Himachal Pradesh Passes Massive Rs 40,461.95 Cr Supplementary Budget Amid Controversy

The Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha approved a hefty supplementary Budget of Rs 40,461.95 crore for 2025-26, presented by CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. It includes allocations for state and centrally sponsored schemes. Opposition criticized the government's fiscal management, citing the substantial additional expenditure as financial mismanagement.

On Thursday, the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha approved a supplementary Budget amounting to Rs 40,461.95 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu tabled the Budget, which received approval through a voice vote in the legislative assembly.

The supplementary Budget encompasses Rs 36,374.61 crore for state schemes and Rs 4,087.34 crore for centrally sponsored initiatives. A significant portion of this Budget, Rs 26,194.95 crore, is designated for 'Ways and Means' and overdrafts, while Rs 4,150.14 crore is earmarked for power projects, including converting loans to equity under the UDAY scheme.

Opposition Leader Jai Ram Thakur criticized the substantial supplementary Budget, pointing at potential economic missteps. He argued that the additional 70% expenditure of the total outlay reflected the government's lack of confidence in its fiscal planning and demanded clarity on the funding sources.

(With inputs from agencies.)