Policy for o
शShimla
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan stated that the Himachal budget is an illusion of figures presented to the people of the state. The Himachal budget is completely hollow and empty; the Chief Minister made big promises but left the common people entirely empty-handed. In the budget speech, the Chief Minister merely increased the burden on the public and the state.
Mahajan noted that a policy should be established for outsourcing, increasing the salaries of daily wage workers, outsourced workers, Anganwadi and Asha workers, and many other workers. Including these increases in the budget is akin to giving a lollipop to the employees, but more importantly, it is essential to formulate a policy for regularizing outsourced workers. There are many flaws in announcing payment of a 3 percent DA to employees and permanent payments to pensioners over 70 years of age. The issue of past DA was not included in the budget at all. Moreover, it will take several decades to settle the liabilities, which will serve neither the employees nor the government. If the courts mandate interest on arrears, the situation will worsen further.
Mahajan emphasized that the state needs significant improvements in education and health, highlighting the necessity for special attention to the quality of education. There is also an urgent need to address the rising drug addiction in schools. Acquiring new equipment like MRI and PET scans in medical institutions is crucial. Additionally, nothing substantial is evident to address the problem of helpless bulls and cows. He mentioned that before the Himachal Pradesh budget for 2025-26, the state’s economic survey was released on March 13. According to the economic survey, there has been a slight increase of 0.1 percent in the economic growth rate.
Mahajan stated that a revenue deficit of Rs 6,390 crore is estimated in the budget. Along with the revenue deficit, a capital deficit of approximately Rs 10,338 crore is projected. According to budget estimates, the state government’s revenue receipts for the coming year are estimated to be Rs 42,343 crore, while revenue expenditure is estimated at Rs 48,733 crore. This will further exacerbate the financial crisis in Himachal Pradesh.
