SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented the budget estimates of Rs 53,413 crore for 2023-24. In 2023-24, the revenue receipts are estimated to be Rs 37,999 crore and the total revenue expenditure Rs 42,704 crore. Thus, the total revenue deficit is estimated to be Rs 4,704 crore. Fiscal deficit is estimated to be Rs 9,900 crore which is 4.61 percent of the Gross Domestic Product.
According to the revised estimates for the year 2022-23, the total revenue receipts are Rs 38,945 crore and the total revenue expenditure is estimated to be Rs 45,115 crore thus the revenue deficit is estimated to be Rs 6,170 crore.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the budget for 2023-24 gives a new direction to the economy of the Himachal Pradesh for its green, healthy and prosperous future. He said that new initiatives have been proposed in this budget to develop Himachal Pradesh as ‘Green State’ by March 31st, 2026.
He said this budget has been presented to create employment opportunities through investment in basic infrastructure in tourism and other sectors and to ensure timely availability of health, education and other Government services with the application of technology.
He said that the government will also make all efforts to ensure timely payments of due benefits to the outsource workers of the State. It will also be ensured that these workers are not exploited in any manner and necessary directions will be issued in this regard.
The chief minister said that he is sure that resources will be arranged with effective tax compliance, cooperation of the Government of India and better financial management.
As per the budget estimates of 2023-24, out of every Rs 100 spent, Rs 26 will be spent on salary, Rs 16 on pension, Rs10 on interest payment, Rs 10 on loan repayment, Rs 9 on grant to autonomous institutions, while the balance Rs 29 will be spent on other activities including capital works.
