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Chief Minister Sukhu’s displeasure over the Union Budget, allegations of ignoring the interests of Himachal
Sukhu said that it is unfortunate that there is no mention in the budget regarding an important matter like rail expansion in the state.
Shimla, 02 February: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed disappointment over the Central Government’s budget for the financial year 2025-26 and said that this budget is showing inequality and a large part of the budget is focused on the state of Bihar. He said that many important areas have not been given attention in this budget. He called for immediate amendments to meet the needs of various important sectors related to Himachal Pradesh and the population here.
The Chief Minister said that this budget has failed to address important issues of the country like unemployment, poverty and rising inflation. He said that the apple growers of Himachal Pradesh are making a significant contribution to the economy of the state. No measures have been taken to increase the import duty of apples to reduce the financial constraints and difficulties related to this class, which would have given relief to the gardeners of the state.
Sukhu said that it is unfortunate that there is no mention in the budget regarding an important matter like rail expansion in the state. Strong rail expansion is essential for the economic development of the state but this issue has also been ignored. The limit of Rs 1.5 lakh crore of interest free loan given to the states has not been increased and the onerous conditions attached to it for a small state like Himachal are not favourable to the state.
He said that as a result of abolition of GST compensation, Himachal Pradesh is facing a difficult financial situation due to which the state is incurring losses every year. To reduce this financial deficit and for the fiscal stability of the state, a special financial package is urgently required. He said that no provision has been made for such a package in the budget.
The Chief Minister said that the benefit to the middle class in the form of income tax exemption has been delayed as the benefits of the new direct structure have to be paid in the form of taxes imposed in previous years instead of promoting consumption and demand. He said that this is an anti-poor and opportunistic budget which is not forward-looking. He said that this relief is not commensurate with the contribution being made by the middle class taxpayers in the benefit of the national economy. Apart from this, the budget also mentions the new Income Tax Bill to be introduced next week.
The Chief Minister said that the budget does not contain any measures to address the ongoing problems in the agriculture sector like minimum support price and inadequate funding for modern farming methods and infrastructure.
He said that the Union Budget has failed to make inclusive and supportive financial planning according to the needs of India. It has not provided any solution to the important issues like unemployment, rising prices and inequalities.
Like other states, Himachal Pradesh is also grappling with the consequences of a budget that has given priority to the elite class over the common people. He said that now the time has come to make a budget which truly represents the needs and aspirations of all citizens and ensures equal development and prosperity of all sections of the society.