Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Unveils Ambitious Budget Focusing on Eco-Tourism and Green Energy

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented a Rs 58,514 crore budget focusing on eco-tourism, rural development, and green energy for 2025-26. With financial challenges due to reduced grants, the government aims to promote tourism and natural farming, combat drug abuse, and improve wages and pension payments.

With a strong emphasis on tourism, rural development, and green energy, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu unveiled the annual budget of Rs 58,514 crore for 2025-26 on Monday.

Presenting his third budget, Sukhu acknowledged significant financial hurdles ahead, citing a cut in revenue deficit grants and the cessation of GST compensation impacting the state's economy.

Key initiatives include promoting religious and eco-tourism, developing tea estates as tourist sites, and expanding eco-tourism destinations to generate Rs 200 crore in revenue over five years. A Special Task Force will combat drug abuse, and 500 electric buses will be added to public transport next fiscal year.

(With inputs from agencies.)