Focus on disaster management, addressing poverty: Uttarakhand unveils Rs 89,000-crore budget

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described the budget as inclusive, balanced, and development-oriented. “Our government presented a budget of Rs 89,230 crore for the year 2024-25, which is 15.27 per cent more than last year. This augmentation reflects the government’s steadfast commitment to propelling Uttarakhand towards prosperity,” Dhami said, highlighting the substantial increase in budgetary allocations when compared to the previous year.

Underlining the state’s economic resilience, he revealed that Uttarakhand’s economic growth rate stood at 7.63 per cent in 2022-23, surpassing the national average. He expressed optimism that this momentum would persist in the current fiscal year, with a projected growth rate akin to the preceding year. Moreover, he noted a 12 per cent increase in per capita income, reaching Rs 2.60 lakh in 2023-24.

He also said that the budget emphasised a dedication to the “four pillars” of a developed India outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi – welfare of the poor, youth empowerment, agricultural initiatives, and women’s empowerment. He outlined provisions made for each pillar:

• Rs 5,658 crore has been earmarked for the welfare of the poor, encompassing housing initiatives, food grain distribution, and free gas refill schemes.
• The budget allocates Rs 1,679 crore towards youth welfare, technical and higher education, and organising national games. Additionally, provisions have also been made for schemes promoting the merit of minority girls and fostering employment opportunities.
• Rs 2,415 crore has been allocated for various farmer-centric schemes, including cooperative initiatives, apple cultivation, farmer pensions, and fisheries development.
• The budget sets aside approximately Rs 14,538 crore for gender-specific initiatives. These encompass schemes aimed at maternal and child welfare, and enhancing women’s economic participation.