- The MSP for cow milk has been increased by Rs 6 per litre in Himachal Pradesh’s new budget.
- Incentives for inter-caste marriages have been increased fourfold to Rs 2 lakh.
- A strong focus on self-employment and green energy initiatives is evident in the 2025-26 budget.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, recently presented the Budget for 2025-26 which brought forth numerous initiatives to propel the state’s development across several sectors including agriculture, tourism, social welfare, and more.
Enhancements in Agriculture and Allied Sectors
In a bid to support farmers, the minimum support price (MSP) for cow milk has been increased from Rs 45 to Rs 51 per litre and that for buffalo milk from Rs 55 to Rs 61. The government aims to integrate 100,000 farmers into natural farming methods and has also set a new MSP of Rs 90 per kg for turmeric grown through natural farming. Significant investments in agriculture include the establishment of a spice park in Hamirpur and 120 new trout units.
Tourism: Strategies for Growth
Tourism in Himachal is set to take a new flight with the introduction of the new ‘Mukhyamantri Paryatan Start-up Yojana’ for homestay units and subsidies for purchasing food vans. Helipad constructions in several locations and linking tea gardens with tourism are other strategies to boost the sector.
Social Welfare: Upliftment Initiatives
Society’s upliftment remains pivotal with the substantial increment in the reward for inter-caste marriages now set at Rs 2 lakh. Social welfare schemes are set to include 37,000 new beneficiaries under different pensions and additional de-addiction centres across the state.
Self-Employment and Start-Up Schemes
The launch of the Mukhyamantri Laghu Dookandar Yojana aims to support small vendors and tea stall owners in urban areas, alongside the continuation of the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-Up Scheme offering subsidies to eligible entrepreneurs.
Advancements in Green Initiatives
A focus on green energy will see the construction of a 200 MW solar project in Kangra, with 80 e-vehicle charging stations being set up at petrol pumps. The initiative promises to enhance the state’s green credentials significantly.
Education and Healthcare Improvements
The healthcare landscape will see enhanced dialysis services in 69 institutions, blood storage units in 11 facilities, and the launch of a robotic surgery unit in AIMSS Chamiana and Tanda Medical College Kangra.
Additional Infrastructure Developments
Infrastructure development is robust with the proposal for a ropeway project costing Rs 1,546.40 crore in Shimla, and road and jetty development will enhance tourism and connectivity.
Technology and Governance
Modernization of governance through digitizing revenue courts and implementing an e-revenue system is balanced with the introduction of new measures like a special task force to combat drug abuse and promote drug-free communities.