SHIMLA: Chief Minister Sukhivinder Singh Sukhu today presented the Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 in Vidhan Sabha, articulating an ambitious vision for making Himachal Pradesh Atam Nirbhar, seeking Rs 22 K Crore from the Centre.
Emphasizing the government's unwavering commitment to fostering self-reliance, Chief Minister Sukhu pledged to prioritize robust decision-making to steer the state through challenging times.
He underscored the significance of additional financial resources to bolster Himachal Pradesh's journey towards self-sufficiency.
Presenting the Postmaster Needs Assessment (PNA) report, Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the Central Government's commitment of Rs 19000 crore to mitigate losses incurred due to recent disasters. He further outlined a comprehensive plan, including allocating Rs 8000 crore for projects under the Bhakra Beas Management Board.
Chief Minister Sukhu unveiled transformative initiatives, including the establishment of a Himachal Pradesh Transformation Cell and a Coordination Center for Sustainable Development Goals. These entities aim to accelerate development by leveraging best practices at local, national, and international levels.
In a bid to empower farmers, Chief Minister Sukhu introduced the Rajiv Gandhi Natural Farming Start Up Scheme, earmarking Rs 680 crore to promote natural farming and elevate agricultural incomes- an old wine in new bottle.
This initiative, expected to benefit 36,000 farmers initially, reflects the government's commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
Highlighting the cultural and nutritional significance of millets, Chief Minister Sukhu announced plans to celebrate 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
Additionally, the government will focus on enhancing vegetable production, aiming to cultivate an additional 40,000 hectares of land under the JICA Phase II project.
In a significant move to revamp agricultural markets, Chief Minister Sukhu unveiled plans for new mandis across various districts and digitalization measures for transparent operations. Moreover, initiatives like the Center of Excellence for Vegetable Nursery Production will provide farmers with quality inputs and technical assistance.
Chief Minister Sukhu's budget also includes historic measures to support dairy farmers, such as increasing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cow and buffalo milk and announced Rs 45 per kg and Rs 55 Kg for buffalo milk- a first in India to do so.
Sukhu highlighted the government's commitment to promoting holistic development, stating, "At least one period per day will be made mandatory for sports and meditation in all schools." He stressed the importance of physical education, stating that the appointment of physical education teachers would be prioritized in over 500 schools.
The Chief Minister underscored efforts to enhance the education sector, stating, "All eligible colleges of the state will submit their claim for new creation in 2024-25 under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and Star Project." He also mentioned proposals under consideration by the Government of India, including allocations for PM Usha and PM Shri schemes.
Sukhu announced initiatives to upgrade educational infrastructure, including the construction of new schools and the establishment of a Center of Excellence for Education for Persons with Disabilities.
Addressing social welfare, Sukhu introduced schemes such as Mukhyamantri Sukhiya Yojana and Mukhyamantri Suraksha Yojana, aimed at providing healthcare and financial assistance to farmers, widows, and vulnerable individuals.
Moreover, the Chief Minister emphasized the government's commitment to timely delivery of benefits, stating, "The District Development Committee will be empowered to sanction benefits if meetings are not held on time."
Chief Minister Sukhu's budget proposal reflects a comprehensive approach to address the needs of Himachal Pradesh's populace, aiming to foster inclusive growth and upliftment across the state.
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