Chhattisgarh Finance Minister Presents Handwritten Budget: A Testament to Dedication

A Traditional Touch in a Modern Age

In an era where even court rulings are often drafted by AI-powered chatbots, Chhattisgarh’s Finance Minister, OP Choudhary, has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to his role. By presenting a handwritten 100-page budget in Hindi, he showcases a hands-on approach that reflects his dedication to the budget preparation process.

A Midnight Oil Story

Choudhary, a former IAS officer who transitioned from a bureaucratic career to politics, put in extraordinary effort as he neared the March 4 presentation of the fiscal budget starting April 1 in the Chhattisgarh assembly. He hardly slept for a couple of hours during the days leading up to the presentation, showing the level of personal investment he dedicated to the task.

Personal Touch in Governance

“I was writing my own (Budget) speech and I realized that a handwritten document expresses my feelings, my emotions, my vision, my commitment, and my attachment more,” Choudhary stated. He believed that a handwritten budget would convey a deeper sense of ownership and dedication to the state’s financial planning than a typed document would.

The Journey to Completion

When asked about the time taken to prepare the budget, Choudhary explained that while the planning was ongoing for 5-6 months, the actual writing started just about a week or ten days before the presentation. He admitted, “I literally didn’t sleep for four nights leading up to the Budget presentation.” His commitment is evident in the dedication to the process.

Setting a Precedent

This seems to be the first instance of a finance minister presenting a handwritten budget in the assembly. Choudhary’s act of personally writing the entire document has been interpreted as a significant show of care and meticulousness in budget planning.

Symbol of Authenticity

“The handwritten budget symbolizes authenticity and transparency in governance,” Choudhary asserted. This personal touch adds special significance to the financial planning for Chhattisgarh and enhances the overall transparency in handling state finances.

Budget Overview

The budget, amounting to Rs 1,65,100 crore, outlines a roadmap for the state’s rapid economic progress, with pronounced attention on developing Leftwing extremism-hit Bastar.

Building on Previous Themes

Last year’s budget emphasized the theme GYAN (Gareeb, Yuva, Annadata, & Nari). In contrast, this year’s budget aims to extend that progress under the theme GATI, which stands for Good Governance, Accelerated Infrastructure, Technology, and Industrial Growth, according to Choudhary.

A Continuing Development Journey

“The previous year’s budget laid a foundation for inclusive development. This year’s budget presents the next step in that developmental journey,” he explained.

A Shift from Bureaucracy to Politics

Choudhary, a 2005-batch IAS officer, resigned from his position as Raipur Collector in 2018 to join the BJP. His strong command of Hindi, a subject he meticulously studied during his UPSC preparations, enabled him to write the budget in his unique style.

Inspiration to Serve

Reflecting on his career, he stated, “For 13 years in my bureaucratic life, I worked with full dedication, giving my 100 percent. I was at the peak of my career… I was the collector of Raipur capital.” This period motivated his switch to politics, believing it to be a larger platform for impacting people’s lives.

Political Aspirations

Choudhary was influenced by the notion that good people should enter politics to prevent bad governance. He was inspired to join the BJP, aligning with the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.

Electoral Journey

Despite losing his first election in 2018, Choudhary emerged victorious in 2023 from the Raigarh constituency, marking a significant phase in his political career.

Conclusion

Choudhary’s handwritten budget reflects not just a personal commitment to the state’s financial management but also a broader intent to embody transparency and authenticity in governance. His dedication sets a unique precedent in the political landscape.