Himachal Pradesh Budget Session to Resume March 18; 2026-27 Budget Expected

The ongoing Budget Session of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha will resume on March 18, with the state Budget for the financial year 2026–27 expected to be presented during the sitting.

Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania adjourned the House following the conclusion of a three-day debate on the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), which ended with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu replying to the discussion.

Adjournment Amid Uproar

The adjournment was announced amid sloganeering and heated exchanges between treasury and opposition benches. Soon after proceedings were halted, legislators from both sides continued protests outside the Assembly premises.

The Chief Minister, along with ministers and Congress MLAs, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of adopting an “anti-Himachal” stance over the RDG issue.

Budget Presentation Likely After Union Budget

Although the House will reconvene after nearly a month, the exact date for presentation of the 2026–27 state Budget has not been formally announced. Sukhu, who also holds the Finance portfolio, is expected to table the Budget after the passage of the Union Budget.

Sources indicated that the timing of the state Budget presentation is being aligned with developments at the Centre, amid expectations of a favourable response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi once the Union Budget is cleared.

Rajya Sabha Election on March 16

Meanwhile, election to a Rajya Sabha seat vacated upon completion of the term of MP Indu Goswami is scheduled for March 16, adding to the political significance of the month.

BJP’s Response

Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur accused the Chief Minister of politicising the RDG issue and targeting BJP leadership both at the Centre and in the state.

He alleged discrepancies between figures cited by the Chief Minister in the House and those presented by the Finance Secretary, asserting that the BJP remains committed to safeguarding Himachal Pradesh’s financial interests.

The March 18 sitting is expected to set the tone for the upcoming fiscal year, with the state government facing financial constraints and continued political debate over central assistance.

Read Also : 37 Crore from Jal Jeevan Mission Used for Rest Houses in Mandi: Mukesh Agnihotri