Uttarakhand CM Dhami Lauds Union Budget as Development-Oriented and People-Centric

DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN

Reacting on Union Budget Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said that FM has given much relief to the middle class by making annual incomes up to ₹12 lakh tax-free. He further said this is development oriented budget and FM has given special focus on public welfare. It would be beneficial for both the nation and Uttarakhand as well.

The CM Dhami congratulated Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a balanced and visionary budget, emphasizing that Uttarakhand will receive direct and indirect benefits from several key initiatives. He pointed out that the state’s share in central taxes is expected to rise to ₹14,387 crore in the current financial year, an increase of ₹444 crore, with projections for ₹15,902 crore in the coming year. This additional revenue, he said, is crucial for Uttarakhand’s development.

Chief Minister ahs expressed gratitude for the inclusion of several requests made by the state government during the pre-budget conference. He highlighted the Centre’s approval to set up a Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity, part of the national announcement of five such centers and 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in government schools. The announcement of broadband connectivity for all government schools was also welcomed, as it will strengthen the state’s education system and lay the foundation for a knowledge-driven economy.

The Chief Minister also noted the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission deadline to 2028, enabling the completion of critical projects in the state. Additionally, the ₹1.5 lakh crore loan provision for state capital development, an increase of ₹25,000 crore from last year, will benefit Uttarakhand, which has already seen significant gains from this interest-free scheme.

Uttarakhand will also benefit from the launch of the new Udaan scheme for 125 cities, the establishment of cancer centers in all districts, and the expansion of the Kisan Credit Card loan limit from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh. Dhami emphasized that converting India Post into a public logistics organization will enhance economic mobility in remote areas of the state.

The Chief Minister called the budget a step forward in transforming India and reiterated Uttarakhand’s commitment to leveraging these initiatives for the state’s growth.