HP Budget: Sukhu's 'Vyavastha Parivartan' Puts Rural Economy First

(MENAFN- AsiaNet News)

In a move to redefine Himachal Pradesh’s economic trajectory, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu unveiled a budget that places the rural economy at the absolute center of Himachal Pradesh’s growth story. Moving away from urban-focused development, the Chief Minister’s financial plan for 2026-27 signals a “Systemic Transformation” aimed at making villages the main engines of prosperity.

Despite navigating a challenging fiscal environment, Chief Minister Sukhu’s vision remains steadfast, prioritizing long-term sustainability and direct income growth for the state’s “Farmers.” At the core of this budget is the Chief Minister’s goal to make Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant state by 2030. Sukhu emphasized that “true progress is measured by the prosperity of the last person in line.” By focusing on the “Rural Economy,” the government is building an ecosystem where rural youth see agriculture and dairy as prestigious and profitable careers. His vision shifts the state from a debt-dependent model to one powered by its own natural and human resources, ensuring that mountain wealth stays in the hands of those who tend to it.

Empowering Dairy Farmers

The highlight of this rural transformation is a rise in milk procurement prices, making Himachal a national leader in supporting dairy farmers. Sukhu announced that the government will now buy cow milk at Rs 61 per liter, a significant increase from the previous Rs 51. Similarly, the price for buffalo milk has been raised to Rs 71 per liter, up from Rs 61.

Incentivizing Quality and Direct Transfers

“To promote high-quality indigenous breeds of cows, the state has introduced a premium price of Rs 100 per liter for A2 milk. This initiative is supported by doubling the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) incentive from Rs 3 to Rs 6 per liter, ensuring every paisa directly reaches the farmer.”

Fiscal Discipline and Social Compassion

Showing political resolve and deep empathy, Sukhu announced that he and his cabinet would lead by example during this financial crunch. The Chief Minister has decided to defer 50% of his salary for the next six months, with ministers and MLAs following with 30% and 20% salary deferments. This austerity is complemented by a compassionate social program: the ‘Mukhya Mantri Apna Sukhi Parivar Yojana’ will provide 300 units of free electricity and permanent housing to one lakh of the state’s most vulnerable families.

Through this combination of fiscal discipline and rural empowerment, the Sukhu government is forging a unique path that balances economic rigor with compassion for the common people. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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