Shimla, March 21 Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday presented a budget of Rs 54,928 crore for 2026-27, and blamed the discontinuation of a revenue deficit grant to the state for annual losses of over Rs 8,000 crore.
The grant – a financial assistance provided by the Centre to bridge the gap between the state's revenue and expenses – was discontinued earlier this month.
Sukhu's budget speech was disrupted by slogans from opposition BJP members after he accused them of "not supporting the state" on the issue of discontinuing the revenue deficit grant (RDG), which had impacted the state's budget, resulting in a loss of Rs 8,105 crore annually.
"History will never forget them," he said, eliciting immediate reactions from BJP members.
This is the first time that the size of the budget has been reduced in the state – from Rs 58,514 crore to Rs 54,928 crore for the current fiscal year, resulting in a cut of Rs 3,586 crore.
As the slogans continued, Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania adjourned the House until 11:30 am, after which the BJP members left the floor, although Congress MLAs remained seated.
Shortly after, BJP members returned and continued to raise slogans while the chief minister continued with his budget speech.
Sukhu, who was presenting his fourth budget, said that comparing Himachal Pradesh with Uttarakhand and Assam was inappropriate, as Himachal is a hill state with limited resources like water and forests. "Himachal is the lung of North India and should receive a green bonus, but instead the revenue deficit grant to the state has been discontinued."
He also said that conflicts around the world are now impacting the state, and that LPG prices are increasing due to the ongoing war between the US, Israel, and Iran.
The chief minister, who holds the finance portfolio, announced a provision of Rs 500 crore to complete pending works, adding that a list of 300 incomplete works has been prepared.
The state is expected to register a 8.3 per cent growth for the current fiscal year, while its per capita income has increased to Rs 2,83,626, at 9.8 per cent, he said.
The chief minister also announced plans to develop an aerocity in Kangra and a provision of Rs 3,300 crore to acquire land to build an airport in the district.
The state also increased the milk procurement price by Rs 10, with cow milk to be bought at Rs 61 per litre, and buffalo milk at Rs 71 per litre.
CM announces the establishment of Kisan Aayoge and Women Tourism Fund.
Sukhu further announced a minimum support price for fish at Rs 100 per kg, "which will benefit over 6,000 fishermen in the state." A Kisan Aayog and women's tourism fund will also be established in the state, he added.