Madhya Pradesh Budget 2026–27 focuses on Women-centric Schemes and Rolling Budget Framework

IN NEWS: Madhya Pradesh Budget 2026–27 focuses on Women-centric Schemes and Rolling Budget Framework

Introduction

The Madhya Pradesh Budget 2026–27, presented by Jagdish Devda, outlines a total outlay of ₹4.38 lakh crore, with a strong emphasis on women-centric schemes, agriculture, infrastructure, and social welfare. The budget is notable for introducing the State’s first rolling budget framework and prioritising sectors under the GYANII model.

ANALYSIS

Overall Budget Size and Framework

The budget size of ₹4.38 lakh crore marks a continuation of expansionary fiscal policy by the State government. A key innovation highlighted is the adoption of a “rolling budget”, described as a system of dynamic financial planning, making Madhya Pradesh one of the first states to implement such a framework. Importantly, the budget does not introduce any new taxes, indicating an attempt to balance growth with taxpayer stability.

GYANII Model: Sectoral Priorities

The budget is structured around the GYANII model, which includes:

• Garib Kalyan (poor welfare)
• Yuva Shakti (youth empowerment)
• Annadata (farmers)
• Nari Shakti (women empowerment)
• Infrastructure
• Industry

Approximately ₹3 lakh crore has been allocated to these sectors, indicating a multi-sectoral development strategy.

Women-Centric Allocation: Core Highlight

The most significant feature of the budget is the highest allocation to women-centric schemes, exceeding ₹1.27 lakh crore.Key highlights:

• ₹23,882 crore allocated to the Ladli Behna scheme
• Monthly assistance increased to ₹1,250 (from ₹1,000 earlier)
• Additional focus on self-help groups and Ujjawala scheme
• Proposal to construct 5,700 hostels for working women

This indicates a strong policy push towards women empowerment and social welfare.

Rural and Employment Focus

The budget allocates significant funds to rural development:

• ₹40,062 crore for Panchayat and Rural Development
• ₹10,428 crore for rural employment scheme ‘G RAM G’
• ₹900 crore for PM Janman scheme targeting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

These allocations highlight emphasis on inclusive rural growth and tribal welfare.

Agriculture and Farmer Support

The agriculture sector has been allocated ₹88,910 crore, reflecting its centrality in the state economy.

• ₹3,000 crore allocated for 1 lakh solar irrigation pumps

This aligns with efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and energy-efficient irrigation.

Infrastructure and Major Projects

Infrastructure development received ₹59,347 crore, including:

• ₹44,605 crore for the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, launched in December 2024

Additionally:

• ₹3,600 crore allocated for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028 (Ujjain)

This indicates focus on large-scale infrastructure and cultural-economic events.

Fiscal Concerns and Opposition View

The Opposition raised concerns regarding:

• Rising state debt
• Recent borrowing of ₹5,600 crore
• Alleged fiscal deficit of ₹78,000 crore
• Claim that ~50% of previous budget remained unutilised

Criticism also included concerns about financial sustainability and transparency, highlighting the debate between development spending and fiscal discipline.

Key Takeaways

• ₹4.38 lakh crore budget with no new taxes
• Introduction of rolling budget system
• Highest allocation to women-centric schemes (₹1.27 lakh crore)
• Strong focus on agriculture, rural development and infrastructure
• Inclusion of major projects like Ken-Betwa link
• Fiscal concerns raised by Opposition

Static Part

Madhya Pradesh Budget

• Presented by: Jagdish Devda
• Government: Led by Mohan Yadav
• Nature: Annual State Budget
• Key Innovation: Introduction of rolling budget framework
• Core Function: Allocation of financial resources for development, welfare, infrastructure, and governance

Updated - 18 February 2026 ; 02:35 PM | News Source The Hindu