Uttarakhand Supplementary Budget: Key Step Towards Self-Reliance

Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami said during a press conference held on Tuesday at Gairsain (Bhararisain) that the state government is committed to transforming Uttarakhand into a developed, prosperous and self-reliant state by 2047. In this direction, the government is continuously working to accelerate development activities and ensure that the benefits of public welfare schemes reach the last person in society. The Supplementary Budget for the financial year 2026–27 has also been prepared with this vision, keeping in mind both the state’s current requirements and its future needs.

According to the Chief Minister, Uttarakhand has undergone a lengthy development process in the almost 26 years since its formation. The statehood movement's activists, the hard work of the people of Uttarakhand, and public participation have contributed to this achievement. Shri Narendra Modi's aspiration for a developed India by 2047 is being pursued by Uttarakhand, which is committed to playing an active role.

It was noted by the Chief Minister that statistics on the state's economy and development are encouraging.... The GSDP of Uttarakhand in 2022 was approximately 2.55 lakh crore, and it is predicted to rise to c.3.82 lakh cr in the coming years. Since then, the per capita income has increased from about 1.95 lakh to c.2.74 lakh. Multidimensional poverty has declined. The number of startups in the state has increased from 702 to 1,978, and the number for MSME units has risen from around 60,000 to one lakh. There has been a notable increase in the state's solar energy capacity. The.

With a score of 79 points, Uttarakhand was ranked joint first nationally in the NITI Aayog's SDG India Index for 2023-24, as per the Chief Minister. The favorable environment and financial management in Uttarakhand have earned it national recognition. The state's economic development is being used to benefit villages, farmers, women, and young people.

A sum of 7,844.18 crore is set to be allocated in the Supplementary Budget for 2026–27, as stated by the Chief Minister. 4,164.32 crore has been allocated for capital expenditure, and a further 3667.86 crore for revenue expenditure. As per the Sixth State Finance Commission's suggestions, it is proposed to raise the percentage of local entities in the state' tax revenue from 10.5 per cent to 125 percent. 721 crore has been designated as the allocation. This will provide additional resources for development works by rural and urban local bodies.?...

As per the Chief Minister's announcement, the Annapurti Scheme has provided 1,100 crore for paddy and wheat procurement from farmers; the Special Assistance Scheme provides around -500 crore towards infrastructure development; and the Jal Jeevan Mission has received a further minus of –300 crore. 122 crore has been proposed for the Gairsain Water Supply Dam Project, and approximately -290 crore is set aside for preparations and infrastructure facilities for next year's Divya Kumbh. Works related to the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra and the Haridwar-Ganga Corridor are also included in the budget.

To enhance healthcare services, the Chief Minister has allocated 100 crore for the Atal Ayushman Scheme and a further 125 crore is set aside for government employees through the Golden Card Scheme. Around 160 crore has been designated for medical education-related initiatives, such as the medical colleges in Pithoragarh and Rudrapur. An extra 200 crore has been set aside for digital learning in school and higher education.

The Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana, upcoming sports university, women's sports college, athletes' training programs, and scholarship schemes to aid young people in their competitive examination preparations were also mentioned by him. The priority has been shifted towards women's welfare, child welfare programs, honorariums for meal preparation, farmers' pensions, and other social security schemes.

The government's priority is not just introducing new schemes, but also ensuring that their benefits are delivered on time, as stated by the Chief Minister. This aim has led to increased public involvement in budgeting. In the past five years, pre-budget consultations have been conducted with input from farmers, women, youth, entrepreneurs, and representatives of different sectors. The government has focused on fiscal prudence, transparency, and efficient use of public funds while still maintaining a revenue-surplus position.

The Chief Minister stated that the government is focusing on disaster management and improving the safety of infrastructure in Uttarakhand. Projects are being undertaken in land-financial corridors like Joshimath, as well as disaster-prone construction and basic infrastructure for road and helicopter services. Dehradun has recently opened a facility named STPI, which will create new opportunities for youth in the IT and startup industries.

Development is being prioritized by our Government, as stated by the Chief Minister. The Uttarakhand government is committed to achieving a prosperous state by 2035 by focusing on quality investment, local employment, enhanced public services, and the expansion of modern facilities.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Uttarakhand's prosperity is due to the efforts of its citizens. Government is not just about schemes; it wants every citizen to have access. Uttarakhand's development can only be achieved through public participation, good governance, and sustained development.

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Karun Sharma

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