The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: The budget session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly is scheduled to commence at 11 am on Wednesday (February 14, 2024) and the opening day is expected to witness an address by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla highlighting the state government’s accomplishments.
Following the address, obituary references will take place, paying condolences to former legislators or other renowned personalities who have passed away after the previous Vidhan Sabha was organised. The passing away of Simmi Agnihotri, the spouse of Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, is also to be commemorated.
The second day of the session has been earmarked for the commencement of the question hour at 11 am. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu would be unveiling the budget on February 17, which could entail an expenditure of around Rs 56,000 crore. Building upon previous initiatives, speculations suggest that this budget might adopt a green approach, with a pronounced emphasis on solar energy.
The agricultural sector is expected to receive a significant allocation, underscoring the government’s commitment to bolstering farmer welfare. Furthermore, provisions aimed at benefitting various sectors, including employees, women, youth and the elderly, are expected to feature prominently in the budgetary allocations.
The opposition BJP is expected to corner the government over unfulfilled promises made by the Congress before coming to power and the bleak financial condition of the state. The issue of growing debt, with around Rs 12,000 crore borrowed by the government in its first year of rule, is also likely to be raised by the opposition. The BJP is expected to protest the government’s policies inside and outside the House, leading to chaos. The 13-day session is scheduled to conclude on February 29.
