NEW DELHI: The Union Budget 2024-25 presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today in Parliament includes several key schemes and allocations   aimed at benefiting Himachal Pradesh and other Himalayan states.

Here’s a detailed look at how these schemes will benefit.

1. Industrial Development Scheme for Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand (₹567 crore)

Benefits:

-Economic Growth: This scheme is designed to promote industrialization in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, leading to economic growth and job creation.

- ncentives for New Industries: It provides financial incentives to new industrial units, encouraging investments and establishment of industries in these regions.

- Enhanced Competitiveness: By supporting the industrial sector, the scheme aims to enhance the competitiveness of local industries, helping them grow and integrate into national and global 

 2. Refund of Central and Integrated GST to Industrial Units (₹1,382 crore)

Benefits:

- Financial Relief: Industrial units in the North Eastern Region and Himalayan States will receive refunds on GST, reducing their operational costs.

- Boost to Local Economy:This will encourage more businesses to set up operations in these regions, thereby boosting the local economy and employment opportunities.

- Support for Small and Medium Enterprises:** Particularly beneficial for small and medium enterprises, helping them to sustain and expand.

 3. Border Roads Development Board (₹6,500 crore)

Benefits:

- Improved Connectivity: The development of border roads will significantly improve connectivity in remote and difficult terrains, facilitating easier movement of goods and people.

- Strategic Importance:Enhanced road infrastructure will also have strategic benefits, improving accessibility to border areas and aiding in national security.

- Economic Development:Better roads will attract tourists and boost local businesses, contributing to the overall economic development of these regions 

 4. Border Area Development Programme (₹2,000 crore)

Benefits:

- Infrastructure Development: Focuses on the creation of essential infrastructure such as roads, healthcare, and educational facilities in border areas.

-Livelihood Opportunities: Aims to improve living conditions and create livelihood opportunities for people living in border areas, reducing migration.

- Enhanced Security: Strengthens infrastructure in border regions, which is crucial for national security and maintaining peace.

 5. Jal Jeevan Mission/National Rural Drinking Water Mission (₹70,163 crore)

Benefits:

- Access to Clean Water: Ensures that rural households have access to clean and safe drinking water, addressing water scarcity issues in remote areas.

- Health Benefits: Reduces waterborne diseases by providing safe drinking water, improving overall health and hygiene.

- Women Empowerment: Eases the burden on women and girls who often bear the responsibility of fetching water, allowing them more time for education and other productive activities.

 6. National Health Mission (₹38,183 crore)

Benefits:

- Healthcare Access: Improves access to quality healthcare services in rural and remote areas, including the Himalayan states.

- Infrastructure Development: Supports the development of healthcare infrastructure, including the establishment of primary health centers and community health centers.

- Health Awareness: Promotes health awareness and preventive healthcare measures, improving the overall health profile of the population.

7. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) (₹80,671 crore)

Benefits:

- Affordable Housing:Aims to provide affordable housing to all, ensuring that every family has a pucca house with basic amenities.

- Urban and Rural Focus: The scheme covers both urban and rural areas, addressing the housing needs of diverse populations.

- Economic Stimulus:Housing construction stimulates local economies by generating employment and demand for construction materials

8. Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (₹7,500 crore)

Benefits:

- Universal Health Coverage: Provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, benefiting poor and vulnerable families.

-Cashless Treatment: Ensures cashless and paperless access to health services at the point of service, improving healthcare accessibility.

- **Financial Protection:** Reduces the financial burden on families due to medical expenses, protecting them from impoverishment due to health emergencies.

 9. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (₹19,000 crore)

Benefits:

- Rural Connectivity:  Enhances rural connectivity by constructing all-weather roads to unconnected habitations, improving access to markets, education, and healthcare.

- Economic Development: Better roads facilitate the movement of goods and services, boosting economic activities in rural areas.

- Social Inclusion: Improved connectivity promotes social inclusion by integrating remote areas with the mainstream economy.