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Himachal Budget Session Begins Feb 16 with Governor's Address

The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly's budget session for the 2026-27 financial year is scheduled to commence on February 16 with the Governor's address. Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania chaired a security review meeting, emphasizing foolproof arrangements and deploying around 500 police personnel. The session will feature obituary references, discussion on the Governor's address, and the presentation of a budget prepared under a changed financial scenario following the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant. Strict protocols include a manual pass system, a ban on electronic devices inside the House, and enhanced medical facilities on the premises.

Key Points: Himachal Assembly Budget Session 2026-27 to Start Feb 16

  • Session starts Feb 16 with Governor's address
  • Budget to be presented in new financial scenario
  • 500 police personnel for security
  • Strict ban on phones, photography inside House
  • Transition to National e-Vidhan Application underway
2 min read

Himachal Assembly's budget session to begin on Feb 16 with Governor's address

Himachal Pradesh's budget session begins Feb 16 with Governor's address. Speaker reviews security, outlines legislative business and new budget challenges.

"No lapse in security will be tolerated. Both internal and external security of the Assembly premises are of utmost importance. - Kuldeep Singh Pathania"

Shimla, February 10

Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review security arrangements ahead of the budget session, scheduled to begin on February 16.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Speaker said that as per constitutional provisions, the Budget Session of every new financial year begins with the Governor's Address.

"Since this is the new calendar year and the new financial year 2026-27, the session will commence with the Governor's Address on February 16 at 2 pm," Pathania said.

There will be obituary references for eminent personalities who passed away in the inter-session period.

The legislative business includes discussion on the Governor's Address and presentation of the Budget.

Referring to the changed financial scenario following the Finance Commission recommendation to discontinue Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), the Speaker said the government will be presenting the Budget in a new situation.

He said preparation of the Budget may take some time, and details will be shared once the government communicates its proposal.

The Speaker stated that the Assembly portal is now open to submit questions, notices, and motions. A detailed briefing on the session schedule will be given in a press conference on February 15.

Earlier, during the security review meeting, Pathania issued strict instructions to all senior officers to ensure foolproof security arrangements and minimal inconvenience to members and officials during the session. "No lapse in security will be tolerated. Both internal and external security of the Assembly premises are of utmost importance," he said.

The Speaker said around 500 police personnel will be deployed to ensure security during the session.

It was decided that all entry passes will be issued manually instead of online, as the transition from Himachal e-Vidhan to the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) is still underway.

Mobile phones, pagers, and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the House. Photography and videography inside the Assembly are not permitted, and any violations will result in strict action. An ambulance with modern medical facilities, along with doctors and paramedical staff, will remain stationed at the Assembly premises throughout the session.

The Speaker also directed officials to complete repair and maintenance works of the Assembly building and ensure high standards of cleanliness before the session begins.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The shift from Himachal e-Vidhan to NeVA is a positive step for transparency and integration with national systems, but reverting to manual passes during the transition seems like a step back. Hopefully it's temporary and doesn't cause too much chaos at the entry points.
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Priyanka N
Security is paramount, no doubt. Deploying 500 personnel shows seriousness. But I hope the focus isn't just on security theatrics. The real "security" we need is for our livelihoods and the state's economy. Let's see what the budget holds for farmers, tourism, and infrastructure. 🙏
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Aman W
Respect for the obituary references. It's a dignified tradition. On the budget, the Speaker saying "preparation may take some time" is a bit worrying. The session starts on the 16th, they should have been more prepared. Hope this doesn't mean a rushed job at the last minute.
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Karthik V
The ban on phones inside is good. MLAs should focus on the debate, not their screens! The ambulance on standby is a thoughtful touch, especially considering the age of some senior members. Hope the repairs and cleanliness drive includes the public galleries too.
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Michael C
As someone who follows state budgets across India, the loss of the RDG is a significant fiscal shock for Himachal. This budget session will be a crucial test of the government's planning and priorities. The details shared on the 15th will be very telling.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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