Shimla, March 21: In a historic move, Himachal Pradesh has announced a budget cut of ₹3,586 crore for the first time. The total budget has been reduced from ₹58,514 crore to ₹54,928 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27.
Chief Minister Sukhu justified the government’s decision during his budget speech, stating that the cut was necessary to address the rising debt left by the previous BJP government. He emphasized that the time for populist measures has ended, as it is crucial to reduce unproductive expenditures.
He remarked that the people in hilly areas are resilient and will bravely face the financial crisis. This is the first time since 1952 that the budget is being presented without a Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) from the center.
The Chief Minister stated that efforts will be made to uplift the poorest citizens by identifying them. He mentioned, “The names of the poorest families will be included in the state’s Below Poverty Line (BPL) list.” Currently, there are 2.65 million BPL families in the state, and the government is working to identify the most disadvantaged among them. Under the Sukhu Family Scheme, assistance will be provided to one lakh of the most deprived families.
These families will receive 300 units of free electricity. Additionally, around 27,000 families without permanent housing will be assisted in constructing homes, and all women in these families will receive ₹1,500 as guaranteed support.
When the Chief Minister accused those opposing the RDG of betraying the interests of Himachal, BJP legislators, led by former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, stormed the well of the house. After 20 minutes of uproar, the CM resumed his speech.
Presenting his fourth budget, Sukhu stated, “Halting the RDG grants for research, development, and growth is unjust to the people of Himachal Pradesh.” In the fisheries sector, he announced a minimum support price (MSP) of ₹100 per kilogram for fish purchases under the Chief Minister’s Fish Assistance Scheme.
Sukhu further highlighted that Himachal Pradesh is a major center for faith and religious tourism. The state is home to world-renowned shrines like Shri Naina Devi, Shri Chintpurni Ji, Shri Baba Balak Nath Ji, Shri Jwala Devi Ji, and Shri Brajeshwari Devi Ji. Important pilgrimage sites such as Kinnar Kailash and Shrikhand Kailash are also located in the state.
He noted that faith centers are situated throughout the region, attracting millions of devotees each year who seek spiritual experiences in Himachal’s serene, clean, and beautiful environment. The Chief Minister announced plans to gradually develop all major temples into world-class religious and cultural tourism sites. In the first phase, projects will be prepared for large temples with the help of experts, with an estimated expenditure of around ₹500 crore. Additionally, ₹65 crore will be allocated to improve facilities for pilgrims at these temples.
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My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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