Himachal Pradesh Finance Minister, Suresh Kumar Sukhu, on March 15 presented the Himachal Pradesh state budget for the fiscal year 2022-2023, amounting to Rs 56,068 crore in the state assembly. Among the proposals, the Finance Minister announced the introduction of a cow cess of Rs 10 on each bottle of liquor sold in the state. This move was aimed at promoting cow rearing in Himachal Pradesh, where cattle rearing is a significant economic activity.
The state government also decided to extend the facility of free travel on Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses to all students up to the 12th standard. The budget proposed a monthly pension of Rs 1,000 to registered construction workers and an increase in the financial assistance given to widows and destitute women.
The government would release an additional instalment of 6% dearness allowance (DA) to its employees and pensioners from January 1, 2022, which will cost the state exchequer Rs 1,000 crore. The move was expected to provide relief to the government employees and pensioners affected by the inflationary pressure.
The state government also earmarked a sum of Rs 50 crore for the establishment of the Himachal Pradesh Skill Development University at Sundernagar. The university would provide vocational and technical education to the youth of the state, enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial skills.
The Finance Minister emphasized the balanced and comprehensive development of the state, keeping in view the welfare of all sections of the society, while presenting the budget. The proposed measures were aimed at improving the standard of living of the people of Himachal Pradesh, especially the underprivileged sections.
The opposition parties criticized the budget for its lack of vision and implementation plans. They demanded a comprehensive development plan that focused on the revival of the tourism sector, employment generation, and improving the basic infrastructure in the state.
