Himachal Pradesh Unveils Ambitious Budget for 2024-25, Prioritizing Clean Energy and Sustainable Development

In a significant development, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh unveiled the state’s proposed annual budget plan for the fiscal year 2024-25, totaling Rs 9,989.49 crore. Chairing the inaugural session of the MLA Priority meeting with representatives from Una, Hamirpur, and Sirmaur districts, the Chief Minister outlined the government’s ambitious vision. He stressed the commitment to making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant within the next four years and positioning it as the most prosperous state in the nation within a decade.

A key focus of the government’s agenda is the transition to clean and renewable energy. Sukhu highlighted the state’s efforts to become a Green Energy State within the next two years, revealing a recent Memorandum of Understanding worth Rs 2,000 crore signed with the World Bank. This collaboration aims to drive the Hydroelectric and Renewable Energy Development Programme over the next five years. He urged MLAs to align their priorities with the government’s commitment to providing a clean, transparent, and accountable administration to the people.

Addressing specific initiatives, Sukhu mentioned that MLA priorities, particularly in clean energy, transportation, and renewable energy, would be financed through the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). He revealed that for the fiscal year 2023-24, NABARD sanctioned Rs 918.81 crore for various projects, including 62 works for the Public Works Department and 93 for the Jal Shakti Department. The Chief Minister directed officials to fully utilize NABARD’s budget for the upcoming year and submit reimbursement claims by March 15, further accelerating the state’s development process.