Department of Finance (Chhattisgarh)
The Department of Finance (Hindi: Vitta Vibhāg), often referred to as the Finance Ministry, is a principal ministry of the Government of Chhattisgarh. It is the nodal agency responsible for the management of the state's economy, including fiscal policy, the preparation of the annual State Budget, and the administration of the Consolidated Fund of Chhattisgarh. The department is headed by the Minister of Finance, currently O. P. Choudhary since 29 December 2023.
History
The department was established on 1 November 2000, following the creation of Chhattisgarh state. The inaugural Finance Minister was Ramchandra Singh Deo. Historically, the department has been overseen by several prominent leaders, including former Chief Minister Raman Singh, who held the portfolio for over a decade (2007–2018), and Amar Agrawal, who served as the Finance Minister from 2003 to 2007.
Key Functions
The department exercises control over the state's financial resources and maintains transparency through several technical wings:
- Budget Preparation: Formulation and presentation of the annual financial statement (Budget) in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly. In March 2025, Minister O.P. Choudhary presented a record ₹1.65 lakh crore budget themed "GATI".
- Directorate of Treasuries and Accounts: Managing the statewide network of treasuries for government payments and receipts.
- Institutional Finance: Coordination with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and commercial banks for state-sponsored schemes and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) monitoring.
List of Finance Ministers
No. |
Portrait |
Name |
Term |
Party |
Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Ramchandra Singh Deo |
Nov 2000 – Dec 2003 |
Indian National Congress |
||
2 |
Amar Agrawal |
Dec 2003 – 2007 |
Bharatiya Janata Party |
||
3 |
|
Raman Singh |
2007 – Dec 2018 |
Bharatiya Janata Party |
|
4 |
|
Bhupesh Baghel |
Dec 2018 – Dec 2023 |
Indian National Congress |
|
5 |
|
O. P. Choudhary |
Dec 2023 – Present |
Bharatiya Janata Party |