Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented the budget for the financial year 2025-26 on Monday. In a move that could burden the middle class, CM Sukhu announced an increase in the price of cow’s milk from Rs 45 to Rs 51 per liter and buffalo milk from Rs 55 to Rs 61 per liter. The minimum support price for both cow and buffalo milk has been raised by Rs 6 each. Additionally, livestock farmers will receive a transport subsidy of Rs 2.
The price adjustment aims to support dairy farmers while addressing cost concerns in the dairy sector.
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In his budget speech, CM Sukhu said the financial year 2025-26 is full of financial challenges due to the reduction in revenue deficit grants and the stoppage of GST compensation. He said over 70 per cent of the state government’s funds have been used to repay the debt and interest incurred by the previous government.
CM Sukhu also outlined an ambitious natural farming plan, targeting the inclusion of 1 lakh farmers by FY26. As of now, approximately 1.58 lakh farmers have already transitioned to this approach. In addition, the Chief Minister revealed that farmers cultivating raw turmeric organically will now receive a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 90 per kilogram.
Himacal CM also has announced an increase of 20 rupees in the daily wage of MGNREGA workers in the state. Now, workers will receive 320 rupees per day, up from the previous 300 rupees.
The District Council President and Vice President will see an increase of 1000 rupees each in their monthly honorarium, and the honorarium of members will be increased by 500 rupees. With the increase, the District Council President will now receive 25,000 rupees monthly, the Vice President will get 19,000 rupees, and the members will receive 8,300 rupees.
The honorarium of the Panchayat Samiti President and Vice President will be increased by 600 rupees each, and the honorarium of members will rise by 300 rupees. The BDC President will now receive 12,000 rupees, the Vice President will get 9,000 rupees, and the members will receive 7,500 rupees.
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The honorarium of the Sarpanch, Up-Sarpanch and Ward members will be increased by 300 rupees each. The Sarpanch will now receive 7,500 rupees, the Up-Sarpanch will get 5,100 rupees, and the Ward members will receive 1,050 rupees.
