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Himachal Pradesh Assembly passes Annual Budget 2017-18

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The Himachal Pradesh State Assembly on 30th March 2017 passed the annual budget for the financial year 2017-18 and the related Appropriation Bill. Owing to this, the state govt. is authorised to spend Rs 37,939 crore from the consolidated fund.

  • Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Virbhadra Singh, who also holds the finance portfolio of state cabinet, presented the budget in Legislative Assembly on 10th March 2017

Himachal Pradesh Annual Budget 2017-18 at a Glance:

  • Setting up Software Technology Park in Shimla and Kangra
  • 220 crore allocation for State Food Subsidy SchemeHimachal Pradesh Assembly passes Annual Budget 2017-18
  • Implementing supply chain automation of Himachal Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation
  • At an estimated cost of Rs. 1134 crore, Horticulture Project Development Board supported by World Bank will be made fully operation.
  • Provision of Rs. 20 crore for Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme.
  • 4 crore allocation for ‘Mukhya Mantri Kiwi Protsahan Yojana
  • 30 crore to be spend for ‘Mukhya Mantri Khet Sanrakshan Yojana
  • For promoting cultivation of offseason and exotic vegetables Rs. 50 crore have been allocated

Key Provision of Himachal Pradesh Annual Budget 2017-18:

Among all budgetary provisions, the one which evoked debate in media as well as among opposition was regarding the allowance for educated, yet unemployed youth of Himachal Pradesh.

  • In the budget speech Mr. Singh mentioned that Rs. 150 crore have been set aside for this scheme.
  • Under this scheme any unemployed youth having passed higher secondary (10+2) and above will be entitled to a sum of Rs. 1000 per month as an unemployment allowance. For physically challenged unemployed youth, this allowance will be Rs. 1500.
  • Critics believe that this scheme is directed towards gaining advantage in the next state assembly election due in late 2017.

Quick Facts about Himachal Pradesh:

  • Formation Year: 1971
  • Capital City: Shimla
  • Current Chief Minister: Mr. Virbhadra Singh
  • Current Ruling Party: Indian National Congress
  • Current Governor: Acharya Dev Vrat
  • Neighbouring States/UTs and Regions: Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Tibet Autonomous Region