Chhattisgarh Economic Survey 2025-26

• 27 Feb 2026

Why in News?

The Chhattisgarh Economic Survey 2025-26 was presented in the State Legislative Assembly on February 23, 2026, by Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary. It highlights a resilient economy outperforming the national average, driven by broad-based sectoral growth and a vision to double the GSDP to ₹10 lakh crore by 2028.

Key Points:

Macro-Economic Overview

• Real GSDP Growth: Projected to grow at 8.11% (constant prices, 2011-12) to reach ₹3,58,293 crore.
• Nominal GSDP Growth: Estimated at 11.57% (current prices), reaching approximately ₹6.31 lakh crore.
• Per Capita Income (PCI): Expected to reach ₹1,79,244, a 10.07% increase from the previous year (₹1,62,848).

Fiscal Indicators & Management

• Fiscal Deficit: Targeted at 2.97% of GSDP (₹18,900 crore), remaining within the 3% FRBM Act limit.
• Revenue Surplus: Estimated at ₹2,804 crore (0.4% of GSDP), a significant recovery from the previous year's deficit.
• Capital Expenditure (Capex): Allocated ₹26,341 crore (16% of total budget and 4.14% of GSDP), prioritizing long-term asset creation.
• Debt-to-GSDP Ratio: The state aims to reduce outstanding debt to 24% of GSDP by 2027-28.

Strategic Themes: GYAN and GATI 

• The survey aligns with the 2030 vision through two primary frameworks: 
  • GYAN (Target Groups): Focuses on Gareeb (Poor), Yuva (Youth), Annadata (Farmer), and Naari (Woman).
  • GATI (Growth Drivers):
    • G: Good Governance (Digital tracking, Atal Monitoring Portal).
    • A: Accelerating Infrastructure (Roads, Bypass, Ringroads).
    • T: Technology (e-Dharti, Business Intelligence Units).
    • I: Industrial Growth (New Industrial Policy 2024-2029).

Sectoral Performance

• Sectoral Contribution to GSDP (Current Prices):
  • Agriculture: 20.64%.
  • Industry: 46.59% (dominates due to mining and manufacturing).
  • Services: 32.77%
• Agriculture and Allied Activities: With a growth rate of 7.49%, Chhattisgarh remains an agrarian economy, with agriculture showing strong performance due to higher production, irrigation support, and technology adoption.
  • Growth in allied sectors contributes to rural incomes and expands employment beyond crop production.
  • Policy Context: Sustaining agricultural growth requires continued investment in water infrastructure, crop diversification, agri-market linkages and value chains.
• Industry: With a growth rate of 7.21%, the industrial sector’s double-digit growth reflects expanding investment and manufacturing activity in the state.
  • Government initiatives aimed at improving ease of doing business and industrial infrastructure continue to yield results.
  • Strategic Impact: Industrial growth augments the revenue base, creates jobs, and accelerates structural transformation.
• Services Sector: With a growth rate of 9.11%, the services sector has been a growth driver, with notable expansions in education, healthcare, tourism and related services.
  • Policy Insight: With rising consumer demand and digital adoption, services are positioned to provide sustained growth and employment opportunities.

Infrastructure and Public Investment

• Expansion of irrigation networks, rural roads, and connectivity projects are key features of the state’s development strategy.
• Focus on digital infrastructure and specialised economic zones aim to attract investment and enhance regional competitiveness.

Key Policy Initiatives & Welfare

• Krishak Unnati Yojana: Received a substantial allocation of ₹10,000 crore to support farmers.
• Mahtari Vandan Yojana: ₹5,500 crore allocated for cash assistance to married women.
• Infrastructure & Connectivity: Launch of the Mukhya Mantri Mobile Tower Scheme for remote areas and development of airports in Jagdalpur, Bilaspur, and Ambikapur.
• Educational Advancements: Establishment of a National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), six physiotherapy colleges, and an "Education City" in Nava Raipur.
• Healthcare: ₹1,500 crore for the Shahid Vir Narayan Singh Ayushman Swasthya Yojana

Critical Challenges

• Cash Transfers: The survey warns that rapid expansion of unconditional cash transfers (₹1.7 lakh crore in FY26) could risk fiscal sustainability.
• Urbanization & Healthcare: Need for sustainable urbanization frameworks and addressing healthcare accessibility deficits in remote tribal regions.