Shimla, March 17 The Himachal Pradesh budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year will be presented in the assembly on March 21, Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania said on Tuesday.
Addressing the media, he said there would be 13 sittings in the second phase of the budget session, which will be held between March 18 and April 2.
In the first phase of the budget session, which was held between February 16 and 18, three sittings were held.
Discussions on the budget estimates will take place from March 23 to 25, while deliberations on demands for grants and cut motions are scheduled between March 27 and 30, he added, also stating that the discussion on the governor's address would be held on March 18, 19, and 20.
The speaker further said that a total of 834 questions have been received, including 665 starred and 169 unstarred questions. Eight issues will be raised under Rule 62 (calling attention), three under Rule 101 (private member's resolution), and five under Rule 130 (motion for discussion on matters of public interest).
Most of the questions raised by the legislators pertain to the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi, the transition of schools from the state board to the CBSE, the construction of roads and bridges, detailed project reports (DPRs) for sanctioned roads, and the upgradation of colleges, schools, and health institutions within the state.
The other questions focus on the filling of vacant posts across various departments, tourism, horticulture, drinking water supply, prevention of rising drug abuse among the youth, and the increasing incidence of criminal cases.
The speaker said that the session could discuss the implications of international development, including the ongoing war, which widely impacts tourism and the supply of essential commodities in Himachal Pradesh.
Pathania urged both the treasury and opposition benches to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the proceedings and to raise matters of public importance through structured discussions and Zero Hour.
Responding to a question, Pathania reiterated concerns over cross-voting by legislators, stating that such actions undermine democratic values and breach public trust. He noted that necessary action has been taken in past instances according to constitutional provisions.
A meeting of the Privileges Committee has been convened for Tuesday evening, and the chief secretary has been asked to appear and explain delays in responding to breach of privilege cases, he said. Around seven such cases are currently pending before the committee.