The Himachal Pradesh budget for 2024-25, presented by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is a beacon of hope for sustainable development and economic resilience.
With a focus on agriculture, dairy, and horticulture sectors, as well as a vision to transform the state into a green haven, the budget aims to rejuvenate the rural economy and steer Himachal Pradesh towards self-reliance.
In an era where economic narratives often tilt towards gloom, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s budget presentation for the fiscal year 2024-25 emerges as a beacon of hope and innovation. On February 17, 2024, Sukhu unveiled a tax-free budget with a whopping ₹58,444 crore outlay, squarely focusing on rejuvenating the rural economy and steering the state towards self-reliance. This financial blueprint not only underscores a concerted effort to bolster the agriculture, horticulture, and dairy sectors but also introduces pioneering initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices and fortifying the state’s financial health.
Revitalizing the Agrarian Economy
At the heart of the budget is the introduction of the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Start-up Yojana’, a scheme designed to encourage chemical-free farming among the state’s agrarian communities. This initiative is not just about advocating for a return to natural farming methods; it’s an investment in the future of sustainable agriculture. The scheme aligns with the broader vision to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for milk, providing a much-needed boost to the dairy farmers and milk cooperative societies by waiving off their liabilities and strengthening the infrastructure for milk procurement.
A Green Vision for the Future
The budget doesn’t stop at agricultural and dairy sector enhancements; it ambitiously sets the goal of transforming Himachal Pradesh into a green state by 2026. This vision encompasses promoting horticulture tourism, a sector with untapped potential for driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities. By leveraging the state’s natural beauty and biodiversity, the government aims to attract eco-conscious travelers and agri-tourists, thereby fostering a sustainable tourism model that benefits both the environment and the local economy.
Addressing the Financial Quagmire
Another significant aspect of the budget is its candid acknowledgment of the adverse financial situation inherited from the previous BJP government. With a fiscal deficit of ₹10,784 crore looming large, the present administration’s focus on mobilizing additional resources is both timely and critical. Economic reforms introduced in the budget, including a four percent dearness allowance for employees, an increase in daily and minimum wages for outsource employees, and enhancements to the MLA Local Area Development Fund, are steps towards making Himachal Pradesh economically vibrant and self-reliant. These measures not only aim to alleviate the immediate financial burden but also lay the groundwork for a robust economic framework that can withstand future challenges.
