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Himachal CM Sukhu Presents Rural-Focused Budget Amid Financial Strain

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented the state budget for 2026-27, emphasizing its focus on transforming and strengthening the rural economy rather than political motives. He acknowledged a severe financial setback due to the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant, leading to a budget reduction from approximately Rs 58,000 crore to Rs 54,000 crore. Key welfare announcements include 300 units of free electricity for poor families and increased honorariums for specially-abled individuals. The CM also outlined long-term development plans, including creating three world-class cities, while criticizing the BJP for not supporting the state's interests.

Key Points: Himachal Budget 2026-27 Aims to Strengthen Rural Economy: CM Sukhu

  • Budget size reduced to ~Rs 54,000 crore due to constraints
  • 300 units free electricity for poor families
  • Honorariums increased for specially-abled
  • Focus on pure drinking water and health tech
  • Plans to create three world-class cities
3 min read

"Not a political budget, but to strengthen the rural economy": Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presents a transformative budget focused on rural economy and welfare, despite a Rs 8,000-10,000 crore grant loss.

"Not a political budget, but to strengthen the rural economy": Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
"This is not a political budget. It is a budget to strengthen the rural economy. - Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, March 21

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday said that the state budget for 2026-27 is focused on "transformation and strengthening the rural economy," while acknowledging that the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant has led to a financial loss of approximately Rs 8,000-10,000 crore.

Addressing the media after presenting the budget, CM Sukhu emphasised that the financial plan was not politically driven but aimed at long-term development and welfare

"This is not a political budget. It is a budget to strengthen the rural economy. We will have to face these circumstances," he said.

The Chief Minister noted that the state government made efforts to address the issue of the discontinued grant, including consultations with the Leader of Opposition, but these attempts did not yield any concrete outcome.

He further pointed out that although Himachal Pradesh has resources, it does not have full rights over them, calling it a matter of concern.

Sukhu stated that due to financial constraints, the overall size of the budget has been reduced from around Rs 58,000 crore to nearly Rs 54,000 crore. Despite this, he said that the government has introduced several schemes aimed at benefiting the common people.

"The schemes we have brought will benefit the common people. We conducted surveys to identify Below Poverty Line families and reach people at the grassroots," he added.

Highlighting key welfare measures, the Chief Minister announced 300 units of free electricity for poor families, terming it their rightful entitlement. He also said that honorariums for specially-abled individuals have been increased, alongside reforms in the education and healthcare sectors.

"We are focusing on providing pure drinking water in Shimla and across the state and introducing high-end technology in the health sector," he said.

The Chief Minister also outlined plans for long-term development, including the creation of three world-class cities to boost the state's economy.

Defending austerity measures, Sukhu clarified that no salary cuts have been imposed on government employees, describing the move as a deferment rather than a reduction.

"We are not doing this for political benefit. These decisions are in the interest of Himachal Pradesh," he said.

The Chief Minister also criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the opposition does not stand with the state's interests during challenging times.

Referring to the financial situation, he said Himachal Pradesh is currently burdened with a debt of nearly rs 1 lakh crore, stressing the need for collective efforts to ensure economic stability.

"When it comes to the state's interests, everyone must come together," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A loss of Rs 8,000-10,000 crore from the Centre is massive for a small state like Himachal. While the CM says it's not political, blaming the BJP and talking about state rights does sound political. The debt is already 1 lakh crore! Where is the concrete plan to generate revenue?
A
Aman W
As someone from a hill state, I understand the challenge. Resources are there but control isn't always with the state. Creating world-class cities sounds ambitious, but first fix the basics - drinking water in Shimla has been an issue for years. Hope this budget delivers on the ground.
S
Sarah B
Increasing honorariums for specially-abled individuals and focusing on health tech is commendable. These are often overlooked areas. It's a positive sign when welfare measures survive a budget cut.
V
Vikram M
The budget size is reduced but they are introducing new schemes? Something doesn't add up. "Deferment" of salaries for govt employees is a worrying sign of the financial stress. Hope the surveys for BPL families were done properly and help reaches the right people.
K
Kavitha C
Strengthening the rural economy is the real foundation for a state's growth. Tourism and agriculture are Himachal's backbone. If the plans for pure drinking water and health sector tech materialize, it will improve lives significantly. Fingers crossed! 🙏

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