New Delhi, March 3: The Chhattisgarh government on Monday announced that it will create a State Industrial Security Force (SISF), modelled on the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), to safeguard rich mineral resources that significantly contribute to the tribal-state economy.

Chhattisgarh in 2022-23 reportedly earned a record mineral revenue of ₹12,941 crore.

The creation of SISF was announced during the budget presented in the state assembly on Monday, which has a special focus on the development of the Naxal-affected Bastar region by giving a boost to tourism, security and infrastructure. Much of the mineral-rich area of the state has influence of Naxal, which is owing to excessive exploitation by the corporates.

The move is in line with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s earlier declaration that naxalism will be rooted out of the country by next year.

On Monday, state Finance Minister OP Choudhary presented a ₹1,65,000 crore budget for the FY26, which has several key relief measures, including slashing petrol prices by ₹1 per liter to benefit the general public, farmers, and industries. It was announced that pulses and oilseed crops would be purchased at support price, and special provisions were introduced for farmers, such as increasing farmers’ income and agricultural production.

Provision of Rs 10,000 crores for Krishi Unnati Yojana and ₹600 crores under Deendayal Upadhyay Krishi Mazdoor Kalyan Yojana has been allocated through the budget.

Later, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said, “This budget is for the golden future of Chhattisgarh and will take every section to new heights.” He said the budget last year was based on the theme of GYAN (Gareeb, Yuva, Annadata and Nari) and focused on developing these four segments.

To strengthen the agricultural sector, the government has allocated significant funds to various programs aimed at improving farmers’ incomes and increasing agricultural productivity.

Special attention has been given to promoting organic farming, particularly the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds, as part of efforts to encourage sustainable farming practices, said the state government.

A significant allocation of ₹5,326 crore has been made for food security, ensuring farmers receive the necessary support for food production.

Additionally, ₹10,000 crore has been earmarked for the ongoing Krishak Unnati Yojana, focusing on farmer welfare and agricultural development. The budget also includes ₹600 crore for the Deendayal Upadhyaya Agricultural Laborers Welfare Scheme, which will provide annual financial assistance of ₹10,000 to 5.62 lakh landless farmers.