Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday unveiled a forward-looking plan emphasizing digital transformation, cyber security, and anti-drug measures.
To combat synthetic drugs (“chitta”), the State Drug Cell will expand into rural areas, while schools will introduce cybersecurity modules and ban smartphones to protect students.
The state will establish an AI Institute in Shimla and a Cyber City in Waknaghat (Solan). IT companies will get commercial spaces, and a green-energy-powered data centre will provide subsidised electricity. Cyber resilience will be strengthened via a Global Security Centre, Data Safety Centre, and GIS-based land mapping labs.
Welfare delivery will be streamlined through the Him Parivar Card, covering 19 lakh families, with mobile apps ensuring efficient benefit distribution. AI-enabled colleges, digital portals, and voice-based citizen services will modernize education and governance.
For urban development, new hill townships are planned at Shitalpur (Una) and Morni Hills (Sirmaur) to curb property purchases outside the state and boost tourism, while Chandigarh airport will strengthen regional connectivity.
The budget blends traditional governance—law enforcement and welfare—with modern initiatives in AI, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and sustainable urban growth.
Himachal Budget 2026: Balancing Welfare Promises with Fiscal Realities
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
