Himachal Budget Session Kicks Off: Governor’s Address Highlights Financial Woes, Green Push, and Social Welfare.. CM to Present Budget on March 17..
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Budget Session commenced on Monday with Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla addressing the Assembly, outlining the government’s priorities amid financial struggles.
The session, scheduled from March 10 to March 28, will have 16 sittings, during which crucial policy discussions, including the state budget presentation by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on March 17, will take place.
Financial Crunch & Resilience
In his speech, Governor Shukla acknowledged the state’s economic difficulties, citing the discontinuation of GST compensation and a reduction in the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) by the Centre.
Despite this, he assured that the government remains committed to strengthening Himachal’s economy through its ‘Atmanirbhar Himachal’ initiative.
Focus on Green Energy
One of the key highlights of the address was the government’s commitment to making Himachal Pradesh the first ‘Green Energy State’ by 2026.
As part of this vision, diesel and petrol vehicles will be gradually replaced with electric ones, and solar energy adoption will be aggressively promoted.
Additionally, under the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Scheme, 2023, a 50% subsidy is being offered to youth purchasing electric taxis.
Social Welfare & Relief Measures
The Governor also emphasized the government’s efforts toward social security. Under the Indira Gandhi Mahila Samman Nidhi Yojana, ₹1,500 per month is being provided to 2.43 lakh eligible women in the first phase.
The much-debated Old Pension Scheme has also been reinstated, benefiting 1.15 lakh government employees who previously fell under the New Pension Scheme.
The state has also ramped up its disaster relief efforts in response to last year’s devastating landslides and floods.
Compensation for completely damaged houses has been increased from ₹1.3 lakh to ₹7 lakh, a major relief for affected families.
Intensified Discussions Ahead
The Budget Session is expected to see intense debates, especially during the discussion on the Governor’s address from March 11-13.
Meanwhile, an all-party meeting chaired by Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania has proposed extending the session by three more days.
The final decision on this will be taken by the Business Advisory Committee.
With a mix of economic concerns, green ambitions, and social security promises, this Budget Session will be crucial in shaping Himachal Pradesh’s future.
All eyes will now be on March 17, when CM Sukhu presents his financial roadmap for the state.
