Shimla witnessed a landmark fiscal decision as Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu tabled a trimmed budget of ₹54,928 crore for 2026-27, marking the first-ever reduction of ₹3,586 crore from the prior ₹58,514 crore estimate. This fourth budget by Sukhu underscores a shift from extravagance to responsibility.
Bluntly addressing the legacy of debt from the BJP regime, Sukhu stated, ‘Populist schemes are no longer viable; we need to prune non-essential spending.’ He invoked the fighting spirit of Himachal’s mountain dwellers to rally support for these tough measures. Strikingly, the budget skips the Revenue Deficit Grant from the Centre, a first post-1952.
Welfare remains a cornerstone, with a sharp focus on the poorest. Amid 26.5 lakh BPL families, the Apna Sukh Sattar Parivar scheme targets one lakh neediest households. Benefits include 300 free electricity units, housing support for 27,000 homeless families, and ₹1,500 monthly to women under guarantee.
The assembly erupted when Sukhu lambasted those opposing RDG as betrayers of state interests. BJP MLAs, spearheaded by Jairam Thakur, disrupted proceedings for 20 minutes before order was restored.
Sukhu introduced MSP of ₹100/kg for fish purchases, aiding fishermen. On the tourism front, he celebrated Himachal’s sacred sites—Shakti Peethas like Naina Devi and pilgrimage peaks like Kinnaur Kailash—that draw millions yearly.
To capitalize on this, the government will upgrade key temples to global standards in phases. Expert-led projects for major shrines get ₹500 crore, plus ₹65 crore for amenities. This lean budget charts a path of fiscal discipline, balancing austerity with strategic investments in faith tourism and poverty alleviation.