Gandhinagar, February 18: The Gujarat government has presented its largest budget to date, aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable development. On Wednesday, Finance Minister Kanu Desai announced a historic allocation of over ₹4,08,053 crore, focusing on the empowerment of the underprivileged, youth, farmers, and women.
For the Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Cooperation Department, a total provision of ₹24,022 crore has been made. The Industries and Mines Department received an allocation of ₹13,942 crore, while the Tourism, Pilgrimage, and Civil Aviation sectors were proposed a budget of ₹3,090 crore.
The Finance Minister allocated ₹4,314 crore for the Ports and Transport Department. Additionally, a budget of ₹25,960 crore was announced for the Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply, and Kalpasar Department. The Water Resources Division received ₹13,944 crore, while the Panchayat, Rural Housing, and Rural Development Department was allocated ₹14,858 crore.
For the fiscal year 2026-27, the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department of Gujarat has been granted ₹33,504 crore in plans. The Roads and Buildings Department received provisions of ₹29,709 crore. The government has also allocated ₹2,856 crore for the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department, and ₹2,902 crore for the Labor, Skill Development, and Employment Department.
Finance Minister Kanu Desai announced a provision of ₹5,425 crore for the Tribal Development Department. The Social Justice and Empowerment Department received a budget of ₹7,086 crore. Other allocations include ₹452 crore for the Information and Broadcasting Department, ₹3,560 crore for the Forest and Environment Department, ₹429 crore for the Climate Change Department, and ₹2,702 crore for the Law Ministry.
While presenting the budget, the Finance Minister declared 2026 as the “Year of Gujarat Tourism.” He also announced the launch of the “Gujarat Unified Digital Stack” platform for government services. Multi-specialty hospitals will be built in Surat and Ahmedabad at a cost of ₹500 crore. A “Regional Rapid Transit System” (RRTS) will be established to connect Ahmedabad and Surat.
Kanu Desai revealed plans to initiate the “Wed in Gujarat” campaign to promote the state as a wedding destination. Furthermore, six “Growth Hubs” will be developed in North Gujarat, Central Gujarat, Saurashtra, Coastal Saurashtra, Kutch, and Surat. The goal is to establish Dholera and Sanand as global semiconductor hubs.
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