Madhya Pradesh presents ₹4.21 Lakh Crore budget, no new taxes

Bhopal

The Madhya Pradesh government has presented a ₹4.21 lakh crore budget for 2025-26, focusing on development without imposing any new taxes. Finance Minister Jagdish Devda, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister, presented the budget in the state assembly, calling it a step towards a "Viksit Madhya Pradesh" (Developed Madhya Pradesh).

The budget amount is 15% higher than last year's, and the fiscal deficit is estimated at 4.66% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).

A key highlight is the announcement of new projects for the development of religious sites. 'Omkareshwar Lok' will be developed similar to Ujjain's famous Mahakal Lok corridor.

The government has allocated ₹47,296 crore for Scheduled Tribes' welfare and ₹32,633 crore for Scheduled Castes' welfare. Also, ₹18,669 crore has been earmarked for the Mukhya Mantri Laadli Behna Yojana, which offers monthly financial aid to eligible women.

Further, ₹10 crore has been set aside for the Shrikrishna Pathey Yojana to develop sites linked to Lord Krishna's life. Additionally, ₹30 crore will be used for developing 'Ram Path Gaman' and the holy town of Chitrakoot.

The budget focuses on inclusive growth, religious tourism, and women's welfare without increasing the tax burden.