SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Sukhu, presented the please-all Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 today in the Vidhan Sabha, outlining a plan to steer the state towards "self-reliance and prosperity focusing on farmers, employees, youth and women ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha polls". 

 In his address, he highlighted seven new policies aimed at leveraging modern technology to address future challenges and promote self-employment among the youth, particularly in agriculture and other sectors.

To appease state's lakhs of employees and pensioners, CM announced phasewise implementation of the old pension scheme and 4 per cent DA for them. 

Sukhu underscored the vision of a 'Green State' by prioritizing the transition to electricity from biofuels and outlined plans for inclusive development across various sectors.

But his real worry is burgeoning debt crisis, which he blamed it on the previous BJP government.

The loan liabilities have surged to Rs 87788 Crore.

Himachal's debt has increased to Rs 76651 Crore in 2023  from Rs 47906  Crore in 2018. 

The Rs. 58,444 crore Budget, focuses on bolstering the state's economy, with an expected growth rate of 7.1 percent and a per capita income of Rs. 2,35,199.

The budget has left behind a fiscal deficit of Rs 10, 784 Crore this year, which is  about 4.77 per cent of state GDP. 

On the simmy side are the losses incurred by the sick state-run public sector units that now stands at Staggering Rs 5143 crore. 14 out of 23 units are in the red, presented a poor picture and mismanagement of these units.

CM did not announce any plan to revamp them or shut down or lease them out. 

One of the main highlights is the 'Self-reliant Himachal' initiative, aiming to empower farmers through natural farming practices and establishing agricultural clusters. He announced introduction of universal cartons for apple packaging this year in the states. 

As many as 36,000 farmers will be adopting the natural farming. 20 quintals of naturally grown grains per family will be procured by the Government at the MSP of Rs.40 per kg and maize at the rate of Rs.30 per kg.

There will be an equitable development of 2,500 agricultural clusters over a period of 3 to 5 years under  ‘Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Mission’ by promoting high value crops.

A detailed action plan will be prepared to promote the production of coarse grains in the State.

New mandis at Mehndali and Shilaru in Shimla district and Bandrol in Kullu district. Paonta Sahib, Khairi, Ghanduri and Nauhradhar in Sirmaur; Chauribihal, Patlikuhal and Khegsu in Kullu; Takoli and Kangni in Mandi; Jasur, Passu and Palampur in Kangra; and, Parwanoo, Kunihar and Waknaghat mandis in Solan will be upgraded.

Additionally, measures to promote horticulture, dairy farming, and fisheries were announced to boost rural livelihoods.

In line with the state's commitment to renewable energy, Sukhu announced the commissioning of several solar power projects and emphasized the importance of an efficient transmission and distribution network.

Green, Clean and Energy State Himachal Largest ‘Solar Power Project’ with 32 MW capacity located at Pekhubella will be commissioned by the end of March, 2024.

The ‘Aghlor Solar Power Project’ with an installed capacity of 10 MW in Una will be ready for commissioning by June, 2024. Bhanjal (Una) Solar Power Project with an installed capacity of 5 MW will be dedicated to the people of the State by September, 2024.

The implementation of 'Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Yojana', envisaging the installation of solar panels ranging from 100 to 500 KW on the owned land at 45 percent subsidy will be given pace.

Grid connected Solar Roof Top Plants and ‘Solar Water Heating System’ will be installed in the Baal-Baalika Aashrams and old age homes in the State.

Tourism development also received significant attention, with plans for the expansion of heliports, development of tourist destinations, and construction of infrastructure to enhance the tourism experience. 

He announced to leasing out the eco-tourism sites to rope in more eco-tourists and promoting private enterprise in it. 

Sky Walk Bridge will be constructed in the famous tourist place Haasan Valley near Kufri.

All the Home Stay Units located in the State will be brought under the ambit of the ‘Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development and Registration Act’.

A master plan has been prepared for the development and management of Pong Dam under Swadesh Darshan-2. Construction work of a 3.2 Kilometres long ropeway at a cost of Rs.272 crore will be started between Bijli Mahadev and Mohal in Kullu. Broad gauge rail line from Kalka to Parwanoo for the convenience of the tourists and people of the State.

Out of the total 16 proposed heliports in the State, 9 heliports viz. Jaskot in Hamirpur; Rakkar and Palampur in Kangra; Sultanpur in Chamba; Aaloo Ground, Manali in Kullu; Sharbo in Kinnaur; and, Jispa, Sissu and Rangrik in Lahaul-Spiti will be developed in the first phase.

Chandratal, Kaza and Tandi in Lahaul-Spiti and Rackchham and Nako – Chango – Khab in Kinnaur will be developed as tourist destinations.

The Budget prioritizes healthcare and education, with the establishment of a State Cancer Institute and various initiatives to improve healthcare facilities and educational institutions across the state.

Moreover, efforts to combat drug abuse and illegal mining were highlighted, along with initiatives to ensure the welfare of marginalized sections of society, including women, widows, and the disabled.

He announced a grant of Rs 3 lakh for eligible widows and single Nari for house construction. 

The daily wagers will get Rs 400 per day in the state. 

Sukhu also announced various welfare measures for government employees, MGNREGA workers, and other vulnerable groups, along with schemes such as the Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Start-up Yojana and the Maharishi Valmiki Kaamgar Aawas yojna.

He said  Budget for 2024-25 reflects the state government's commitment to fostering sustainable development, promoting innovation, and ensuring the well-being of all residents of Himachal Pradesh.

New Announcements: 

- Introduction of Rs 680 Crore Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Start-up Yojana to promote organic farming entrepreneurship.
- Launch of Bhed-Bakari Paalak Protsahan Yojana to support sheep and goat rearing.
- Unveiling of Mukhya Mantri Sukh-Aarogya Yojana for free medical facilities for elderly citizens.
- Roll-out of Mukhya Mantri Sukh-Shiksha Yojana to fund education of widows' children.
- Initiation of Maharishi Valmiki Kaamgar Aawas Yojana for housing assistance to Valmiki community workers.- Implementation of Industrial Promotion and Investment Policy, 2024 to boost industrial growth.
- Enactment of Start-up Policy, 2024 to foster a conducive environment for start-ups.
- Introduction of Himachal Pradesh Mines and Minerals Policy, 2024 to regulate the mining sector.

-Implementation of Policy for Digital and Social Media.