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Gujarat's Record ₹4.08 Lakh Crore Budget Focuses on Growth & Security

The Gujarat government has presented its largest-ever state budget, with an outlay of ₹4.08 lakh crore for the 2026-27 financial year. Finance Minister Kanu Desai, presenting his fifth consecutive budget, stated it is built on pillars of social security, human development, infrastructure, economic activity, and green growth. The budget reflects a steady increase from previous years, continuing initiatives like the 'Viksit Gujarat Fund'. The Budget Session, which began this week, will see the proposal debated over 26 sittings until late March.

Key Points: Gujarat Presents Record ₹4.08 Lakh Crore Budget for 2026-27

  • Largest budget in state's history
  • Built on five key pillars
  • Presented by FM Kanu Desai for 5th time
  • Sustained yearly increase in outlay
  • Session includes 26 sittings till March 25
2 min read

Gujarat presents record Rs 4.08 lakh crore budget; Minister Kanu Desai's fifth consecutive

Gujarat FM Kanu Desai presents a historic ₹4.08 lakh crore budget built on five pillars, including social security and green growth.

"I present before this esteemed House the record‑breaking budget of Rs 4,08,053 crore - Kanu Desai"

Gandhinagar, Feb 18

The Gujarat government on Wednesday presented its state budget for the financial year 2026-27, setting out an outlay of Rs 4.08 lakh crore, the largest in the state's history.

The budget was tabled in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly by State Finance Minister Kanu Desai, marking his fifth consecutive annual budget presentation.

In his speech, Desai said the budget is built on five pillars -- social security, human resource development, intra‑infrastructural facilities, development of economic activities and green growth -- underscoring the government's effort to chart a comprehensive plan for the year.

"Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government has adopted a comprehensive and all-inclusive approach. I present before this esteemed House the record‑breaking budget of Rs 4,08,053 crore," he stated.

The Budget Session began on Monday and is scheduled to continue until March 25, with the budget debate and subsequent discussion occupying a significant portion of the sittings.

Speaker Shankar Chaudhary confirmed the session would include 26 sittings during this period.

According to official Assembly records, the size of the budget has risen steadily over recent years. In 2022-23, the state's budget stood at Rs 2,43,965 crore, increasing to Rs 3,01,021 crore for 2023-24, Rs 3,32,465 crore in 2024-25 and Rs 3,70,250 crore in 2025-26.

This year's budget thus reflects sustained expansion in fiscal plans. Last year's budget had emphasised a range of development initiatives, including a Rs 50,000 crore 'Viksit Gujarat Fund' over five years with Rs 5,000 crore allocated in 2025-26, and substantial outlays for agriculture, urban housing and water resources among other sectors.

Governor Acharya Devvrat, in his address to the Assembly at the start of the Budget Session, noted that the state had disbursed Rs 9,610 crore in crop damage compensation to over 33 lakh farmers affected by unseasonal rains, while highlighting technology-driven administrative reforms and natural farming practices.

The budget will now be examined and debated by members over the coming weeks.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Gujarat continues to lead! From 2.44 lakh crore to over 4 lakh crore in just a few years shows incredible economic momentum. The focus on infrastructure and human development is exactly what's needed for a Viksit Gujarat. Kudos to the team! 🇮🇳
R
Rohit P
The numbers are huge, but as a small business owner in Surat, I'm more interested in the "development of economic activities" pillar. We need simpler GST processes, easier credit, and less red tape. Hope the budget debate addresses these practical issues.
M
Meera T
Glad to see 'green growth' as a pillar. Gujarat's coastline and industrial zones need serious environmental protection. Hope substantial funds are allocated for waste management and renewable energy projects in cities like Ahmedabad and Rajkot.
D
David E
Interesting to follow Gujarat's fiscal policy. The consistent year-on-year growth in budget size indicates strong revenue generation and planning confidence. The emphasis on technology-driven reform is a positive sign for investors looking at the state.
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Sneha F
Hope the 'social security' pillar includes strengthening the healthcare system, especially in rural areas. We have good hospitals in cities, but villages still lack basic facilities. Also, more funds for government schools please! 📚

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