Bhopal, Feb 18, 2026: The government of Madhya Pradesh presented its growth-oriented Budget 2026, focusing on women’s welfare, farmers’ support, employment generation, and infrastructure, while announcing no new taxes for citizens. Finance Minister Jagdish Devda presented the third budget of the government led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, reaffirming the vision of “Har Haath Ko Kaam” (Jobs for Every Hand).
The budget earmarks ₹1.27 lakh crore for women-centric welfare, including a massive ₹23,882 crore allocation for the Ladli Behna Scheme, benefiting over 1.25 crore women across the state. For farmers, the government announced 1 lakh solar pumps worth ₹3,000 crore and continued ₹12,000 annual direct financial assistance through combined farmer welfare schemes.
A strong push on jobs and investment includes industrial and IT parks across 19,300 acres, while the state has attracted ₹33 lakh crore in investment proposals in the past two years. The government also created a special fund for Simhastha 2028 in Ujjain, prioritizing infrastructure and religious tourism development.
The budget proposes ₹21,630 crore for rural roads, ₹412 crore for fisheries, ₹1,335 crore for labour welfare, and ₹793 crore for tribal development covering 11,277 villages. In a new nutrition initiative, students up to Class 8 in government schools will receive tetra-pack milk to combat malnutrition.
Despite political protests in the Assembly over the state’s ₹4.94 lakh crore debt, Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar maintained order as the government described the budget as development-focused and welfare-driven.
Key Budget Numbers
| Sector / Scheme | Allocation / Target | Key Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Women Welfare (Total) | ₹1.27 Lakh Crore | Economic empowerment of women |
| Ladli Behna Scheme | ₹23,882 Crore | 1.25 crore women beneficiaries |
| Solar Pumps for Farmers | ₹3,000 Crore | 1 lakh pumps, lower irrigation cost |
| Farmer Direct Support | ₹12,000/year | Cash aid to farmer families |
| Rural Roads | ₹21,630 Crore | Improved rural connectivity |
| Fisheries Sector | ₹412 Crore | Boost fish production & income |
| Labour Welfare | ₹1,335 Crore | Worker protection & benefits |
| Tribal Development | ₹793 Crore | 11,277 villages covered |
| Industrial & IT Parks | 19,300 acres | Jobs & investment growth |
| Simhastha 2028 Fund | Special Provision | Infrastructure in Ujjain |
| New Taxes | None | Relief to citizens |
