Himachal Budget 2025-26: Tourism Startup Scheme for Youth, Major Loan Relief for Farmers, Spice Park to be Set Up in Hamirpur
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) : Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented the financial year 2025-26 budget in the state assembly on Monday. In this budget, he made several key announcements to strengthen the rural economy, provide relief to farmers, and create new employment opportunities for youth.
‘Tourism Startup Scheme’ for Youth
To connect the youth of the state with self-employment, the Chief Minister announced the ‘Tourism Startup Scheme.’ Under this scheme, Himachali youth will receive a 5% interest subsidy on loans for setting up homestays and hotels in non-tribal areas.
Grants for Women and Youth Groups for Tree Plantation
To promote environmental conservation, the government has decided to spend ₹100 crore on tree plantation this year. Women and youth groups will receive a grant of ₹1 lakh each for tree plantation. If the planted trees maintain a 100% survival rate, an additional ₹1 lakh will be provided every year for the next five years. Additionally, ₹2.40 lakh will be given for fencing.
Major Loan Relief for Farmers, One-Time Settlement Policy Implemented
Considering the economic condition of farmers, the Chief Minister announced a one-time settlement policy for repaying loans of up to ₹3 lakh. Under this scheme, the government will bear 50% of the interest on the principal amount of the farmers’ loans. A new agriculture loan scheme will also be introduced.
Increase in Minimum Support Price for Crops and Milk
Providing relief to farmers and dairy producers, the Chief Minister announced an increase in the minimum support price for wheat and maize. The maize support price has been increased from ₹30 to ₹40 per kg, while wheat has been increased from ₹40 to ₹60 per kg.
For dairy farmers, the support price for cow milk has been raised from ₹45 to ₹51 per liter, while buffalo milk has been increased from ₹55 to ₹61 per liter. The government will also provide an additional ₹2 per liter subsidy for milk transportation from remote areas.
₹10 Crore Investment in Irrigation Projects for 100 Villages
To provide better irrigation facilities, new irrigation schemes will be developed in 100 villages at an estimated cost of ₹10 crore. Under the Mukhyamantri Khet Suraksha Yojana, farmers will also receive assistance for setting up wire fencing to protect crops from wild animals.
Spice Park in Hamirpur, Potato Processing Plant in Una
The Chief Minister announced the establishment of a modern spice park in Hamirpur district to ensure fair prices for farmers growing spices. Additionally, a potato processing plant worth ₹20 crore will be set up in Una, directly benefiting potato farmers.
Increase in Wages for MGNREGA Workers and Panchayat Representatives
The daily wage of MGNREGA workers has been increased from ₹300 to ₹320. Panchayat representatives will also receive an increment in their honorariums.
District Council Presidents and Vice Presidents will receive an increase of ₹1,000 and ₹500 respectively. The new salary for District Council Presidents is ₹25,000 per month, while Vice Presidents will receive ₹19,000, and members ₹8,300 per month.
Panchayat Samiti Presidents and Vice Presidents will get an increase of ₹600 and ₹300 respectively. Their new salaries will be ₹12,000 and ₹9,000 per month, while members will get ₹7,500.
Village Panchayat Pradhans and Up-Pradhans will receive an increment of ₹300, with Pradhans earning ₹7,500 and Up-Pradhans ₹5,100 per month.
Ward members will receive ₹1,050 per meeting.
Minimum Support Price Set for Turmeric
The government has set a minimum support price of ₹90 per kg for raw turmeric to ensure fair prices for spice growers.
1,000 New Bus Permits in the Private Sector
During the budget speech, the Chief Minister also announced the issuance of 1,000 new bus permits in the private sector to improve transportation facilities.