Key Points of Himachal Pradesh Budget 2024-25:

 

• • Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented a tax-free agriculture-focused 2024-25 Budget of Rs 58,444 crore.

• • The Budget created the groundwork for a ‘Atmanirbhar Himachal’ through a robust rural economy.

 

State Stats:

 

• • Budget increases by 9.1% from ₹53,413 crore in 2023-24.
• • The state’s GDP is projected to expand 7.1% in 2023-24, with a per capita income of ₹2,35,199, according to the CM the state’s 2023-24 GDP is projected at ₹2,07,430 crore.
• • “Estimated 2024-25 revenue receipts: ₹42,153 crore; total revenue expenditure: ₹46,667 crore. Total revenue loss is estimated at ₹4,514 crore. The expected budget deficit is ₹10,784 crore, or 4.75% of the State’s GDP, according to the Chief Minister.
• • The state’s fiscal deficit is Rs 10,784 crore, or 4.75% of GDP.

 

Agricultural Sector:

 

• • Chief Minister announced the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Start-up Yojana’ to boost farmers’ incomes, noting that agriculture is the State’s backbone and supports 69% of the population.
  • First, 10 farmers from each Panchayat would be encouraged to farm chemical-free. Cow dung replaces urea and 12-32-16 fertilizer in wheat and maize production as farmers join this initiative. CM says their wheat will be bought at MSP.
  • To encourage natural farming among unemployed young, the government will purchase up to 20 quintals of grains per family at ₹40 per kg MSP and ₹30 per kg maize.
  • CM announced apple packaging universal cartons and horticultural tourism promotion. PTI stated that CM Sukhu reaffirmed Himachal Pradesh’s goal of greening by 2026.
  • According to the report, the state has allotted Rs 582 crore for agriculture and Rs 300 crore for horticulture.
  • A Rs 12 million Centre of Excellence in horticultural will serve as a ‘One Stop Resource Centre’ for horticultural quality, skill, tourism, and marketing.

 

Push for high-value crops:

 

• • Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Mission promotes high-value crops in climate-appropriate places. About 36,000 farmers would choose chemical-free farming when 10 panchayat farmers are encouraged to do so.
  • Prakritik Kheti Startup Yojana: CM introduced ‘Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Start-up Yojana’ as the third component of Rs 680 crore ‘Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Yojana’ to boost farmer income.

 

First state to provide milk MSP:

 

• • The state, the first to provide MSP on milk, raised cow milk MSP from Rs 38 to Rs 45 and buffalo milk MSP from Rs 47 to Rs 55. All milk cooperative societies’ liabilities would be eliminated and Rs 150 crore will be spent on milk procurement and processing infrastructure.
  • Himachal has never guaranteed a minimum milk price before. India’s only state to buy milk at the minimum support price is Himachal Pradesh.
  • ‘Fully Automated Milk and Milk Products Plant’ at Dhagwar, Kangra.
  • Modern ‘Milk Processing Plants’ will be built in Una and Hamirpur.
  • 200 refrigerated milk trucks will be subsidized 50% for local kids to transport milk.

 

The Education Sector:

 

• • In education, the Chief Minister announced the ‘Padho Himachal’ initiative to establish libraries in 500 schools. He pledged Rs 88 crore for 493 panchayat libraries. Sports promotion was boosted by raising para worker pay.
  • The State will implement the 5+3+3+4 National Education Policy at the school level, including a three-year pre-school ‘Baal Vaatika’ curriculum.
  • For smooth implementation of the ‘National Education Policy’, the minimum age for admission in the first class is 6 years, and for the three pre-primary classes, 3, 4, and 5 years, correspondingly.
  • Educational institutions will become “Institution of Excellence (IOE)” gradually.
  • “Institute for Children with Special Disabilities (ICSA, Dhalli)” will become “Centre of Excellence for Education of Divyangjans”.

 

MLA Area Development Fund up:

 

• • The MLA Local Area Development Fund increased from Rs 2.10 crore to Rs 2.20 crore. The MLA priority limit has increased from Rs 175 crore to Rs 195 crore and the MLA Discretionary Grant from Rs 13 lakh to Rs 14 lakh in each Assembly segment.

 

Health Budget:

 

• • In Dr. Radhakrishnan Medical College (Hamirpur), the State Cancer Institute offers advanced treatment.

• • Extended cancer care: “Cancer Day Care Centres” in district hospitals and selected health centers for chemotherapy and palliative care.

• • Medical Equipment Upgrade: Indira Gandhi Medical College LINAC machine and 69 “Adarsh Swasthya Kendras” money.

• • Infrastructure Development: PGI Satellite Centre and Una Centre completion prioritized.

• • The “Integrated Public Health Labs” in each district, “State level Scrub Typhus Research Unit” and “Lactation Management Centres” in significant hospitals are public health initiatives.

• • Launch of “Mukhya Mantri Sukh Arogya Yojana”. This provides free medical care to state residents over 70 who don’t pay income tax.

 

Green, Clean, Energy Himachal:

 

• • Increasing Solar Power Generation: By September 2024, multiple 5–32 MW solar power projects will be commissioned.
  • Promoting E-Mobility: 327 diesel buses will be replaced by electric buses, and e-taxis will receive permits and subsidies.
  • Power Infrastructure Improvement: A thorough plan will reduce power losses and improve transmission and distribution.
  • Green Practices: Vehicle scrapping centers and “Mukhya Mantri Harit Vikas Chhattravriti Yojana” encourage environmental sustainability.
  • Mitigating Climate Change: A collaborative project will examine how climate change affects agriculture and horticulture.

• 

QuizTime:

 

Mains Questions:

 

Model Answer:

 

The ‘Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Start-up Yojana’ aims to encourage farmers in Himachal Pradesh to adopt natural farming practices. This initiative has the potential to:

 

Benefits:

• • Enhance income: By promoting chemical-free farming, the scheme could lead to higher market value for produce, thereby increasing farmer income.
  • Improve soil health: Natural farming practices can improve soil fertility and long-term productivity.
  • Reduce environmental impact: By minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the scheme can contribute to environmental sustainability.
  • Promote organic farming: This initiative can be a stepping stone towards transitioning Himachal Pradesh towards a hub for organic farming.

Challenges:

• • Initial yield decline: Transitioning to natural farming might lead to an initial dip in yield, potentially discouraging farmers.
    Market access: Ensuring consistent and reliable market access for organically produced crops at premium prices requires robust marketing infrastructure.
  • Technical knowledge: Providing adequate training and technical support to farmers on natural farming techniques is crucial for successful implementation.
  • Certification costs: Obtaining organic certification can be expensive, potentially hindering participation from small and marginal farmers.

Conclusion:

• • The ‘Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Start-up Yojana’ holds promise for promoting sustainable agriculture in Himachal Pradesh. However, addressing the associated challenges through robust support systems, market infrastructure, and effective extension services is crucial for its long-term success.

 

 

Model Answer:

 

Himachal Pradesh’s budget prioritizes investments in education and healthcare, recognizing their crucial role in development:

Education:

• • Improving accessibility: Initiatives like setting up libraries and implementing the National Education Policy can enhance access to quality education for all.
  • Enhancing skills: The focus on vocational training and skill development can equip students with employable skills and improve future career prospects.
  • Promoting inclusivity: Upgrading infrastructure and providing resources for special needs education can foster inclusivity and empower all sections of society.

Healthcare:

• • Expanding access: Establishing new healthcare facilities and programs like “Mukhya Mantri Sukh Arogya Yojana” can improve access to healthcare, especially for vulnerable sections like the elderly.
  • Improving quality: Upgrading infrastructure, equipment, and healthcare professional training can contribute to better quality healthcare services.
  • Promoting preventive care: Initiatives like public health labs and cancer screening programs can help prevent and detect diseases early, reducing healthcare burden.

 

Overall development:

Investments in education and healthcare can contribute to overall development by:

• • Empowering individuals: Improved education and health create a skilled and healthy population, crucial for economic growth and social progress.
  • Breaking the poverty cycle: Education can equip individuals to break free from poverty cycles, while good health allows them to participate actively in the workforce.
  • Promoting social development: Enhanced education and healthcare lead to a more informed and healthier population, fostering social development and well-being.

Conclusion:

• • Prioritizing investments in education and healthcare are crucial steps towards achieving sustainable and inclusive development in Himachal Pradesh. These initiatives can empower individuals, improve human capital, and contribute to the state’s overall well-being in the long run.

 

Remember, these are just two examples of Himachal HPAS Mains questions inspired by the current news. Feel free to modify and adapt them further to fit your specific needs and writing style. Good luck with your preparation!