The Chhattisgarh government announced on March 3 that it will establish a State Industrial Security Force (SISF), modeled after the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), to protect the state’s abundant mineral resources, which play a vital role in the economy, particularly for tribal communities.
In the fiscal year 2022-23, Chhattisgarh achieved a remarkable mineral revenue of ₹12,941 crore. The introduction of the SISF was part of the budget presented in the state assembly, which emphasizes development in the Naxal-affected Bastar region through enhanced tourism, security, and infrastructure. This area, rich in minerals, is significantly influenced by Naxal activities, attributed to the excessive exploitation of resources by corporate entities.
This initiative aligns with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s previous assertion that naxalism will be eradicated from the country by the following year. During the assembly session, state Finance Minister OP Choudhary unveiled a ₹1,65,000 crore budget for FY26, which includes various relief measures. Among these is a reduction in petrol prices by ₹1 per liter, aimed at benefiting the general public, farmers, and industries. The government also announced procurement of pulses and oilseed crops at guaranteed prices, along with measures to boost farmer incomes and agricultural output.
The budget allocates ₹10,000 crore for the Krishi Unnati Yojana and ₹600 crore for the Deendayal Upadhyay Krishi Mazdoor Kalyan Yojana. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai remarked, “This budget is designed for a prosperous future for Chhattisgarh and aims to uplift all segments of society.” He noted that the previous year’s budget focused on GYAN (Gareeb, Yuva, Annadata, and Nari), with the intention of developing these key areas.
To strengthen the agricultural sector, the government is directing substantial resources towards various initiatives aimed at enhancing farmers’ livelihoods and boosting agricultural productivity. There is a strong emphasis on promoting organic farming, specifically the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds, as part of efforts to foster sustainable agricultural practices. A noteworthy allocation of ₹5,326 crore has been designated for food security, ensuring farmers receive the essential support needed for food production. Furthermore, ₹10,000 crore has been set aside for the ongoing Krishak Unnati Yojana, which focuses on farmer welfare and agricultural progress. The budget also allocates ₹600 crore to the Deendayal Upadhyaya Agricultural Laborers Welfare Scheme, providing annual financial assistance of ₹10,000 to approximately 5.62 lakh landless farmers.
