Una, March 21: The budget for the year 2026–27, presented by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in the Legislative Assembly on Saturday, has been wholeheartedly appreciated by all public representatives and the general public of Una district. They stated that this budget is poised to foster the holistic development of the state, strengthen the rural economy, and provide a new direction to public welfare initiatives.
Gagret MLA Rakesh Kalia, Chintpurni MLA Sudarshan Bablu, Kutlehar MLA Vivek Sharma, and former Una MLA Satpal Raizada remarked that, despite the Central Government's reduction in the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) allocated to Himachal Pradesh, the Chief Minister has presented a balanced, visionary, and public-welfare oriented budget amidst limited resources. Notwithstanding financial challenges, several significant announcements have been made—keeping in mind the interests of farmers, the youth, women, and the weaker sections of society—which will impart fresh momentum to the state's development.
The public representatives noted that special priority has been accorded to rural development in the budget. Schemes aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods, promoting self-reliance, and expanding basic infrastructure in villages are expected to prove instrumental in bolstering the state's economy. Furthermore, the provisions made to boost the agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and dairy sectors will be beneficial for farmers and livestock rearers, while simultaneously generating new opportunities for self-employment. They added that the decision to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for various crops—aimed at ensuring better returns for farmers—is also commendable, as it will lead to an increase in farmers' income.
They further stated that the decision to raise the procurement price of milk—to ?61 per liter for cow's milk and ?71 per liter for buffalo's milk—serves as a major incentive for the state's milk producers; this will boost the income of livestock rearers and lend renewed strength to the dairy sector. Additionally, the schemes proposed for the welfare of the fishing community have also been lauded as praiseworthy initiatives. He stated that, due to the presence of the Gobind Sagar Lake in the Kutlehar region, a large number of people are engaged in fisheries; consequently, the announcements made for the fishing community will prove instrumental in strengthening their livelihoods.
He added that initiatives aimed at boosting tourism development, beautifying the state's prominent religious sites, and encouraging 'slow tourism' will inject fresh momentum into tourism-related activities and generate increased employment opportunities at the local level.
He further remarked that the decision to increase the honorarium for various categories of employees and workers is highly commendable, as it will boost the morale of Anganwadi workers, assistants, ASHA workers, and other such groups, while directly benefiting thousands of families. Additionally, announcements such as the increase in social security pensions will provide significant relief to the needy sections of society.
He described the announcement regarding the launch of the 'Mukhyamantri Apna Sukhi Parivar Yojana' (Chief Minister's Own Happy Family Scheme) for poor and needy families as a significant step. Under this scheme, one lakh of the state's most impoverished families will be identified and provided with targeted assistance through various government programs; furthermore, by making provisions to provide these families with up to 300 units of free electricity per month, the government has fulfilled yet another one of its electoral guarantees.
Public representatives noted that, with the announcement to provide eligible women from these families with a monthly stipend of ?1,500—to be disbursed in a phased manner under the 'Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana'—the government has further reinforced its commitment to public welfare. This initiative will provide substantial relief to women belonging to economically weaker sections of society.
*Una Receives a Gift in the 'Sukhmay' Budget*
Public representatives highlighted that the budget presented by the Chief Minister includes significant provisions specifically for the Una district. The proposal to construct a heliport at Roda within the district is expected to not only boost air connectivity in the region but also provide fresh impetus to tourism and regional development. Furthermore, the announcement regarding the establishment of a Cath Lab at the Regional Hospital in Una will ensure that advanced facilities for the treatment of heart-related ailments become available locally, thereby eliminating the need for residents to travel to major metropolitan cities for medical care. He stated that the inclusion of Government College, Una, and Government College, Haroli—among the institutions where provisions have been made for the development of sports facilities in the first phase—is a significant gift for the youth. This initiative will strengthen sports infrastructure within the district and provide young people with enhanced opportunities to hone their talents.
Expressing their gratitude to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the public representatives remarked that this budget would play a pivotal role in not only imparting fresh momentum to the state's development but also in improving the standard of living of the common people.