Himachal’s ‘examination budget’ will come today: Amidst the economic crisis, pressure of big expectations on Sukhu, what will be special?

Shimla. Today is a very important day for the politics and economy of Himachal Pradesh. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu will present the budget for the financial year 2026–27 in the Assembly on Saturday. This will be his fourth consecutive budget as Finance Minister, on which the eyes of the entire state are fixed.

Budget presented amid economic pressure-
This time’s budget is special in many ways. On one hand the state is facing serious economic challenges, while on the other hand employees, pensioners, women and youth are expecting relief and new schemes from the government.

According to government data, Himachal Pradesh currently has a debt of more than Rs 1 lakh crore. Also, the revenue deficit grant of about Rs 10 thousand crore received from the Center has been stopped.

Not only this, the state’s borrowing limit has also been reduced from 5% to 3% of GDP, due to which the government has faced a big challenge of increasing income and controlling expenditure.

Emphasis on financial discipline-
In view of these circumstances, the Chief Minister has already indicated that this time financial discipline will be given priority in the budget.

Recently, to cut expenses, the government has taken decisions like withdrawing cabinet rank from consultants, boards and chairmen and vice-chairmen of corporations and cutting their salaries by 20%. This is being considered an important step towards better management of resources.

Examination of electoral guarantees-
This budget is also considered very important regarding the election guarantees of the government.

₹1500 assistance every month to women
300 units free electricity
Employment opportunities for youth

Large financial resources will be required to implement these plans. In such a situation, the government will have to strike a balance between promises and economic balance.

Expectations of employees and youth-
While the youth is expecting new recruitments and employment opportunities, the employees and pensioners want relief regarding dearness allowance and pending payments.

The general public is also expected to get some relief from inflation and daily expenses from this budget.

Look at the budget size-
Last year, the government had presented a budget of about Rs 58 thousand crore for 2025–26, which was increased to about Rs 98 thousand crore through the supplementary budget.

In such a situation, this time also the size of the budget is expected to be bigger.