Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi jointly praised the State Budget presented by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, calling it a visionary and transformative document for Himachal Pradesh. In a joint press statement, the Ministers acknowledged the Chief Minister’s commitment to public welfare and efficient governance, despite a severe financial crunch caused by the discontinuation and sharp reduction of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) by the Central Government, which resulted in a loss of around Rs. 10,000 crore for the state.
Dr. Shandil highlighted historic allocations for the health sector, including Rs. 3,000 crore for infrastructure modernization. He welcomed the increase in stipends for Senior Residents to Rs. 1 lakh and Super-Specialty doctors to Rs. 1.30 lakh, calling it a key measure to retain medical talent in the state. He emphasized that the government’s focus on digital health services and strengthening medical colleges, even amid fiscal austerity, reflects a commitment to quality healthcare for all citizens, particularly in remote areas.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi praised the budget’s emphasis on the Revenue Department and its push for a complete digital transformation. Simplifying land records and mutation processes through technology, he noted, will significantly reduce bureaucratic hurdles for citizens. He also welcomed the increase in honorarium for Revenue Chowkidars to Rs. 6,800, stating that the government remains attentive to the needs of grassroots workers despite the financial constraints caused by the loss of central grants.
The Ministers further appreciated the Chief Minister’s focus on youth empowerment and employment generation. Large-scale recruitment in police, health, and education sectors, along with 4 lakh man-days in state-funded employment initiatives, was highlighted as a critical safety net for young people. They noted that while the Central Government’s cuts created economic challenges, the Chief Minister’s personal austerity and salary deferment set an example of resilient leadership.
Concluding, the Ministers expressed confidence that this budget would serve as a roadmap for a “Self-Reliant Himachal,” ensuring sustained growth and development despite external financial pressures.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
