Gujarat Budget 2025-26: Key Announcements Include New Expressways, Housing Allocations, and Reduced Stamp Duty
Gandhinagar: The Gujarat Finance Minister, Kanubhai Desai, unveiled the state’s ₹3,70,250 crore budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, marking his fourth consecutive term. The budget emphasizes infrastructure development, housing, social welfare, job creation, and agricultural growth, with a clear focus on supporting women, youth, and rural communities.
Highlights of the Gujarat Budget 2025-26:
1. Increased Housing Subsidies for Low-Income Families
For those dreaming of owning homes, the Gujarat government has earmarked plans to build over 3 lakh homes for the underprivileged. A significant subsidy increase of ₹50,000 will be provided under key housing schemes, including the Prime Minister Awas Yojana (Rural), Dr. Ambedkar Awas Yojana, Pandit Deendayal Awas Yojana, and Halpati Awas Yojana, bringing the total subsidy per home to ₹1.7 lakh.
2. Reduction in Stamp Duty
To ease the financial burden on citizens, the state government has reduced stamp duty for certain transactions. For property inherited by daughters, the stamp duty will be cut to a flat ₹200, which aligns it with the rate for sons. Moreover, stamp duty for loans up to ₹1 crore will be reduced from ₹25,000 to just ₹5,000, benefiting housing loan borrowers and small entrepreneurs.
3. Development of New Expressways
In a significant boost to connectivity, the Gujarat government has announced the development of two major expressways. The “Namoshakti Expressway” will connect Banas Kantha with Saurashtra’s coastline, while the “Somnath Dwarka Expressway” will link Ahmedabad to key religious, tourist, and port destinations such as Dwarka, Somnath, and Porbandar.
4. Urban Housing and Infrastructure Investments
The state has allocated ₹30,325 crore for urban housing and infrastructure projects. Additionally, ₹5,120 crore will be set aside for the development of tribal areas, while ₹13,772 crore will go towards rural housing and development.
5. Boost for Agriculture and Rural Communities
Farmers in Gujarat will benefit from an increase in the Kisan Credit Card limit, which will rise from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh. The budget also includes ₹1,795 crore for the construction of over 2 lakh homes for landless families in rural areas. Moreover, ₹30 crore will be allocated to help landless beneficiaries purchase plots.
6. Job Creation and Police Recruitment
As part of efforts to boost employment, the Gujarat government aims to create 5 lakh jobs. The police department will see a recruitment drive with plans to hire 14,000 new officers, improving law enforcement across the state.
7. Enhanced Pension and Insurance Coverage
The state has introduced a free life verification scheme for 5 lakh pensioners. Additionally, the accident insurance coverage under the Janata Group Insurance Scheme will be increased from ₹2 lakh to ₹4 lakh, benefiting more citizens across the state.
8. Women’s Welfare and Hostel Developments
In a major initiative for women’s empowerment, the government will construct new hostels for working women in cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Gandhinagar. Furthermore, ₹4,827 crore will be allocated for scholarships to benefit 81 lakh students in the state.
9. Cybersecurity Enhancements
To combat cybercrime, Gujarat will invest ₹30 crore in establishing cyber forensic units in all 24 districts, enhancing the state’s ability to investigate and prevent digital crimes.
The 2025-26 Gujarat Budget outlines the state’s commitment to improving infrastructure, welfare programs, and support for key sectors like housing, agriculture, and employment. The focus on reducing the financial burden on citizens, especially in terms of housing and stamp duties, is expected to provide significant relief to various sectors of the population.
