Himachal budget session begins today with Governor’s address, 963 questions lined up

SHIMLA: Shimla is on high alert as the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly’s budget session begins on Monday (March 10, 2025) with Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla’s address.
The Himachal budget session, which will run from March 10 to March 28, has prompted strict security measures, with 1,000 police personnel deployed to ensure smooth proceedings.

Additionally, five Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been stationed around the Assembly premises, while state CID officers in plain clothes will monitor activities.
CCTV cameras, drone surveillance and a special control room have been set up for enhanced vigilance.

CM Sukhu to present third budget on March 17

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will present his third budget on March 17. The budget session will comprise 16 sittings, with discussions on the Governor’s address scheduled from March 11 to 13.
The state budget for the financial year 2025-26 will be passed in the House on March 26.

There will be no Question Hour on March 10 and March 17 due to the Governor’s address and the budget presentation. March 22 and 27 have been designated as non-official days during the session.

Congress legislative party meeting today

A total of 963 questions have been submitted for discussion in the Assembly during the budget session.
These include 737 starred questions (requiring oral answers) and 226 unstarred questions.
According to Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, members submitted 680 starred questions online and 56 offline. Similarly, 223 unstarred questions were received online and three offline.

Additionally, nine notices under Rule 62, five under Rule 101, and ten under Rule 130 have been received for discussion.
Meanwhile, ahead of the Himachal budget session, the Congress legislature party will meet on Monday to strategise its approach in the House, particularly in response to questions and posturing by the opposition BJP, which will be looking to corner the government over various issues concerning Himachal Pradesh and its people.

Sunil Chadha