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Gujarat Boosts Rural Development with Rs 5,479 Crore Budget for 2026-27

The Gujarat government has announced a Rs 5,479 crore budget for the Rural Development Department for the 2026-27 financial year, representing a Rs 779 crore increase from the previous year. Key allocations include Rs 1,755 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) and Rs 737.91 crore for the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). The budget also introduces new provisions for liquid waste management in 400 villages and increases the guaranteed employment period under the VB-GRAM-G Scheme from 100 to 125 days. Significant funds are also directed towards empowering women through the Lakhpati Didi Scheme and establishing 'Gram Haat' marketplaces for Self-Help Groups.

Key Points: Gujarat's Rs 5,479 Crore Rural Development Budget Announced

  • Rs 5,479 crore total budget
  • Rs 1,755 crore for PM Awas Yojana
  • Rs 737.91 crore for Swachh Bharat Mission
  • Rs 1,500 crore for VB-GRAM-G Scheme
2 min read

Rs 5,479 crore budget for Rural Development Department in 2026-27: Gujarat Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya

Gujarat allocs Rs 5,479 crore for rural development in FY 2026-27, focusing on housing, sanitation, employment, and women's empowerment schemes.

"The allocation marks a significant increase... reflecting the government's strong commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure - Kunvarji Bavaliya"

Gandhinagar, March 14

Under the leadership of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state government has announced a total budget of Rs 5,479 crore for the Rural Development Department for the financial year 2026-27.

Rural Development Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya said that the allocation marks a significant increase of Rs 779 crore compared to last year's budget of Rs 4,700 crore, reflecting the government's strong commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure and livelihood opportunities. He was addressing a press conference on the department's budget provisions.

Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), a total provision of Rs 1,755 crore has been made under the scheme. An additional Rs 90 crore has been allocated to provide extra assistance of Rs 50,000 each to around 18,000 beneficiaries at the roof-casting stage of housing construction. Financial assistance under the scheme stands at Rs 2,72,820 for tribal beneficiaries and Rs 2,32,920 for non-tribal beneficiaries.

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), a budget provision of Rs 737.91 crore has been made for FY 2026-27. A new allocation of Rs 50 crore has been made for the Liquid Waste Management System aimed at treating wastewater in rural areas. End Drain Treatment works will be undertaken in 400 villages across the state.

Under the VB-GRAM-G Scheme, Rs 1,500 crore has been allocated for the scheme. The guaranteed employment period has been increased from 100 days to 125 days of wage employment. Provision has also been made to pay unemployment allowance if employment is not provided within the stipulated time.

Under the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, Rs 48 crore has been allocated for FY 2026-27. Around 10,000 experienced "Lakhpati Didis" will be supported every year to scale up their enterprises through improved production, packaging and value addition.

Under the Gram Haat Initiative, a provision of Rs 20 crore has been made to establish 'Gram Haat' marketplaces to provide permanent sales platforms for women from Self-Help Groups.

These markets will be developed on government land in municipal corporations, municipalities and tourism destinations.

Marketing Support for Self-Help Groups: A budget allocation of Rs 25 crore has been made to support production, marketing, and online sales through e-commerce platforms for products made by women's self-help groups (Sakhi Mandals)

The press conference was also attended by Minister of State for Rural Development Sanjaysinh Mahida, Rural Development Secretary Dhananjay Dwivedi, Labour, Employment and Skill Development Secretary Lochan Sehra, Director of Employment and Training Nitin Sangwan, and other senior officials.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Increasing MGNREGA days to 125 is a big relief for rural laborers, especially with the unemployment allowance provision. But the real test is timely payment of wages. Last year, my uncle in Kutch faced delays of months. Implementation matters more than announcements.
D
David E
As someone working in development, the Rs 50 crore for liquid waste management in 400 villages is a crucial, forward-thinking allocation. Proper sanitation is the bedrock of public health. Hope they use sustainable, low-cost technologies suitable for our rural context.
A
Anjali F
The budget numbers look impressive on paper. But in my village, the PMAY houses built last year have poor quality construction. The extra 50k at roof stage is good, but who checks the cement and rod quality? Need strict third-party monitoring, babus alone won't do.
K
Karthik V
Gujarat leading the way again! The holistic approach covering housing, sanitation, employment, and women entrepreneurship is commendable. The 25 crore for marketing SHG products online can be a game-changer if executed well. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
S
Sneha F
Good to see a separate higher allocation for tribal beneficiaries under PMAY. Tribal areas often get neglected. Hope the Gram Haats in tourist spots help our local artisans sell directly to visitors. More power to our rural sisters!

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