Himachal Pradesh Budget Bonanza: 300 units free electricity, women get Rs 1500 monthly

Shimla (The Uttam Hindu): For the first time in the state's history, Himachal Pradesh has cut its budget by ₹3,586 crore, reducing it from ₹58,514 crore to ₹54,928 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27.

Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, justifying the government's decision in his budget speech, said the budget cuts were made to address the growing debt trap left by the previous BJP government. He said the time for populist measures was over, as it was necessary to cut unproductive spending.

He said the people of the hilly areas are strong and resilient and will face the financial crisis bravely. He further said that this is the first time since 1952 that the central government is presenting a budget without a revenue deficit grant (RDG).

The Chief Minister stated that the poorest people will be identified and their upliftment will be undertaken. He further stated, "The names of the poorest families will be specifically included in the state's BPL list. Currently, there are 2.65 million BPL families in the state, and the government is now identifying the poorest to uplift them. Under the Chief Minister's Apna Sukhi Parivar Yojana, one lakh deprived and poorest families will be assisted."

"These families will receive 300 units of free electricity. Around 27,000 of these families who don't have permanent houses will be helped to build houses, and all women in these families will receive Rs 1,500 as a guarantee," he said.

When the Chief Minister said that those who did not support the state on the RDG had betrayed Himachal's interests, BJP MLAs, led by Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, stormed the well of the House. After a 20-minute uproar, the Chief Minister resumed his speech.

Presenting his fourth budget, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said, “Stopping grants for RDG (Research, Development and Growth) schemes given to the state of Himachal Pradesh is injustice to the people of the state.” In the fisheries sector, the Chief Minister announced a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 100 per kilogram for fish procurement under the Chief Minister Fish Assistance Scheme.

Chief Minister Sukhu further stated that Himachal Pradesh is a major center of faith and religious tourism. It is home to world-famous Shaktipeeths such as Shri Naina Devi, Shri Chintpurni Ji, Shri Baba Balak Nath Ji, Shri Jwala Devi Ji, and Shri Brajeshwari Devi Ji. In addition, important pilgrimage sites such as Kinnar Kailash and Shrikhand Kailash are also present in the state.

He said that centers of faith are located in every corner of the state, and every year, millions of devotees come here to experience the spiritual experience in Himachal's serene, clean, and beautiful environment. The Chief Minister announced that all major temples in the state will be developed in a phased manner as world-class religious and cultural tourist destinations. In the first phase, projects will be prepared with the help of experts for major temples, on which approximately ₹500 crore will be spent. Additionally, ₹65 crore has also been announced to be spent on temples to improve facilities for devotees.