Uttarakhand Assembly Engages in Fierce Debate Over Rs 1.11 Lakh Crore Budget
The Uttarakhand legislative assembly witnessed intense and heated discussions on Friday as lawmakers debated the state's proposed budget of Rs 1.11 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2026-27. The budget, which is anticipated to be passed in the late hours, was tabled in the House by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on March 9, sparking a flurry of opinions from members across party lines.
MLA Perspectives on the Budget's Merits and Shortcomings
BJP MLA from Deoprayag, Vinod Khandari, lauded the budget as a progressive blueprint, describing it as a roadmap for "Viksit Uttarakhand @2047". He emphasized that the budget contains numerous provisions designed to propel the state onto a trajectory of sustained development and growth.
Echoing supportive sentiments, Kashipur MLA Trilok Singh Cheema highlighted the budget's balanced approach between fiscal discipline and developmental goals. He pointed out that the state's GDP is expanding rapidly, with a total budgetary outlay increase of 10% and a substantial 40% allocation towards capital expenditure, which he termed a positive indicator for overall economic advancement.
Opposition Criticisms and Concerns Raised
In contrast, Congress MLA from Mangalur, Qazi Nizamuddin, criticized the budget, accusing it of relying on acronyms to mislead the public. He argued that agriculture, which serves as the primary livelihood for many in the state, has been entirely neglected, resulting in a negative growth rate within the Himalayan region.
Further concerns were voiced by Congress MLA Vikram Singh Negi, who highlighted the escalating debt burden on Uttarakhand. He noted that 2% of government spending is dedicated to loan repayments and urged the administration to transparently disclose the total debt load and per capita debt figures to the citizens.
Detailed Breakdown of the Budgetary Allocations
The Rs 1.11 lakh crore budget for 2026-27 represents a 10% increase from the Rs 1.01 lakh crore outlay of 2024-25. It comprises revenue expenditure of Rs 64,989 crore and capital expenditure of Rs 46,713 crore. The fiscal deficit is projected at Rs 12,579 crore, remaining below 3% of the gross state domestic product (GSDP) and within the limits set by the fiscal responsibility and budget management (FRBM) Act.
Revenue receipts are estimated at Rs 67,525 crore, with tax revenue contributing Rs 43,327 crore and non-tax revenue at Rs 24,198 crore. Capital receipts are pegged at Rs 43,617 crore. The state's public debt exceeds Rs 21,000 crore, comprising internal debt of Rs 27 crore and loans and advances from the centre amounting to Rs 42,590 crore.
Key Allocations for Infrastructure and Major Events
Significant allocations have been earmarked for critical sectors and upcoming events. A sum of Rs 1,027 crore is designated for the Kumbh Mela, scheduled to commence on January 14, 2027. To bolster infrastructure, the budget allocates Rs 2,501 crore to the public works department, Rs 1,401 crore to urban development, Rs 1,642 crore for rural development, and Rs 291 crore for housing initiatives.
The primary deficit is estimated at Rs 4,650 crore, reflecting the government's financial strategy as it navigates the balance between development aspirations and fiscal prudence amidst ongoing legislative scrutiny.
