Gujarat Finance Minister Kanu Desai presented the state’s largest-ever budget in the Legislative Assembly, totaling ₹4,08,053 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27. This record outlay reflects a robust 10.2% increase over the previous year's ₹3.70 lakh crore, signaling Gujarat’s aggressive pursuit of the "Viksit Gujarat @ 2047" vision.

With an estimated surplus of ₹974 crore and no new taxes, the budget balances fiscal prudence with massive developmental spending. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel hailed the budget as "trust-based and human-centric," emphasizing that 65% of the total expenditure is dedicated to developmental projects.

The Five Pillars of Growth

The budget is structurally anchored to five key thematic pillars:

 * Social Security: Protecting the vulnerable and ensuring equitable access.

 * Human Resource Development: Massive investments in education and skilling.

 * Infrastructure: Building world-class connectivity and "Olympic-ready" facilities.

 * Economic Expansion: Promoting tourism and regional economic hubs.

 * Green Growth: Transitioning toward sustainable energy and technology.

Strategic Highlights: Sports, Tourism, and AI

 * Olympic Dreams: Gujarat is positioning Ahmedabad as an "Olympic Ready City" ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games. A dedicated ₹1,278 crore has been earmarked for international-standard sports complexes, including the SVP Sports Enclave.

 * "Gujarat Tourism Year" (2026): To boost the travel economy, the government declared 2026 as the Year of Tourism. Significant funds are allocated to the "Wed in Gujarat" campaign to brand the state as a premier destination wedding hub.

 * Digital Governance & AI: Keeping pace with deep tech, ₹850 crore is allocated for AI initiatives, including a Data Fusion Centre and a Centre of Excellence for AI-driven policing.

 * Green Mobility: The 5% tax rebate on Electric Vehicles (EVs) has been extended for another year to encourage sustainable transport.

> "Under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi, this record-breaking budget ensures that Gujarat remains the engine of India's growth while empowering the 'GYAN'—Garib (poor), Yuva (youth), Annadata (farmer), and Nari (women)." — Kanu Desai, Finance Minister

Fiscal Health

Despite the high spending, Gujarat maintains a healthy fiscal profile. The Fiscal Deficit is pegged at 1.97%, well within the 3% FRBM target, while Public Debt remains at 14.7% of GSDP, significantly lower than the national average.