TNR News Network
Shimla
Former Minister, former Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, and MLA from Sulah Assembly Constituency, Vipin Singh Parmar, has said that Union Budget 2026, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, clearly reflects the Central Government’s commitment to structural reforms, trust-based governance, and long-term development under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Parmar stated that the budget is a strong policy document aimed at making India a developed nation by 2047, while also presenting a clear roadmap to convert the geographical challenges of hill states like Himachal Pradesh into opportunities. Despite global economic uncertainties, India’s continued growth at around 7 percent demonstrates the strength of its economy based on policy stability, reforms, and global confidence.
He said that giving special priority to sectors such as tourism, agriculture, skill development, environmental protection, and employment generation for Himachal Pradesh reflects the Centre’s sensitive and balanced approach towards mountainous states.
Highlighting a historic achievement, Parmar noted that this is the ninth consecutive Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, calling it a landmark moment in India’s parliamentary history and praising her consistency, transparency, and foresight as the country’s first woman Finance Minister.
Historic Boost for Himachal: Mountain Trails and Eco-Tourism
Parmar described the announcement of developing eco-friendly mountain trails as the most significant and far-reaching initiative for Himachal Pradesh in Budget 2026. He said this will promote adventure tourism, trekking, hiking, and mountain biking, providing the state with a distinct global identity while creating employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth through guide services, homestays, transport, and small enterprises.
He added that the initiative strikes a crucial balance between environmental conservation and economic empowerment, which is essential for a sensitive hill state like Himachal Pradesh.
Focus on Farmers’ Income
The former Speaker said that the budget’s emphasis on increasing farmers’ income will directly benefit Himachal Pradesh. Promotion of high-value hill crops such as walnuts and pine nuts will make mountain agriculture more profitable, sustainable, and market-oriented, ensuring long-term income growth for farmers.
New Opportunities for Youth and Tourism
To strengthen the tourism sector, the government has announced the upgradation of the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology into a National Institute of Hospitality. Additionally, a 12-week standardized training program in collaboration with IIMs will be launched to train 10,000 tour guides across 20 major tourist destinations, offering direct benefits to Himachali youth.
The creation of a National Digital Destination Knowledge Grid will also give global digital visibility to Himachal Pradesh’s cultural, spiritual, and heritage sites, strengthening tourism in the long run.
Historic Push to Infrastructure and Capital Expenditure
Parmar highlighted that Public Capital Expenditure has been increased to ₹12.2 lakh crore in Budget 2026. Projects such as high-speed rail corridors, dedicated freight corridors, expansion of waterways, and modern connectivity will ensure that the benefits of development reach hilly and remote regions as well.
Trust-Based Systems, Trade Reforms, and Energy Transition
He said the strengthening of trust-based systems, customs reforms, AI-based scanning, electronic tracking, and risk-based audits will enhance ease of doing business. Customs duty exemptions on materials related to lithium-ion cells, solar glass, and nuclear power projects will accelerate India’s transition towards green and self-reliant energy.
Boost to Health and MSMEs
Exemptions on customs duty for 17 essential medicines will provide direct relief to citizens, while enhanced funding of over ₹7 lakh crore through TReDS, credit guarantees, and GeM linkage will give a strong push to the MSME sector.
Concluding his statement, Vipin Singh Parmar said that Union Budget 2026 is a powerful reflection of inclusive growth, sustainable development, increased farmers’ income, job creation, and trust-based governance. Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, he said the budget will take Himachal Pradesh to new heights in tourism, agriculture, and employment, while serving as a milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a self-reliant, prosperous, and global leader by 2047.
