Mon Mar 17 09:00:07 UTC 2025: ## Himachal Pradesh Unveils Budget Focused on Tourism and Agriculture

**Shimla, March 17, 2025** – Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today presented the state’s budget for 2025-26, outlining a plan focused on boosting religious and eco-tourism while addressing financial challenges and supporting farmers.

The budget acknowledges a challenging financial landscape, with reduced revenue deficit grants and the cessation of GST compensation. The Chief Minister highlighted a rising state debt of ₹1,04,729 crore, with ₹8,093 crore of the ₹29,046 crore borrowed by the current government allocated to development. A significant portion of recent loans, he stated, covered repayments of previous government debts and interest.

Key initiatives announced include:

* **Tourism boost:** Development of tea estates as eco-tourism destinations and exploration of lesser-known tourist spots.
* **Agricultural support:** A ₹6 increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for cow and buffalo milk (to ₹51 and ₹61 per litre respectively), an MSP of ₹90 per kg for naturally grown kachi haldi (raw turmeric), and a target to bring one lakh farmers under natural farming. Plans also include establishing a Spice Park in Hamirpur.
* **Infrastructure and employment:** A ₹20 daily wage increase for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) workers (to ₹320), and the purchase of 500 electric buses. The Shimla Ropeway project is slated to begin next fiscal year.
* **Social initiatives:** The creation of separate directorates for schools and colleges and the launch of various schemes for farmers, women, the disabled, and children.
* **Drug abuse crackdown:** The formation of a Special Task Force (STF) to combat drug abuse.

The budget aims to revitalize Himachal Pradesh’s economy by leveraging its tourism potential and supporting its agricultural sector. However, the state’s significant debt burden poses a substantial ongoing challenge.

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