Himachal Pradesh Budget 2025-26: Major Announcements on Health, Welfare, Infrastructure, and Environment

Shimla, March 17: In a budget presentation that has sparked widespread attention, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu outlined a series of significant initiatives for the financial year 2025-26. Among the most notable announcements were those pertaining to the health sector, women and child welfare, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and efforts to enhance transparency and governance.

Health Sector Boost: Increased Honorarium for OT Assistants and Radiographers

One of the standout features of the 2025-26 Himachal Pradesh budget was a significant increase in the honorarium for Operation Theater (OT) Assistants and Radiographers working on an outsourcing basis. The Chief Minister announced a major hike in their compensation, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services in the state.

• OT Assistants: The monthly honorarium for OT Assistants, who play a crucial role in supporting surgeries and patient care in hospitals, has been increased from Rs 7,170 to Rs 17,820 per month.
• Radiographers: Radiographers, whose work is vital for diagnosing medical conditions, will now receive an enhanced honorarium of Rs 26,000, up from Rs 13,000.

These increases are expected to not only improve the standard of living for these essential healthcare workers but also serve as an incentive to retain skilled professionals in the state’s health sector.

Welfare Schemes for Women and Daughters

The budget also introduced a slew of welfare schemes aimed at benefiting women, daughters, and Divyangjans (people with disabilities), underlining the government’s focus on social security and gender equality.

• Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana: This new initiative seeks to encourage the birth of daughters in Below Poverty Line (BPL) families by providing an insurance policy of Rs 25,000 for the first two daughters. This move is designed to both promote gender equality and provide financial security to the families of newborn girls.

• Social Security Pension for Divyangjans: In an important step toward supporting people with disabilities, the Chief Minister announced the introduction of a social security pension for those with more than 40% disability. Starting from January 1, 2025, eligible Divyangjans will begin receiving this pension, which will continue until March 31, 2026. To streamline this process, the state government will launch an online portal, ensuring a transparent and efficient distribution system.

• Educational Support for Daughters of Widows: Aimed at fostering the independence of widowed women, the Chief Minister announced that daughters of widows who pursue professional courses will have their tuition fees covered by the government. Additionally, daughters continuing their education in postgraduate courses and living in hostels will be given a financial aid of Rs 3,000 per month.

• Expansion of Financial Assistance for Daughters: The government has expanded its Indira Gandhi Pyari Bahana Sukh Samman Nidhi scheme to include financial assistance for eligible daughters who turn 21 between January 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. This assistance will be Rs 1,500 per month. Moreover, women working as domestic help, raising families on their own, will also benefit from this financial aid.

Infrastructure and Technological Advancements

In terms of infrastructure, the budget outlines a series of significant investments in road construction, digitization, and public transportation, which are expected to drive the state’s development forward.

• Chief Minister Road Scheme: The government has approved a budget allocation of Rs 100 crore under the Chief Minister Road Scheme. This funding will be directed toward improving road infrastructure, which is crucial for connectivity, especially in the rural and remote areas of Himachal Pradesh.

• Digitization of the Revenue Department: As part of the government’s broader push for transparency and efficiency, the Revenue Department will undergo phased digitization. This move aims to allow citizens to access land and revenue records online, reducing the need to physically visit government offices. A digital mapping facility will also be provided to help people view area-specific maps easily.

• Education Transparency: Online Attendance: In an effort to modernize the education system, the state government will implement mandatory online attendance for both students and teachers in all government schools starting in the academic session 2025-26. This system will not only bring more transparency but also provide real-time data about school attendance, helping to identify issues early and ensure better management of educational resources.

• Sainik School Infrastructure: The budget also includes an allocation of Rs 3 crore for the repair and renovation of the hostel at Sainik School, Sujanpur, to ensure that students receive improved facilities.

Promotion of Green Energy: Electric Vehicles and Subsidies

Environmental sustainability was another key theme in the budget. To reduce pollution and promote green energy, several initiatives have been announced to support the adoption of electric vehicles (e-vehicles) and reduce the reliance on diesel and petrol-powered vehicles.

• Conversion of Vehicles to E-Vehicles: In a landmark move, the Chief Minister announced plans to replace 3,000 diesel and petrol vehicles with electric vehicles across the state. This initiative will not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions but also align Himachal Pradesh with the growing global emphasis on clean energy solutions.

• Subsidy for E-Rickshaws: The state government will provide a 40% subsidy to rickshaw drivers to encourage the adoption of e-rickshaws. This will help reduce pollution and provide a cost-effective transportation alternative for drivers.

• New Bus Routes and E-Vehicles in Government Offices: To enhance public transportation, the government plans to issue permits for 1,000 new bus routes, with MLAs allowed to propose new routes for their constituencies. Additionally, the state government will introduce e-vehicles for all government offices in Hamirpur district starting in 2025, contributing to fuel savings and environmental protection in government operations.

Combating Drug Smuggling and Enhancing Public Safety

The government has also made a commitment to tackle the growing issue of drug smuggling, which has been a major concern in Himachal Pradesh.

• Special Task Force (STF) to Combat Drug Smuggling: The Chief Minister announced the creation of a Special Task Force (STF) to curb drug smuggling and trafficking in the state. This will include increased vigilance and targeted operations to address the drug trade effectively.

• Anti-Drug Bill: In addition, the government will introduce an Anti-Drug Bill in the Assembly to strengthen legal measures against drug trafficking and business, sending a strong message to those involved in the illicit drug trade.

• Fire Safety Infrastructure: To enhance fire safety services in the state, the government has also announced the opening of new fire stations in Rajgarh and Kandaghat. Furthermore, old and unusable fire vehicles will be scrapped and replaced to ensure the fire services are better equipped to handle emergencies.

Social Welfare: Increased Incentives for Inter-Caste Marriages

In a progressive move to encourage social harmony and integration, the government has announced an increase in the incentive for inter-caste marriages. The grant amount under the Inter-Caste Marriage Incentive Scheme will now be raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh, providing greater financial support for couples who marry across caste lines.

A Holistic Vision for Himachal’s Future

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s budget for 2025-26 presents a multifaceted vision for the future of Himachal Pradesh. With substantial investments in healthcare, welfare, infrastructure, education, and environmental sustainability, the budget underscores the state’s commitment to growth, inclusivity, and social welfare. By addressing key challenges such as healthcare worker compensation, gender inequality, and environmental sustainability, the government aims to create a more prosperous and equitable future for all residents of Himachal Pradesh.