No MSP For Apple Farmers in Himachal Pradesh?

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SHIMLA: IN the ₹58,514 crore budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu outlined several initiatives aimed at bolstering the state's agrarian economy.

Notably, the budget includes a provision of ₹5 crore dedicated to the development of digital agritech services to strengthen the horticulture sector.

This initiative seeks to enhance horticultural practices, improve productivity, and support agricultural income through technology and digital tools.

Despite the significance of apple farming to the state's economy, contributing approximately ₹5,000 crore annually, the budget did not introduce a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for apple farmers.

This omission is particularly concerning given the challenges faced by apple growers in recent years.

Over the past two years, apple production in Himachal Pradesh has experienced significant declines, primarily due to adverse climatic conditions, including reduced snowfall and rainfall, which have disrupted the essential chilling periods required for apple cultivation.

The absence of MSP for apple farmers leaves them vulnerable to market volatility and external competition.

Neighboring states have implemented MSPs for various crops, providing their farmers with a safety net against unpredictable market forces. CM announced MSP for various crops in the budget.

The lack of similar support for apple growers in Himachal Pradesh exacerbates their financial instability, especially in light of recent crop failures.

Furthermore, the budget did not announce the formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for apple cultivators. FPOs can enhance collective bargaining, streamline supply chains, and improve access to markets and technology.

Their absence in the current budget suggests a gap in addressing the structural challenges within the apple farming community.

WHILE the 2025-26 budget introduces commendable initiatives for certain sectors, it falls short in addressing the pressing needs of apple farmers.

They face import of cheap low quality apple being dumped in the domestic markets from Iran and Turkey impacting the domestic market.

Without MSP protections and support structures like FPOs, these cultivators remain exposed to economic hardships.

It is imperative for the state government to recognize and address these gaps to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of Himachal Pradesh's apple industry.

#HimachalBudget2025 #AppleFarmers #Agriculture #Horticulture #MSP #FPOs #DigitalAgritech #ClimateImpact

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Fiscal Snapshot: A Tightrope Walk

Total Revenue Receipts: ₹42,343 crore
Total Revenue Expenditure: ₹48,733 crore
Revenue Deficit: ₹6,390 crore
Fiscal Deficit: ₹10,338 crore (4.04% of the state’s GDP)

With financial constraints looming large, the government has played a careful balancing act, allocating resources strategically while avoiding new taxes.

Takeaways from the Budget:

Boost for Farmers and Rural Economy

Milk Price Hike: Dairy farmers get a shot in the arm as the government increases milk prices by ₹6 per litre. Cow milk now costs ₹51/litre, and buffalo milk is priced at ₹61/litre.
Natural Farming Expansion: The state aims to rope in 1 lakh more farmers into natural farming, pushing for eco-friendly agriculture.
MNREGA Wage Hike: The daily wage for MNREGA workers rises from ₹300 to ₹320, giving rural employment a slight boost.
Daily Wagers Win: Wages for daily wagers also increase from ₹400 to ₹425.

Tourism and Infrastructure: A New Vision

Eco-Tourism Push: The state eyes its tea estates as potential eco-tourism hotspots, while religious tourism gets a facelift. Tea estates eco-tourism hubs.
Urban Mobility Leap: The government plans to introduce 500 electric buses and start the much-awaited Shimla Ropeway project to ease traffic congestion.

Education Overhaul

Separate Directorates for Schools & Colleges: In a bid to improve efficiency, the education department will now have dedicated directorates for schools and higher education.

Challenges & Critical Take

Despite a revenue deficit of ₹6,390 crore, Sukhu’s government has avoided additional taxes, focusing instead on economic reforms.

But with a fiscal deficit standing at 4.04% of GDP, questions arise about how the government plans to fund these ambitious projects.

While dairy farmers and rural workers have reasons to cheer, the real test will be effective implementation.

The success of the eco-tourism push and urban mobility projects depends on efficient execution and long-term planning.

The Road Ahead

Himachal’s 2025-26 budget is a mix of optimism and caution. While the government is making significant promises, fiscal sustainability remains a looming concern. The next challenge? Execution on the ground.

Key Announcements in the Budget

📌 Solar Power Boost – Youth setting up solar projects up to 250 kW will get a 5% interest subsidy. Non-tribal areas get a 4% subsidy up to 1 MW, beyond which it's 3%.

📌 Forest Rights Act Implementation – Committees will be restructured and training will be provided for faster implementation.

📌 Online Public Services & AI Integration – Over 14 lakh transactions have been recorded in the e-service portal, which will now get AI integration.

📌 Him Pariwar ID Initiative – 76.3 lakh individuals have been issued Him Pariwar IDs, which will now be linked to welfare schemes.

📌 State Single Sign-On System – Over 30 citizen-centric services integrated into a unified platform.

📌 IT and Software Development – Software Technology Parks in Mehli (Shimla) and Chaitadu (Kangra) to create 500-650 jobs.

📌 Drone Taxis for Transport & Agriculture – Drone hubs to be set up in Hamirpur, Mandi, and Kangra.

📌 Housing Projects – ₹1,200 crore to be invested in residential colonies in Rajpur, Brindavan, Rampur, Rajwadi, and Dharampur.

📌 Electric Buses & Public Transport Overhaul – 500 electric buses will be added in 2025-26, and Shimla will get new luxury vehicles & e-buses. A ₹1,540 crore urban transport project covering 14.79 km in Shimla is also on the way.

📌 Railway Expansion –
🔹 Bhanupalli-Bilaspur railway project estimated at ₹10,000 crore, with the state already contributing ₹1,150 crore.
🔹 Baddi-Chandigarh railway project at ₹1,600 crore, with ₹348 crore already paid.

📌 Tourism & Infrastructure –
✅ Automatic driving test track in Haroli (Una).
✅ Cruise tourism & water sports projects.
✅ EV charging stations at 41 locations under the PPP model.

🍕 Spice park in Hamirpur for agrobased industry.

The startup scheme for Small Traders and dhaba owners.

The Potatoes Processing unit in Haroli Una.

In the 2025-26 budget presented by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the allocation of each ₹100 is as follows:

Salaries and Pensions: Approximately ₹57 is allocated to salaries and pensions for government employees and retirees.

Loan Interest Payments: Around ₹15 is dedicated to servicing interest on the state's debt.

Developmental and Other Expenditures: The remaining ₹24 is earmarked for various developmental projects and other expenditures.

Honorarium Increases:

The budget includes several measures to enhance the honorarium for various categories of professional and workers:

For doctors, CM increased the stipend to Rs 0ne lakh and Rs 1.30 lakh per month.

ASHA Workers: An increase of ₹300 per month, bringing their monthly honorarium to ₹5,500.

Silai Teachers: A raise of ₹500 per month.

Mid-Day Meal Workers: An increment of ₹500 per month, resulting in a monthly honorarium of ₹4,500.

Jal Rakshaks (Education Department): An increase of ₹600 per month, totaling ₹5,000 per month.

Water Guards: A raise of ₹300 per month, bringing their monthly honorarium to ₹5,300.

Multi-Purpose Workers (Jal Shakti Vibhag): An increment of ₹600 per month, resulting in a monthly honorarium of ₹5,000.

Para Fitters and Pump Operators: A raise of ₹300 per month, totaling ₹6,300 per month.

Panchayat Chowkidars: An increase of ₹1,000 per month, bringing their monthly honorarium to ₹8,000.

Revenue Chowkidars: A raise of ₹300 per month, totaling ₹5,800 per month.

Revenue Lambardaars: An increment of ₹500 per month, resulting in a monthly honorarium of ₹4,200.

SMC Teachers: An increase of ₹1,900 per month.

IT Teachers: A raise of ₹1,900 per month.

Special Police Officers (SPOs): An increment of ₹500 per month.

These measures reflect the government's commitment to improving the welfare of its workforce and ensuring the efficient delivery of public services.

🔥 Opposition Calls It a ‘Budget of Broken Dreams’ – Jai Ram Thakur Slams CM Sukhu! 🔥

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur didn’t hold back and slammed the budget, calling it a "document of unrealistic promises with no financial backing!" He questioned why the government failed to announce sector-wise allocations, saying:

🗣️ "This budget is nothing but a bundle of false hopes. The government is sinking under its own financial mismanagement, and now it’s just making announcements without any concrete plan!"

What do you think? Is this budget a game-changer or just another political gimmick?

Comment below! 👇

🔹 #HimachalBudget2024
🔹 #CM_Sukhu
🔹 #JaiRamThakur
🔹 #FiscalDeficit
🔹 #BudgetRealityCheck
🔹 #HimachalPolitics

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BJP Queers the Pitch Before CM Sukhu's Budget Speech, Raises Law & Order Crisis in Himachal

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha turned into a battlefield of political accusations today as BJP MLAs, led by Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, stormed the Assembly premises in protest against the Bilaspur firing incident.

The attack left former Congress MLA Bamber Thakur injured and his PSO fatally wounded on Holi, triggering a fresh wave of political slugfest.

Even before the budget session commenced, the BJP went on the offensive, alleging a complete breakdown of law and order in Himachal Pradesh.

The saffron party accused the Sukhu government of being soft on gangsters while cracking down on BJP leaders.

They claimed the attackers had links to Congress leaders, as per a statement issued by Bumber Thakur from his hospital bed at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla.

"Samosa Probe While Chitta Mafia Runs Free?"
Jairam Thakur, addressing the media outside the Assembly, lambasted the Congress government, alleging that "Devbhoomi Himachal has become a hotbed of gang wars and drug cartels under the current regime."

He accused the government of focusing on petty issues like 'samosa probes' while the Chitta mafia wreaks havoc.

“The law-and-order situation is at its worst. Outsiders are entering the state, creating chaos, and raising pro-Khalistan slogans. Such things were unheard of before this government came to power,” Thakur alleged.

While the police claim to have apprehended some collaborators from Rohtak and constituted an SIT, BJP questioned why no official confirmation has been provided on the gangster’s arrest.

"CM Must Speak Before Budget"
Thakur demanded that CM Sukhu make an official statement in the Vidhan Sabha before presenting the budget.

“The Chief Minister must take responsibility and clarify the sequence of events that led to this attack,” he insisted.

He also hit out at the government for allegedly targeting BJP leaders while allowing crime syndicates to flourish.

“Why were our MLAs detained for hours in police stations for questioning?

Why is the government using surveillance to intimidate the opposition? The Sukhu government has failed to protect its citizens and is busy settling political scores instead,” he added.

The timing of the BJP’s aggressive posturing just before the budget presentation has queered the pitch for CM Sukhu, who now faces the challenge of tackling opposition barbs even before he lays out his fiscal roadmap.

As the political temperature soars, all eyes are on the Chief Minister's response to the BJP's allegations and whether the budget session will be overshadowed by the law-and-order debate.

#BilaspurFiring #HimachalPolitics #BJPvsCongress #SukhuGovernment #LawAndOrderCrisis #VidhanSabhaBudget #ChittaMafia #GangWarHimachal

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HPPCL Rot: When Bureaucracy Trimps Expertise, Technocrats Pay the Price

SHIMLA: The recent disappearance of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi has exposed the rot within Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL).

This incident highlights a deeper crisis—bureaucratic dominance over technocrats in state-run Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

This imbalance has led to harassment of professionals, financial mismanagement, and a severe economic drain.

Bureaucrats at the Helm: Why Are Technocrats Being Sidelined?

A disturbing trend has emerged in Himachal Pradesh. Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers are being appointed to lead PSUs, sidelining qualified technocrats. Organizations such as the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC), State Industrial Development Corporations, Agriculture Marketing Board, Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL), and Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) are all controlled by bureaucrats.

These organizations require technical and sector-specific expertise to function effectively.

Instead, political favoritism ensures that IAS officers, who often lack domain knowledge, call the shots. The result? Mounting losses and declining efficiency.

But this is not infer that the all IAS are incompetent or cannot deliver the goods. There IAS officers who have charted the new success stories in many states and are pillar of governance.

But in Himachal if one goes by the plight of the state-run corporations, bureaucracy has failed the corporations.

IAS are trained more as "generalists' not as "Specialists" and as such are more articulate to run administration, looking after law and order and issues of governance.

CAG Report: Himachal’s PSUs Are Bleeding Money

According to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, 14 out of 23 Himachal Pradesh PSUs are in the red, with cumulative losses reaching ₹5,143.4 crore. The worst-hit entities include:

HPSEBL: ₹1,809.61 crore in losses

HRTC: ₹1,707.12 crore in losses

HPPCL: ₹395.91 crore in losses

Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation: ₹552 crore in losses

Himachal Pradesh Financial Corporation: ₹180.97 crore in losses

Himachal Pradesh State Forest Corporation: ₹113.04 crore in losses

Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing Corporation (HPMC): ₹83.87 crore in losses

Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC): ₹27.27 crore in losses

These losses are not accidental. The CAG attributes them to mismanagement, political interference, and avoidable expenditures.

Controllable losses stood at ₹425.41 crore, with infructuous investments amounting to ₹44.54 crore over the last three years.

Why HPPCL is in Crisis

HPPCL, once envisioned as a powerhouse for hydropower development in the state, has now become a bureaucratic playground.

The current Managing Director (MD) and Director have been more focused on pleasing their political masters than on ensuring effective teamwork.

Instead of empowering technocrats, decision-making has been monopolized by IAS officers, leading to poor planning, execution delays, and financial setbacks.

The harassment of technocrats like Chief Engineer Vimal Negi is a clear indicator of the toxic environment within HPPCL.

Unrealistic targets, political pressure, and lack of professional autonomy have pushed technical experts to the edge.

The question remains—why are technocrats in key technical organizations being forced into submission while bureaucrats with little sectoral expertise make critical decisions?8

The Bureaucrat-Politician Nexus: A Recipe for Disaster

The bureaucrat-politician nexus is bleeding the state exchequer dry.

Instead of appointing professionals with sectoral knowledge, IAS officers—often unfamiliar with the complexities of power generation, transmission, and tourism—are at the helm.

This trend is not unique to HPPCL but extends to almost every PSU in the state.

The economic mess in Himachal Pradesh's PSUs is a direct result of this mismanagement.

Political patronage ensures that bureaucrats remain unaccountable, even as losses continue to mount.

The state government has even proposed merging loss-making PSUs, but without structural reforms, this move may do little to resolve the crisis.

Why Are NTPC, NHPC, SJVN, and ONGC Thriving?

A stark contrast can be seen in central PSUs like NTPC, NHPC, SJVN, ONGC, BHEL, and HAL, which are all headed by technocrats and management experts.

These companies have consistently delivered profits and technological advancements because they are run by professionals who understand the industry inside out.

SJVN – A Technocrat-Led Success Story

SJVN, headquartered in Shimla, is a perfect example. The company is led by engineers and power sector experts, allowing it to achieve remarkable efficiency and expansion in hydro and solar power.

Unlike HPPCL, where bureaucrats dictate decisions, SJVN has consistently increased profits and successfully diversified into new energy sectors.

NTPC & NHPC – Powering India with Experts at the Helm

NTPC and NHPC, both managed by technocrats, have been instrumental in ensuring India’s energy security.

Their leaders understand the complexities of power generation, regulatory compliance, and large-scale infrastructure development—areas where bureaucratic leadership often fails.

ONGC & BHEL – Global Competitiveness Through Expertise

ONGC, one of India’s leading oil and gas exploration companies, has consistently performed well under the leadership of industry experts.

Similarly, BHEL, which manufactures power equipment, is run by technocrats who ensure operational excellence and technological advancements.

The takeaway? When technocrats lead, PSUs thrive. When bureaucrats control them, they bleed losses.

A Call for Reform: Restore Power to the Experts

To reverse this decline, the government must:

1. Appoint Technocrats and Management Experts: Leadership roles in specialized sectors must go to those with the expertise to handle them.

2. Minimize Political Interference: PSUs must function based on economic viability, not political agendas.

3. Enforce Accountability and Transparency: Strict audits and disclosures are necessary to prevent corruption and inefficiency.

4. Reform PSU Structures: Instead of patchwork solutions like mergers, the focus should be on operational efficiency and fiscal discipline.

Himachal Pradesh is at a crossroads. Will the government continue to let bureaucrats run PSUs into the ground, or will it take bold steps to bring in professional leadership?

The fate of HPPCL and other public sector enterprises hangs in the balance.

#HPPCLCrisis #StopHarassingTechnocrats #IASVsTechnocrats #SaveHPPCL #HimachalPSUsFailing #BureaucraticMess #PSULosses #HPPCLInLosses #TaxpayerMoneyWasted #CAGReportExposesCorruption #HimachalNeedsReform #EndPoliticalInterference #TechnocratsForLeadership #PublicSectorReform #AccountabilityMatters #StopBureaucraticControl #EconomicDisasterHimachal #SJVNSuccess #NTPCvsHPPCL #NHPCProfit #TechnocratsVsBureaucrats

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Wife Announces Rs 1 Lakh Reward to Trace Missing HPPCL Chief Engineer Vimal Negi

Shimla: The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), has deepened as his wife, Kiran Negi, has announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for any credible information leading to his whereabouts.

Negi has been missing since March 10 after 12:30 PM from his HPPCL office, and his sudden disappearance has sparked outrage among engineering associations and colleagues.

In a letter addressed to CM and Additional Chief Secretary (National Disaster Management), Onkar Chand Sharma, and top police officials, Kiran Negi expressed her anguish over the corporation’s silence as her husband remained untraced.

She alleged that neither HPPCL Managing Director nor Director or official informed the family about her husband's disappearance.

She further told them orally that Vimal Negi had been facing harassment and mental torture at the hands of senior officials at the corporation, which could have contributed to his sudden vanishing.

Family members, engineering unions, and colleagues from the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Corporation have voiced serious concerns, pointing out that Negi was known for his integrity and straightforward approach.

The HPSEBL union has demanded probe into the disappearance of Negi raiding accusing finger at the functioning of.the HPPCL..

According to sources, Negi left his office around 12:30 PM on March 10 and took a taxi from Shimla to Ghumarwin. The last known sighting of him was near Kandraur Bridge across the Satluj- Bhakhra Dam.

His family has appreciated the Himachal Pradesh Police for their continuous efforts to trace him. However, both his mobile phones—BSNL number 94184 51640 and Airtel number 96058 14826—have remained switched off since the day he went missing, further intensifying the family's fears.

Kiran Negi has urged anyone with information to contact her at 98051-49360 or 94599-00092.

She suspects that her husband may have left the state due to immense mental pressure.

Some reports suggest he has intended to travel from Ghumarwin to Sarahan or Rampur by Bus.

The case has gained widespread attention after being first reported by www.himbumail, following which the story went viral on social media, putting HPPCL's management under scrutiny.

Family members and associates demand immediate action and answers from HPPCL officials who have remained tight-lipped about the incident.

The police are actively investigating the matter, but with no leads so far, concerns for Negi’s safety continue to mount.

For further updates, follow www.himbumail.com.

Stay informed using #FindVimalNegi #HPPCLMissingCase #JusticeForVimalNegi.

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No MSP For Apple Farmers in Himachal Pradesh?

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Fiscal Snapshot: A Tightrope Walk

Takeaways from the Budget:

Boost for Farmers and Rural Economy

Tourism and Infrastructure: A New Vision

Education Overhaul

Challenges & Critical Take

The Road Ahead

Key Announcements in the Budget

🔥 Opposition Calls It a ‘Budget of Broken Dreams’ – Jai Ram Thakur Slams CM Sukhu! 🔥

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