On March 12, Madhya Pradesh's Finance Minister Jagdish Devda presented the state's budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, with a total size of over 4 lakh crore rupees. This is the second full budget of the Shivraj government, designed keeping in mind all sections of society – youth, women, entrepreneurs, farmers, and the poor. The key highlight is that no new taxes have been imposed, nor have existing taxes been increased. This means that the common public will not face any additional financial burden. However, there was also no announcement of any relief measures on goods and services, making it unlikely that prices will decrease.
CM Shivraj's GYAN Model
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan referred to the budget as being based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's GYAN model, which stands for "Garib Kalyan (G), Yuva Shakti (Y), Modern Agriculture (A), and Nari Samman (N)." The budget places special emphasis on these four areas. Key measures include free ration schemes for the poor, employment opportunities for the youth, programs to increase farmers' income, and the expansion of the Ladli Behna Yojana to empower women. But the question remains: does this budget really deliver on its promises for all sections, or is it merely a showpiece?
Promises for All, But How Effective?
The budget outlines several measures for youth, women, farmers, entrepreneurs, and the poor. Linking the 'Ladli Behna' scheme to central government programs, free ration for 1.33 crore families, and initiatives like 'One District One Product' all sound promising. A total of 39 new industrial zones, 18 new policies, and 20.52 crore rupees for scholarships for youth have been announced. Additionally, plans to send 50 tribal students abroad and develop 11,300 villages are commendable. But the key question remains: Will these schemes be successfully implemented on the ground?
No Tax Increases, Yet No Relief
The finance minister has refrained from imposing new taxes or raising existing ones. While this may provide relief to the common man, there was also no announcement of any tax relief measures. This means that in this period of rising inflation, there is little expectation that the prices of essential goods will come down.
A 'Debt Budget' or Path to Development?
Congress legislator Umang Singhar labeled it as a "debt budget." While a 4 lakh crore rupee budget may seem large, questions about the state's economic health remain. The government claims a 17-fold increase in GSDP over the past 22 years, but has this progress reached the common man? The government promises job creation through new industrial zones and investment policies, but with the state burdened by debt, how will these promises be fulfilled?
Education and Technology: The Hope for the Future
The plan to introduce AI-based education and integrate 73 universities into the program is a visionary step. It could prepare youth for the future of technology. Additionally, the allocation of 20.52 crore rupees for competitive exams and 1,017 crore rupees for CM Rise Schools for tribal children is a positive move.
Promoting Culture and Tourism
Expanding the Chhindwara Museum and creating the Fossil National Park in Dhar-Dindori could boost tourism. The GI tag for 19 districts under the 'One District One Product' initiative is a positive development for the local economy.
Focus on Women and Marginalized Groups
The allocation of 1,500 rupees for food grants for women and a plan for hostels for working women are welcome steps. Additionally, the provision of 53,000 homes for special backward classes and 22 new hostels is a step in the direction of social justice.
A Balanced and Ambitious Budget
On paper, this budget seems balanced and ambitious. The announcement of an 'Industry Year,' promises of job creation, and a focus on tribal development show the government's intent. However, the real challenge lies in implementation. Without concrete planning and transparency, these grand promises may remain unfulfilled. While Congress's label of it being a 'debt budget' may be an exaggeration, the government must prove that this is indeed a path to development and not a trap of debt.