Raipur | Correspondent: Chhattisgarh's growth rate is projected to exceed 8 percent. Presenting the Economic Survey for the financial year 2025-26 in the Assembly, Finance Minister OP Choudhary stated that the state's growth rate is projected to exceed 8 percent. According to the survey, the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is projected to grow by 8.11 percent at constant prices (base year 2011-12), while at current prices, this growth rate could be 11.57 percent.

According to the report, the state's GSDP is expected to increase to ₹358,293 crore at constant prices and ₹631,291 crore at current prices in 2025-26.

Most importantly, per capita income at current prices is projected to reach ₹179,244, up from ₹162,848 last year. This means that per capita income is expected to increase by approximately 10.07 percent.

The Economic Survey categorizes the state's progress into three main sectors: agriculture and allied sectors (agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, and fisheries): 7.49% growth; industry (mining, construction, manufacturing, electricity, gas, and water supply): 7.21% growth; and the services sector: 9.11% growth.

Infrastructure and welfare will be the focus

Before the session began, the Business Advisory Committee met under the chairmanship of Assembly Speaker Raman Singh. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, Leader of the Opposition Charandas Mahant, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, along with ministers and members, were present.

It was announced that this year's budget will focus on good governance, infrastructure, technology, and industry. Special schemes will be introduced for youth, women, and farmers. There are plans to build Nalanda Libraries in districts, stadiums, and ring roads in cities.

A statue of martyr Veer Narayan Singh will be installed at the International Cricket Stadium. The budget also includes major provisions for the PM Surya Ghar and Ayushman Yojana.

Lakhma returns to the house after a year

Former minister Kawasi Lakhma spent nearly a year in jail in connection with a liquor scam, preventing him from attending House proceedings. After being granted interim bail by the High Court on February 3, he has been conditionally permitted to participate in the session.

The Assembly has clarified that he must provide prior notice of his arrival and departure. His activities will be limited to the Assembly premises, and he will not be permitted to visit his residence or participate in any political events.

The most important condition is that he will not make any statements regarding the case against him. If these conditions are violated, his permission will be immediately revoked.

Two important bills were also proposed

The Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, and the Chhattisgarh Public Safety (Measures) Enforcement Bill, 2026, are likely to be introduced during the session. These bills are expected to intensify political debate.

So far, notices for 2,813 questions have been received for the Budget Session, including 1,376 starred questions. In addition, 61 Calling Attention Motions, one urgent discussion under Rule 139, 13 Private Members' Resolutions, nine Zero Hour notices, and 112 petitions have also been received.

Clearly, this session is extremely important from both financial and political perspectives. For the next month, the Assembly will be the center of state politics, where the government will present its priorities and the opposition is preparing to challenge it.