Rs 1,27,555 crore has been allocated for women’s welfare schemes. This includes support for self-help groups and schemes like Ujjwala Yojana. Rs 23,883 crore has been set aside for the Ladli Behna Yojana. Under this scheme, over 1.25 crore women receive Rs 1,500 every month. Since its launch in 2023, Rs 52,304 crore has been distributed. The minister also announced that 5,700 hostels will be built for working women. Key Allocations and Development Plans The budget is based on the ‘GYANII’ model – Garib Kalyan (poor), Yuva Shakti (youth), Annadata (farmers), Nari Shakti (women), Infrastructure and Industry. Around Rs 3 lakh crore has been allocated for these focus areas. Rs 40,062 crore has been proposed for the Panchayat and Rural Development Department. The government will recruit 15,000 teachers and provide free milk in tetra packs to students up to Class 8 in government schools. Rs 10,428 crore has been allocated for the rural employment guarantee scheme ‘G RAM G’, and Rs 900 crore for the PM Janman scheme for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. The budget also proposes Rs 12,690 crore for road repairs, Rs 4,454 crore for the Jal Jeevan Mission, and Rs 1,335 crore for the Labour Department. One lakh farmers will be given solar pumps. A special provision of Rs 3,600 crore has been made for the Simhastha Kumbh to be held in Ujjain in 2028. Rolling Budget Concept Introduced For the first time, the state has introduced a “rolling budget” system. This means the budget will be updated regularly to match changing economic conditions. Each year, one more year will be added to long-term planning. The government said this system will help in better planning and stable growth. Political Reactions and Debt Concerns Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the budget supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat and Mission 2047. However, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar criticised the budget. He claimed the state is increasing its debt and alleged that the government borrowed Rs 5,600 crore even before the session. He called the budget misleading and said it does not reflect ground reality.