Punjab Newsline, Shimla, March 17-
Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday presented a tax-free budget with an outlay of 58,514CR for the year 2025-26 with a focus on the development of the rural economy through the participation of farmers, rural youth, and women.
Sukhu, who holds the Finance portfolio, presented the Budget during the ongoing Assembly session in Shimla, stating that the Budget aims to accelerate efforts towards making the state self-reliant. Along with transforming the rural economy, it also ensures the conservation of the environment and natural resources during the development process, he said, adding that the budget focuses on agriculture and animal husbandry as well as social security.
“In the year 2025-26, the revenue receipts are estimated to be 42,343CR and the total revenue expenditure is projected to be 48,733 crore. Thus, the total revenue deficit is estimated to be 6,390CR. The fiscal deficit is projected to be 10,338 crore, which is 4.04% of the State’s Gross Domestic Product,” said the CM.
Hitting out at the BJP, Sukhu said after assuming the charge of affairs on December 11, 2022, the Congress government faced challenges like fragile fiscal position, the flourishing mining mafia, and reckless expenditure made by the negligence of the previous government.