Hon’ble Speaker Sir,

1. With your permission, I present the Budget for

2019-20.

2. Bharatiya Janta Party Government assumed office

in December, 2017. This brought about a generational change
in State politics. This change has brought forth new ideas of
governance. Our Government, shunning the politics of
revenge and accusations-counter accusations, has brought
the agenda of development to centre stage. Our Government
has taken several new initiatives in the interest of the people
in the last 13 months. This is a prime example of “bZekunkj
iz;kl] lc dk fodkl”.

3. Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s

philosophy of “Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas” is the guiding
force for the development policies of the State, whose sole
objective is to ensure development of all sections of society.
We consider the Drishti Patra of the Bharatiya Janta Party as
an important guiding force for the policies of the Government.

4. During this developmental journey, we have

established direct contact with the common masses. The
common people have found ‘Jan Manch’ to be an effective
forum for them to directly interact with Ministers and Senior
Officers for redressal of their grievances and demands. By
January, 2019, 106 Jan Manch Programmes had been
implemented in the State in which 33,966 grievances and
demands were settled. The increased participation of the
people in these Jan Manch Programmes testifies to the
effectiveness of this programme.

5. People of the State have high expectations of a

new approach to administration. To come good on these
expectations, it was important to establish a direct dialogue
with the people so that I could understand their problems
and the people could also appreciate my approach to
resolving the problems. I have myself visited almost all
Vidhan Sabha Constituencies in the last 13 months, as a
result of which, I have been able to establish a direct connect
with the people and seen their problems and grievances from
close quarters.

Here I would like to say:—

;w¡ gh ugha feyrh jkgh dks eafty]

,d twuwu lk fny esa txkuk iM+rk gS]
iwNk fpfM+;k ls dSls cuk;k vkf’k;kuk cksyh]
ßHkjuh iM+rh gS mM+ku ckj&ckj]
frudk&frudk mBkuk iM+rk gSÞ

6. We are aware that consequent to the passing of

the Constitution Amendment, the Central Government has
notified reservation of 10 percent posts and seats in public
employment and educational institutions. As a result of this
historical decision, the economically weaker sections of the
2
general categories would be eligible for reservation in public
services and educational institutions. This amendment in law
has been done without affecting the existing legal provisions
of reservation relating to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes
and Other Backward Classes. This decision is a further step
in the Central and State Government’s resolve to achieve
‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’. We are of the view that this
major initiative will provide an opening to the poor eligible
persons of the general category, to aspire for opportunities
in higher education and public employment , enabling them
to achieve their aspirational goals. I am pleased to announce
that our Government has also decided to reserve 10 percent
seats in employment and educational institutions for the
economically weaker sections of the general category.

7. In the last few years, the Indian Economy has National

Economy
emerged as a leading economy in the world, growing at a
very fast rate. In 2017-18, the GDP growth of India was 6.7
percent which is likely to be 7.2 percent in 2018-19 also.
The foreign exchange reserves of the country have crossed
40,000 crore US Dollars. Compared to the previous year, in
2018, exports recorded a growth of 13.79 percent between
April, 2018 and December, 2018. Inflation rate up to
December, 2018 was about 2.19 percent. The prices are
under control, which is a major achievement of the Union
and the State Government. As per the World Bank Ease of
Doing Business Report, India jumped to 77th rank in 2018 as
against the rank of 100 in 2017.

3
 8. Hon’ble Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision
of inclusive development has taken the benefits of rapid
economic growth to all sections of the society. He has started
a large number of programmes to make the growth process
inclusive. These programmes include “PM-Kisan Samman
Nidhi”, “Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojna”,
“Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojna”, “Soubhagya” Yojna,
“Ujjwala” Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Srijan Yojna”,
“Mudra Yojna”, “Jan-Dhan Yojna”, “Pradhan Mantri
Krishi Sinchai Yojna”, “Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya
Yojna-Aayushman Bharat”, “Doubling of Farmer’s
Income by 2022 Programme”, “Swachh Bharat
Mission”, the programme for speeding up the pace of
construction of National Highways and other Infrastructure.
The people of Himachal Pradesh too have benefited from
these Central Programmes.

State Economy 9. Speaker Sir, when the BJP Government assumed

power, we inherited the legacy of acute shortage of financial
resources from the previous Congress Government. Meeting
the aspirations of the common people was a huge challenge
due to the empty treasury left by the previous Government.
It was due to this reason that in 2017-18 and in the previous
two years, the State had logged growth rates lower than the
Country as a whole. The present Government has taken
several initiatives to boost the economy of the State. Our
Government has not only made judicious use of the available
resources, but has successfully got new schemes and
projects sanctioned from the Shri Narendra Modi led Union
4
Government. We have not allowed the fiscal constraints, a
legacy of the previous Government, to constrain our efforts
to step up developmental initiatives.

10. As per the advance estimates, State’s economy is

expected to grow at a rate of 7.3 percent during 2018-19.
This growth rate was 6.5 percent during 2017-18. The State
Gross Domestic Product (SGDP) is expected to be
Rs.1,51,835 crore during 2018-19. This is 11.2 percent
higher than what it was during 2017-18.

11. The development policy of an economy needs to Sustainable

Development
be oriented towards inclusiveness and sustainability, to make Goals and
Policies
development a continuous process. Hon’ble Prime Minister
Sh. Narendra Modi had expressed India’s commitment to
achieve Sustainable Development Goals in a summit held in
New York on 25th September, 2015. This commitment has
been reiterated during various meetings of G-20. The State
Government has also initiated the process of institutionalizing
Sustainable Development Goals in its budgetary process. A
Vision Document, of Sustainable Development Goals as its
centre piece, will be brought out very shortly by the State
Government.

12. Speaker Sir, the official time line to achieve

Sustainable Development Goals, as finalized by the United
Nations in consultation with its Member Countries, is 2030.
However, we believe that our State Government will be able
to achieve most of these targets by 2022. Speaker Sir, it is a
matter of pride that Himachal Pradesh has been ranked as
5
 the top performing State in the report - SDG India Index –
Base Line Report, 2018, in making efforts to achieve SDGs
in the entire Country. This report had ranked all the States
and Union Territories of India, based on 62 priority indicators.
The areas where Himachal Pradesh has performed better
than other States are Poverty Alleviation, Employment under
MGNREGA, availability of Health Facilities, proportion of
children attending school, open defecation free Panchayats
and Villages, Ground Water Management, Urban Waste
Treatment and Management, Electrification, Financial
Inclusion and Corruption free Governance.

13. This Budget is a step towards achieving the

development goals before the target timeline. This budget
focuses on effective implementation of the initiatives
announced as part of the last budget, apart from proposing
new schemes. This budget lays emphasis on improving
Agricultural productivity, Women and Child Health Care,
Quality of Education, Women Empowerment, Skill
Development and Employment Generation, Infrastructure
and Industrial Development and maintaining Law and
Order.Speaker Sir, here I would like to say:—

lQj dk ,d flyflyk cukuk gS]

vc vkleku ryd jkLrk cukuk gSA

Annual Plan 14. An outlay of Rs.7,100 crore has been proposed

for the Annual Plan 2019-20 which is 12.7 percent (Rs.800
crore) more than the approved outlay of Rs.6,300 crore for
Annual Plan 2018-19. This increase in the Annual Plan outlay
6
is the highest during the past few years. Out of the proposed
outlay of Rs.7,100 crore, Rs.1,788 crore is proposed for
Scheduled Caste Sub Component Plan, Rs.639 crore for
Tribal Sub Plan and Rs.80 crore for Backward Area Sub Plan.

15. Substantial financial resources are required to give

impetus to the pace of growth in Himachal Pradesh. External
funding through multilateral and bilateral funding agencies
play an important role in mobilizing additional resources. The
engagement with external funding agencies also provides
an opportunity to replicate the best practices being adopted
across the world. Presently, 8 Externally Aided Projects, with
a total cost of Rs.7,729 crore, are under implementation in
the State. In addition, our Government has succeeded in
getting the approval of the Central Government for projects
worth Rs.10,330 crore for being posed to external funding
agencies. This is a record for any Government in a short
tenure of 13 months.

16. Speaker Sir, the pace of implementation of Administrative

Reforms
development schemes has picked-up in the last one year.
“Jan Manch”, “Mukhya Mantri Portal”, “Monitoring and
Quality Check Cell” in the office of the Chief Minister etc.
are some initiatives which have been instrumental in providing
impetus to the development process. These initiatives have
also helped in improving service delivery and governance.

17. The Jan Manch has helped in redressing grievances

of people living in remote areas of the State. However, district
level grievances may not always be redressed during the
7
Jan Manch. I am happy to announce that as a next step, Jan
Manch will also be organized at district headquarters, which
will be chaired by me. Speaker Sir, I would like to say:—

xjhch ls mBk gw¡] xjhch tkurk gw¡]

vkleku ls T+;knk] t+eha dh dnj tkurk gw¡A

18. Hon’ble MLAs had given several suggestions during

recent review meetings. One of the suggestions was to set
time lines for delivery of public services. The Government
of Himachal Pradesh had enacted the Himachal Pradesh
Public Services Guarantee Act in 2011. 113 services were
brought under this Act. However, presently there is no
mechanism to know if citizens are getting these services
within the specified time period. Our Government has
decided to strictly enforce the provisions of this Act to ensure
that services covered under the Act are delivered within the
specified time period. This them get services at their door
step. Our Government will also ensure that implementation
process of schemes and public services is made transparent.

19. Hon’ble MLAs had also suggested to improve

implementation process of MLA Priority Schemes. Our
Government has decided to review the entire implementation
process of MLA Priority Schemes and the process will be
made more effective and transparent with the help of
Information Technology. Hon’ble MLAs have suggested an
enhancement in the Assembly Constituency ceiling of Rs.90
crore for posing MLA Priority Schemes to NABARD. I am
happy to announce that the current ceiling of Rs. 90 crore
8
will be enhanced to Rs.105 crore during the financial year
2019-20.

20. During this meeting, the Hon’ble MLAs had also

suggested enhancement of the present limit of Rs.1.25 crore
under “Vidhayak Kashetra Vikas Nidhi Yojna”. I am happy
to announce that this limit will be increased to Rs.1.50 crore
from the financial year 2019-20. Also the discretionary grant
will be enhanced to Rs.8 lakh from the existing limit of Rs.7
lakh per Assembly Constituency from the financial year 2019-
20. The existing guidelines for implementation of “Vidhayak
Kashetra Vikas Nidhi Yojna” have provision for assistance
up to Rs.20,000 for purchase of Durries, Furniture and
Utensils for registered Mahila Mandals. I am happy to
announce an increase in this limit to Rs. 25,000. Hon’ble
MLAs have suggested making provision of such grants to
Yuvak Mandals also. I am happy to announce that the Hon’ble
MLAs will be able to recommend a maximum amount of
Rs.25,000 per registered Yuvak Mandal for purchase of
Sports materials and sports equipment from 2019-20.

Speaker Sir, I would like to share with the Hon’ble

Members of Legislative Assembly:-

Nw u ldw¡ vkleka] rks u lgh]

vkids fnyksa dks Nw tkÅa] cl bruh lh reék gSA

21. Speaker Sir, the arrests made under MISA during

emergency were a black chapter in the history of our country.
During emergency, a large number of people in Himachal
9
 Pradesh were also arrested without assigning any reason.
They were sent to jail and tortured. As a token of our respect
for such persons, I announce an annual “Loktantre Prahari”
Samman Rashi of Rs.11,000 to all such persons.

Information 22. Our Government has been making continuous

Technology
efforts to encourage use of Information Technology. There
are 52 G2C (Government to Citizen) services which are being
currently provided through E-district Portal. I propose to bring
136 more such services on the E-district Portal.

23. Speaker Sir, I am happy to announce that a State of

the art, State level Command and Control Centre will be
established during 2019-20. This centre will be known as
“Lok Suraksha Kendra”. With the establishment of this
Centre, a large number of services will be provided, in case
of emergency, from a single platform using Information
Technology. This Centre will help in surveillance of traffic
movement, crowd management, criminal activities, disaster
management etc. with the help of CCTV cameras.

24. Our Government is committed to timely redress of

public grievances. I announce that a “Mukhya Mantri
Helpline” shall be set-up to achieve this objective. Any
person can register his/her complaint via a telephone call.
The complaint will be forwarded to the concerned officers
immediately after it is registered. If the concerned officer is
not able to redress the complaint within a specified time
period, the complaint will be escalated to the next higher
officer. The officers will resolve the complaints within a
10
specified time period. My colleagues in the Cabinet and
I myself intend to interact with the complainants over
telephone and find out whether a satisfactory resolution has
been achieved or not. I am confident that this help line will
bring accountability, while dealing with public complaints. For
effective engagement with public, MyGov Portal will be
started. This initiative will enable a dialogue with the citizens
and experts while formulating public policies.

25. An IT Park will be established in Kangra district with

the help of Software Technology Park of India (STPI). This
will help attract private investment and create additional
employment opportunities in the State. The adjoining land
will also be developed for IT related facilities. Private
investment will be solicited to make the long delayed IT Park
in Waknaghat of Solan District functional.

26. Speaker Sir, the Central Government had launched Food Security
and Public
“Ujjwala Yojna” to provide Gas connection to the poor Distribution
System
people. Nearly 86,000 families in the State have been
extended benefits under this scheme thus far. To cater to
left out families in the State, the State Government started a
new scheme “Himachal Grihini Suvidha Yojna” during
2018-19. Under this scheme the beneficiaries are provided
assistance worth Rs.3,500 in the shape of Gas Stove,
Cylinder, Regulator, Pipe and security. About 49,000
households have already benefited under this State scheme.
This scheme has become very popular among the women
folk of the State. The reactions received from the women

11
during Jan Manch point to the success of this scheme. As a
result, women will be able to avoid smoke and related
diseases once this scheme achieves saturation. This scheme
also contributes to environment conservation. The
households without any female member will also be eligible
for getting benefit under the scheme, subject to fulfilment of
other eligibility criteria of the scheme. I propose to cover all
the left out eligible households of the State under this scheme
during 2019-20. With this, Himachal Pradesh will become
first State of the country with all the households having an
LPG connection.

27. I am also happy to announce that our Government

will provide Gas Stove, Cylinder and Pipe, out of the State’s
own resources, for all new beneficiaries under Government
of India’s “Ujjwala” Yojna. I am also happy to announce that
in addition to this, all the beneficiaries under “Himachal
Grihini Suvidha Yojna” and “Ujjwala” Yojna will be
provided an additional LPG refill free of cost. This will benefit
about 2 lakh households in the State. I propose an outlay of
Rs.20 crore for this scheme during 2019-20.

Speaker Sir, I would like to say:-

fpjkxksa ds vius ?kj ugha gksrs]

tgk¡ tyrs gSa] ogha jks’kuh fc[ksj nsrs gSaA

28. Our Government has been paying special attention

to ensure quality of pulses, edible oils, salt etc. provided
through the ration shops. The procurement of these food
12
items has been made more competitive and transparent.
Rs.230 crore will be spent as subsidy on these items.
Speaker Sir, our Government will ensure that the subsidy
being provided on the edible items through Public Distribution
System reaches the deserving sections of society. Here,
I would again like to appeal to all ration card holders who can
afford to buy ration from the open market, to surrender this
ration subsidy.

29. Speaker Sir, the Central Government in the budget Agriculture and
Irrigation
for 2019-20, has made a historical announcement to provide
an assured income support to small and marginal farmers
with land holding less than 2 hectares, at the rate of Rs.6,000
per annum under the “Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman
Nidhi”. Since 90 percent of the farmers in our State are small
and marginal, a very large number of our farmers will be
benefitted. Our Government will immediately initiate the
necessary steps to implement this scheme in the State.

30. Our Government is committed to double the

farmer’s income by 2022. In this direction, our Government
has started “Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojna” in
2018-19. This scheme will continue in 2019-20 also.

31. Full protection to standing crops of the farmers is

not always possible, despite continuous watch and despite
sterilization of monkeys. To protect standing crops of farmers,
subsidy for solar fencing under “Mukhya Mantri Khet
Sanrakshan Yojna” will continue to be provided to the
farmers. Keeping in view the demand of the farmers,
13
I announce 50 percent subsidy for installing Barbed Wire or
Chain Link Fence under this scheme.

32. Speaker Sir, I am happy to inform this August House

that our Government will start a new project “Doubling of
Farmer’s Income through Water Conservation and
other Activities” at an estimated cost of Rs.4,751 crore.
The Government of India has already recommended Rs.708
crore to the Asian Development Bank for funding the first
phase. The implementation of the project will start soon in
collaboration with the ADB.

33. Most of the agriculture land in the State is dependent

on rains. Farmers’ income can increase only with more
irrigation facilities. I am happy to inform that the work of
Nadaun Medium Irrigation Scheme will be completed and
the scheme will be commissioned during 2019-20, leading
to irrigation facilities in 2,980 hectare. The pace of execution
of Phina Singh Medium Irrigation Scheme will also be
increased. 4,025 hectare of culturable land will have irrigation
facilities once the scheme is commissioned. I propose Rs.84
crore for these schemes in 2019-20.

34. In 2019-20, 111 minor irrigation schemes are

expected to be completed with an investment of Rs.338 crore
under “Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna”. Irrigation
facilities will be made available on additional 17,880 hectare
land with the completion of these schemes. In addition,
3 more minor irrigation schemes viz Binga & Sandhole in
district Mandi and Labrang Garden Colony, Pooh, District
14
Kinnaur are likely to be completed by March, 2020 at a cost
of Rs. 41 crore. These 3 schemes will provide irrigation
facilities for 1,685 hectare land.

35. Assured irrigation is an imperative to increase

production and productivity in agriculture sector. “Jal Se
Krishi Ko Bal” scheme was started in 2018-19. Realising
the importance of this scheme in enhancing famers’ income,
I propose an outlay of Rs.50 crore for this scheme during
2019-20. The Irrigation and Public Health Department has
also prepared a concept note for reviving and reconstructing
old irrigation schemes at a cost of Rs.4,070 crore. This will
renovate and strengthen the existing irrigation system of the
State. This concept note will be sent to the Government of
India for its recommendations to an external funding agency.
534 old schemes are proposed to be remodelled and
reconstructed under the project once it gets the necessary
approvals.

36. I propose an outlay of Rs.30 crore for

implementation of “Saur Sinchai Yojna” in 2019-20. This
scheme was started in 2018-19. Solar Energy is used for
pumping and lifting water under the scheme, which helps in
reducing input costs in farm operations.

37. Our Government had decided to reduce electricity

charges paid by farmers for irrigation from Re.1 to 75 Paisa
during 2018-19. I am happy to announce that the rate of
electricity will be further reduced to 50 paisa per unit from 75
paisa per unit. This will help in reducing agricultural costs
and will benefit farmers of the State.
15
 I would like to share with the farmers of the State
that:-

lkjs b= dh [kq’kcw] vkt ean iM+ xbZ]

feêh ij ikuh dh cw¡nsa] tks pan iM+ xb±A

38. I propose an outlay of Rs. 1,260 crore for

implementation of various irrigation schemes during
2019-20.

39. Flood Management Projects have an important role

in preventing soil erosion. The Government of India had
approved Swan River Flood Management Project Phase-IV
with an estimated cost of Rs.923 crore. This included
channelization of Swan River and its 55 tributaries from
Daulatpur Bridge to Gagret Bridge in Una district. I am happy
to inform this August House that our Government has
released Rs.107 crore for implementation of the project. An
amount of Rs.22 crore has also been released for execution
of Chhonch Khad channelization project. Our Government
will continue its efforts in this direction and will expedite
execution of the Swan River Flood Management project and
Chhonch Khad channelization project during 2019-20.

40. In view of the problems of the farmers and other

flood affected population, the Government of India has
approved and recommended “Himachal Pradesh Flood
and River Management Project”, for funding by the Asian
Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The Government of
India has recommended schemes worth Rs.1,288 crore in
16
the first phase while schemes worth Rs.2,062 crore will be
taken up in the second phase .

41. Speaker Sir, in addition, I propose other initiatives

that will help in reducing input costs and provide protection
to the farmers. Small and Marginal farmers, women,
Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries are
being provided tractors, power tillers, weeders and grass
cutters at a subsidy of 50 percent under “Rajya Krishi
Yantrikaran Karyakram”. Interested youth, farmers, group
of farmers and cooperative societies will also be eligible for
40 percent subsidy to establish Agricultural Equipment Hiring
Centres. These centres will provide agricultural implements,
equipment and other tools on rent to farmers, who are not
able to procure them from the market. I propose Rs.20 crore
for this scheme.

42. “Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna” and “New

Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme” are being
implemented in Himachal Pradesh since Kharif-2016 season.
I propose to cover new crops like Cauliflower in Lahaul &
Spiti, and Potato in Una district under New Weather Based
Crop Insurance Scheme from the next Kharif-2019 season.
In addition, I am also happy to announce enhancement of
the insurance benefit from the existing limit of Rs.1.50 lakh
to Rs.3 lakh in the event of death and doubling of the existing
compensation of Rs.50,000 in case of disability under
“Mukhya Mantri Kisaan Evam Khetihar Majdoor Jeevan
Suraksha Yojna”.

17
43. Protected cultivation helps in increasing production
of cash crops. “Deendayal Upadhyay Kisaan Bagwan
Yojna”, is in its last year of implementation and will terminate
in March, 2019. Hence, I announce a new Rs.150 crore
“Mukhya Mantri Nutan Polyhouse Pariyojna” during
2019-20. About 5,000 Poly Houses will be constructed by
providing 85 percent subsidy. It will be ensured that demand
of all the interested farmers is fully met. This project will be
phased from 2019-20 to 2022-23, and is expected to provide
employment to about 20,000 persons.

44. To diversify agriculture, Coffee plants were

distributed on trial basis for cultivation in 30 hectare land
spread over 5 districts in 2018-19. These plants have started
bearing fruits now. I propose continuation of this scheme in
2019-20 also. If this experiment yields positive results, this
can be adopted by the farmers of Kangra, Mandi, Una,
Bilaspur and Hamirpur districts, which will help in enhancing
their incomes.

45. Proper marketing is crucial for helping farmers get

the right price for their produce. Out of 59 Agricultural Markets
of the State, 19 have already been linked to E-NAM
(Electronic-National Agriculture Market) portal. I propose to
link 10 more markets to this portal during 2019-20. In addition,
It is proposed to establish value addition chains in 15
E-NAM markets. 6 New Market Yards are also proposed to
be established during 2019-20.

18
46. Speaker Sir, horticulture has an important place in Horticulture

the State’s economy and the State has emerged as a leading

horticultural State. Our Government will start Rs.423 crore
“Integrated Mushroom Development Project” with the
help of an external funding agency after approval from the
Government of India. I am happy to announce that a new
“Mukhyamatri Khumb Vikaas Yojna” will be started during
2019-20.

47. I propose increasing the outlay for providing Hail

Nets on subsidy by 100 percent during 2019-20, in view of
increasing popularity and demand for Hail Nets among
horticulturists. Rs.20 crore is being budgeted for the purpose.
Any additional demand will also be fully met.

48. Our Government has been making efforts to

increase productivity of horticulture in the long term. Additional
5,000 hectare will be covered under “Himachal Pradesh
Horticulture Development Project”, being implemented
with a total cost of Rs.1,134 crore, during 2019-20. Our
Government is also committed to promote cultivation of sub-
tropical fruits in lower hills and plain areas of the State. The
State Government has posed “Himachal Pradesh Sub-
tropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value Addition
(SHIVA)” project with a total cost of Rs.1,688 crore, for
funding by Asian Development Bank, after approval from the
Government of India. 20,000 hectare will be brought under
Sub-tropical Fruits under this project.

49. Speaker Sir, Agriculture and Horticulture

Departments have been importing seeds and saplings of
19
 fruit bearing trees from outside the State. Our Government
will make efforts to provide training to the farmers and
horticulturists of the State and encourage them to produce
good quality seeds and saplings within the State. This will
not only ensure availability of quality seeds and saplings
within the State but will also generate additional employment
in the farm sector.

50. While presenting the budget for 2018-19, I had

announced a reduction of 20 percent in the freight charges
for transportation of flowers in HRTC buses for the benefit
of the floriculturists. I am happy to announce that HRTC will
further reduce freight charges by 10 percent in the next
financial year.

51. I propose Rs. 474 crore for Horticulture sector

during the financial year 2019-20.

Animal 52. Speaker Sir, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

Husbandry/
Cow Protection activities help in supplementing farmers’ income. The geo
climatic conditions prevailing in the State favour Animal
Husbandry and Dairying activities. With an objective to
enhance farmers’ income, I propose the following:—
53. It is proposed to use Embryo Transfer Technology
for protecting and promoting Sahiwal and Red Sindhi breeds
of cows under “Rashtriya Gokul Mission”. Rs.2 crore will
be spent for this purpose. A breeding farm for Sahiwal and
Red Sindhi breeds of cows will be set up at a cost of Rs.11
crore with a view to protect and promote breeding of cows
of indigenous breed.
20
54. Speaker Sir, I am happy to announce that a subsidy
of 50 percent, with the maximum limit of Rs.25,000 will be
provided for purchase of cows of indigenous breed, to those
farmers who are engaged in natural farming. This will not
only increase the cattle wealth of the farmers but will also
help promote natural farming.

55. I also propose to provide 85 percent subsidy to

farmers living below poverty line for purchase of goats.
Farmers living above poverty line will be provided goats with
a subsidy of 60 percent. Rs.6 crore will be spent for this
purpose during 2019-20. Rs.5 crore is proposed for providing
health care to 6 lakh goats and sheep of Chamba, Kangra,
Mandi, Shimla, Bilaspur, Una, Sirmour and Solan Districts. It
is also proposed to import improved varieties of sheep at
cost of Rs.8 crore under “Rashtriya Pashu Dhan Mission”
during 2019-20. This will help in getting rid of the problem of
inbreeding and will also increase wool productivity.

56. I am happy to share with this August House that a

Murrah buffalo farm will be established in the State under
“Rashtriya Gokul Mission” at an estimated cost of Rs.11
crore. A Gokul Gram will also be established at an estimated
cost of Rs.34 crore under this scheme.

57. An additional capacity of 50,000 litres a day will be

installed in the Milk Processing Plant in Duttnagar. Additional
capacity of 50,000 litres a day will also be created in Milk
Processing Plant Chakkar, Mandi. All the Dairy Cooperative
Societies will be provided automated milk chilling units
21
 (AMCU) to improve quality of milk and other products. In the
first phase, I propose to provide 40 new automated milk
chilling units and milk analysers to Cooperative Societies.

58. I am happy to announce an increase in the milk

procurement price by Rs.2 per litre during the year 2019-20.
This will provide additional support to households engaged
in milk production. A grant of Rs. 21 crore will be provided to
MILKFED during 2019-20.

Fisheries 59. Speaker Sir, the perennial rivers of Himachal

Pradesh provide immense opportunities for trout production
and supplementing incomes of the fishermen. I propose
construction of 100 additional trout farming units during 2019-
20. I also propose construction of ponds in 10 hectare for
production of carp fish during 2019-20. This will provide
employment to about 550 more people.

60. The fishermen need trout seed for increasing their

production. I propose to establish 2 trout hatcheries in
collaboration with the private sector. I also wish to inform this
August House that our Government will establish a smoked
trout and fillet canning centre in Kullu district in partnership
with private sector. Three retail outlets, one each in Kangra,
Chamba and Shimla district, will also be established in the
private sector to ensure appropriate marketing support.

61. Flash floods and heavy rains have caused damage

to the trout farming units during past few years. I announce
that an insurance scheme for trout farming units of the
fishermen will be firmed up in the coming financial year.
22
62. Speaker Sir, district resource centres will be Panchayati Raj
and Rural
established in Sirmour and Kinnaur districts during 2019-20 Development

under “Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan” with a cost of

Rs.2.50 crore each. About 6,000 Gram Sabha Members
elected representatives of Panchayats and Panchayat
Employees will be provided training related to the functioning
of the Panchayats during 2019-20.

63. As per the recommendations of the 5th State Finance

Commission, Rs.194 crore were provided to PRIs during
2018-19. I propose to enhance this allocation to Rs.210 crore
during 2019-20. In addition, I also propose an outlay of Rs.45
crore for Zila Parishads and Panchayat Samitis during 2019-
20. Based on the recommendations of the 14th Finance
Commission, I also propose an outlay of Rs.548 crore to
PRIs during 2019-20 as against Rs.407 crore for 2018-19.

64. Speaker Sir, the Panchayati Raj representatives

have played an important role in the development of the State.
In view of ever increasing responsibilities of these
representatives, I am happy to announce enhancement in
the honorarium being given to the representatives of the PRIs.
The meeting fee given to the Members of Gram Panchayat
for attending the meetings will be enhanced to Rs.250. The
honorarium of Up-Pradhan will be increased from Rs.2,500
to Rs.3,000 and that of Pradhan of the Gram Panchayat will
be increased from Rs.4,000 to Rs 4,500. I also announce
increase in the honorarium of the Members of the Panchayat
Samiti from Rs.4,000 to Rs.4,500, Vice Chairman from

23
Rs.4,500 to Rs.5,000 and Chairman from Rs.6,500 to
Rs.7,000. Honorarium to the Members of Members of Zila
Parishad will be increased from Rs.4,500 to Rs.5,000, Vice
Chairman from Rs.7,500 to Rs.8,000 and that of Chairman,
Zila Parishad will be enhanced from Rs.11,000 per month to
Rs.12,000 per month. I also announce an increase in the
monthly honorarium of the Panchayat Chowkidar from
Rs.4,150 to Rs.4,500.

65. Our Government is upgrading the skills of educated

youth of the State under various skill development
programmes with the objective of providing employment to
them. However, some artisans and craftsmen engaged in
traditional arts are not covered under any of the skill
development programmes. I am happy to announce a new
“Mukhya Mantri Gram Kaushal Yojna” which will help in
imparting necessary skills to the artisans in traditional arts
and help them in having an assured source of income.

66. Our Government had already increased the working

days under “MGNREGA” from 100 to 120 during the
financial year 2018-19. This will continue during 2019-20 also.

67. Speaker Sir, I had announced construction of one

Lok Bhawan in each Assembly Constituency during my
budget speech for 2018-19. I am happy to share with this
August House that the first instalment for construction of 41
Lok Bhawans has already been released. I propose to
continue this scheme during 2019-20 also. If any Hon’ble
MLA desires construction of an additional Lok Bhawan at a
24
site of her/his choice in her/his Assembly Constituency, she/
he will be required to recommend funds equivalent to 50
percent of the cost out of the Vidhayak Kshetra Vikas Nidhi
Yojna. The remaining 50 percent cost will be borne by the
Government.

68. Financial assistance of Rs.1.30 lakh is being

provided for construction of houses under various housing
schemes in the State. I am happy to announce that the State
Government shall now provide an additional financial support
of Rs.20,000 per beneficiary from its own resources for
construction of houses. Hence, the total financial assistance
under these housing schemes will be enhanced to Rs.1.50
lakh now. “Mukhya Mantri Awaas Yojna” has a provision
for assistance up to Rs.25,000 per beneficiary for undertaking
repairs in rural areas. I am happy to increase this assistance
to Rs.35,000.

Speaker Sir, It would be appropriate to say here:-

eaft+y feysxh] nsj ls gh lgh]

xqejkg rks oks gS] tks ?kj ls fudyk gh ughaA

69. Speaker Sir, our Government had started 2 Forest

Conservation
schemes viz. “Samudayik Van Samvardhan Yojna” and and Forest
Based
“Vidyarthi Van Mittar Yojna” in 2018-19. The objectives Livelihoods

of these two schemes were to increase awareness in the

society about forest management and conservation, and to
help ensure people’s participation in these activities. I
propose to continue both these schemes during 2019-20.
25
Under Samudayik Van Samvardhan Yojna, afforestation and
works related to soil and water conservation will be
undertaken on 350 hectare land. Under “Vidyarthi Van
Mittar Yojna”, 150 schools will be selected, and trees will
be planted in the notified forest area adjoining these schools.

70. Abundant green forests, clean environment and

safe living condition for daughters and women is a sign of a
healthy society. To sensitize people about the importance of
daughters and forest conservation, I announce the launch of
a new “Ek Buta Beti Ke Naam” scheme during 2019-20.

71. Land measuring about 2 lakh hectare is affected

by Lantana Grass in the State. Lantana not only harms the
forest wealth, but it also renders culturable land uncultivable.
During 2019-20, Lantana Grass will be removed from 4,000
hectare of land and trees of local species will be planted in
the cleared land.

72. Forest fires have caused great loss to the forest

wealth and also adjoining habitations over the years. Our
Government will start a mass movement to prevent and
manage forest fires using satellite based alert SMS service
of the Forest Survey of India. People will connect with Rapid
Forest Fire Fighting Force through this service, so that
information regarding any forest fire is instantly
communicated to the concerned officers and fires can be
controlled within minimum possible time. Chil forests are
highly vulnerable to fire. To address this problem, our
Government had announced a scheme in 2018-19 which
26
envisaged provision of 50 percent subsidy to industries
based on pine needles. It is proposed to assist and establish
25 units based on pine needles in 2019-20. This will not only
help in preventing fires in Pine forests, but will also provide
employment opportunities to local people.

73. I also announce that an assistance up to Rs.15,000

will be provided to forest personnel deputed in 200 very
sensitive beats across the State for procuring weapons for
their security and also to keep their morale high.

74. Our Government has started silviculture based

extraction of forest resources in 3 forest ranges on pilot basis,
after approval of the apex Court. During 2019-20, silviculture
based harvesting of forest wealth will be undertaken in 1,730
hectare forest land. This will not only improve the quality of
forests, but will also add to the income of the State. Further
permission of the Supreme Court to undertake Silviculture
based exploitation of forest in other forest ranges of the State
will depend on the success of this pilot. In addition, a master
plan will be prepared for extraction of turpentine and other
timber resources. The process for turpentine extraction, tree
felling, cutting, transportation and selling will be made more
transparent.

75. Forests play an important role in maintaining

moisture and enriching existing water resources. Three
Externally Aided Projects viz. Himachal Pradesh Forest Eco-
System Management and Livelihood Improvement Project,
Integrated Development Project for Source Sustainability and
27
 Climate Resilient Rainfed Agriculture and Himachal Pradesh
Eco System Climate Proofing Project will be implemented
in the State in the next year. The objectives of these projects
include improvement in forest cover, providing additional
livelihoods to the people dependent on forests, conservation
of water resources, water harvesting, Lantana eradication,
etc. I propose Rs.121 crore for these projects during 2019-
20.

Environment, 76. Speaker Sir, I am happy to announce a new

Science and
Technology “Mukhya Mantri Green Technology Transfer Scheme”
during 2019-20. This scheme aims to provide support for
transfer of green technologies to Farmer Producer
Organizations (FPOs) and Self Help Groups (SHGs), who
will be provided financial support to establish their green
technology based ventures.

77. Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment at micro

watershed level is proposed to be carried out in various
Panchayats of Satluj Basin in the districts of Kinnaur, Shimla,
Kullu, Solan, Mandi, Una and Bilaspur during 2019-20. A
project for “Securing Rural Livelihoods through
Biodiversity Conservation, Landscape Management
and Skill Development”, with an estimated cost of Rs.250
crore has been submitted to the Government of India for its
approval to pose it for external funding. The objective of this
project is to effectively manage natural resources and
biodiversity and to ensure livelihoods to people on sustainable
basis.

28
78. Speaker Sir, new Integrated Cooperative Cooperation

Development Projects will be started in the districts of Una

and Chamba during 2019-20. Under these projects,
horticulture, agriculture, dairy, irrigation, marketing, processing
and packaging, tourism, adventure sports etc. will be
encouraged to increase commercial activities of the
cooperatives.

79. It is also proposed to empanel 250 Auditors for

undertaking audit of the Cooperative Societies during
2019-20. This will provide employment opportunities to
eligible youth. This will not only bring transparency in the
functioning of cooperatives, but also ensure timely statutory
audit of the cooperative societies.

80. Speaker Sir, management of urban waste has Urban

become a major challenge for Urban Local Bodies. Urban Development

Local Bodies need to be equipped to deal with the problem.

These Local Bodies will be assisted in the construction and
management of Solid Waste Management Plants, Bio Mining
of waste and accessing modern technology.

81. There has been an inordinate delay in the

implementation of Smart City project in Dharamshala and
Shimla. Our Government will provide the desired impetus to
the implementation of these projects during 2019-20. The
tendering process of approved schemes will be completed
at the earliest and early execution of the works will be ensured.

82. Speaker Sir, our Government is aware of the

problems related to increasing urbanization the State. I would
29
like to share with this August House that the criteria for
declaring an urban area as Municipal Committee or Municipal
Corporation will be reviewed, and the possibility of converting
more Urban Local Bodies as Municipal Corporation will be
explored.

83. Rs.169 crore have been provided during 2018-19

to the Urban Local Bodies based on the recommendations
of the 5th State Finance Commission and the 14th Finance
Commission. I propose to enhance this outlay to Rs.197
crore during 2019-20. The ULBs are developing necessary
infrastructure and other assets in their domain with the help
of these funds. These assets also need periodic
maintenance. I propose an outlay of Rs.12 crore during 2019-
20 for maintenance of assets created by the ULBs.

84. In view of the manifold responsibilities of elected

representatives of Urban Local Bodies, I am happy to
announce an increase in honorarium of Chairman of Nagar
Panchayat from Rs.5,000 to Rs.5,500 per month; that of Vice
Chairman from Rs.3,500 to Rs.4,000 and the Members from
Rs.2,000 to Rs.2,500. The honorarium of Chairman of the
Nagar Parishad will be increased from Rs.6,000 to Rs.6,500
per month; that of Vice Chairman from Rs.5,000 to Rs.5,500,
and Members from Rs.2,200 to Rs.2,500 per month. The
honorarium of Mayors of Municipal Corporation Dharamshala
and Shimla will be increased from Rs.11,000 to Rs.12,000;
that of Deputy Mayor from Rs.8,000 to Rs.8,500 and
Councillors from Rs.5,000 to Rs.5,500 per month.

30
85. Land Pooling Scheme for Rampur Ghat of Paonta Town &
Country
Sahib will soon be given final shape for planned development Planning

of the area. This will be replicated in other parts of the State,

after its successful implementation in Paonta Sahib.

86. Speaker Sir, our Government has started Revenue and

Disaster
implementation of “Digital India Land Record Management

Modernization Programme” to simplify services related

to revenue records and other services, and to ensure service
delivery within the specified time period. Mussavis of 5
districts have already been digitized and linked with
Jamabandis under this programme. Mussavis of remaining
7 districts will be digitized and linked with Jamabandis during
2019-20. With the completion of digitization of all land
records, these can be retrieved online by the citizens.

87. The State Government has started updating

settlement land records in three tehsils of Sirmour and Solan
districts using Global Positioning System and Electronic Total
Station Systems. Use of these modern tools has made
settlement operations more accurate and transparent. These
tools will be used in other districts also in 2019-20 while
carrying out settlement operations.

88. Speaker Sir, I am pleased to announce that the

honorarium being given to Revenue Chowkidars will be
enhanced from Rs.3,000 to Rs.3,500 during 2019-20.

89. An outlay of Rs.287 crore is proposed for disaster

management during 2019-20. The State and district level
31
 centres will be strengthened so that the emergency
communication network becomes more effective and the
risks are mitigated in the event of a natural calamity. On behalf
of this August House and the people of Himachal Pradesh, I
thank the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi for
announcing the setting-up of one Battalion of National Disaster
Response Force (NDRF) in the State. I also propose that
the State too shall establish its own State Disaster Response
Force (SDRF) to enable the State Government to respond
effectively in case of any calamity. I would further like to share
with this August House that a Rs.2,420 crore Disaster Risk
Reduction and Preparedness Project has been submitted
to the Government of India for funding through an external
funding agency.

Water Supply 90. Speaker Sir, our Government has been making
sincere efforts to provide potable water to the people. We
have targeted to provide clean drinking water to 500 new
habitations during 2019-20. The State Government had sent
an ambitious proposal of Rs.3,267 crore to the Government
of India, envisaging provision of drinking water in the partially
covered habitations. Government of India has recommended
Rs.700 crore in phase-I of this project to New Development
Bank for funding. This will cover 2,427 habitations in 943
villages of the State. Under the second phase of this project,
it is proposed to take up 61 drinking water supply schemes
in 49 Legislative Assembly Constituencies at a cost of
Rs.2,567 crore for execution.

32
91. Our Government has prepared another project to
revive and remodel old Rural Water Supply Schemes
constructed before 1st January, 2000. The Government of
India has approved this project, which envisages remodelling
and revival of 562 old Rural Water Supply at a cost of Rs.798
crore. This project will be taken up with the assistance of the
Asian Development Bank. The project will cover 7,217
habitations, benefitting about 10 lakh people.

92. A large number of people have been requesting to

provide water connections in their houses during Jan Manch.
Women have to spend lot of time to fetch water from water
sources, far away from their houses. To alleviate their drugery,
I am happy to announce a new “Mukhya Mantri Swajal
Yojna”. Households belonging to economically weaker
sections will be provided pipe length up to 50 meters at a
subsidy of 50 percent under the scheme to supply tap water
within the house.

93. I am also pleased to announce an increase in the

honorarium of Water Guards deployed in the Panchayats/
Irrigation and Public Health Department, from Rs.2,100 to
Rs.3,000 from 2019-20. Similarly, the honorarium to the Para
Fitters and Pump Operators will also be increased from
Rs.3,000 to Rs.4,000 per month. Speaker Sir, our
Government is aware of the problems being faced in the
maintenance and operation of various water supply schemes
due to shortage of trained manpower. I am happy to announce
that our Government will take steps to provide necessary

33
 manpower for maintenance and operation of the these
schemes.

94. I propose Rs. 1,948 crore for Water Supply during

2019-20.

Industries/ 95. Speaker Sir, industrial development in Himachal

Private Investment
Pradesh has been a priority with our Government. Our
Government is making efforts to promote local resource
based industries. We propose to bring out a new Micro,
Small and Medium Industrial Policy to promote Small and
Medium Enterprises with special emphasis on encouraging
women entrepreneurs, local youth and to establish
manufacturing and service based enterprises. Our
Government will also encourage investment in Medium and
Large Scale Industries, provided they employ more than 300
Himachali youth. Our Government will develop new Industrial
Areas in Channour in Kangra, Gehrwin in Bilaspur and Basouli
Bangarh in Una district.

96. I take pride in informing this August House that the

Ministry of Food Processing, Government of India has
included Pandoga industrial area in Una, Kandrouri industrial
area in Kangra and Aduwal industrial area in Solan, in the list
of approved food parks. Enterprises establishing Food
Processing Units in these areas will be eligible to get loans
at concessional terms. The Food Processing Units
established in these parks will also be eligible for 50 percent
subsidy on additional investment under “Kisan Sampada
Yojna” of the Government of India.
34
97. Our Government gives highest priority to ease of
doing business in the State. All the departments have been
impressed upon to provide online services within the
specified time period as per the Rules/Acts and Public
Services Guarantee Act, so that the investors do not have to
face any difficulties while seeking necessary clearances.

98. Our Government will hold a ‘Global Investors

Summit’ in Dharamshala in 2019 to attract investment in the
State on a sustainable basis. I am of the firm belief that this
Summit will lead to creation of additional employment
opportunities for the youth of the State, and Himachal Pradesh
will emerge as the most favoured destination for private
investment.

Speaker Sir, reiterating our Government’s

commitment to promote industrial development in the State,
I would like to say:-

tks eaft+yksa dks ikus dh pkgr j[krs gSa]

oks leUnjksa ij Hkh iRFkjksa ds iqy cuk nsrs gSaA

99. “Mukhya Mantri Swablamban Yojna” was

started in 2018-19 to encourage local youth to establish their
own enterprises. In view of suggestions received from the
public, I am happy to announce that the guidelines for
implementation of this scheme will be amended suitably. The
maximum age limit for applying under the scheme will be
increased from 35 years to 45 years, and the project cost
limit (including working capital) will be increased from Rs.40
35
lakh to Rs.60 lakh. The fee currently being charged under
Credit Guarantee Trust Fund, will now be borne by the State
Government. The term capital investment will now also
include buildings and other assets necessary for establishing
the unit under the scheme up to a pre-specified limit.

Speaker Sir, I would like to exhort the youth by

saying:-

;w¡ gh ugha gksrh] gkFk dh ydhjksa ls vkxs Å¡xfy;k¡]

jc us Hkh fdLer ls] igys esgur fy[kh gSA

100. Large number of artisans and craftsmen are

engaged in traditional arts. These artisans have to purchase
new tools from time to time. Speaker Sir, I am happy to
announce a new “Mukhya Mantri Dastkar Sahayata
Yojna” for the benefit of such artisans. Rural artisans living
below poverty line will be provided a subsidy of 75 percent
on the purchase of tools up to a cost of Rs.30,000.

101. High quality physical infrastructure is a pre-requisite

for attracting and retaining private industrial investment for a
long period. Speaker Sir, Baddi – Barotiwala - Nalagarh
Industrial area is the main industrial hub of the State. The
main roads falling in this industrial area will be upgraded as
part of the World Bank funded Road Infrastructure Project
during 2019-20.

102. Our Government is committed to manage mining

and exploitation of other natural resources in a scientific and
transparent manner, for faster development of the areas rich
36
in these resources. The minerals will now only be transported
with ‘transit passes’ issued through an online portal. The
applications for mining lease and stone crushers are also
being accepted online only. Our Government will use modern
technology to prevent illegal mining in the State. An online
Geo-Portal will also be developed to keep a close watch on
illegal mining activities and better management of mining
leases. The auction of lime stone mines through ‘E-auction
Web Portal’ has already been started by our Government.

103. Speaker Sir, Hydel Power has been an important MPP and
Power
source of revenue for the State Government. However, this
sector has stagnated during the last few years. Our
Government has taken some important policy initiatives to
revive this sector, which have been appreciated in almost all
quarters. Hydel projects with installed capacity of about 500
MW are expected to be commissioned during 2019-20.
These include 100 MW Uhl-III being executed by Himachal
Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd. and 111 MW Sawara-
Kuddu project being executed by Himachal Pradesh Power
Corporation Limited. These two projects will generate
additional 700 m units of power per year.

104. I am pleased to inform that Renuka Ji Dam project

has been declared as a project of national importance by
Government of India. The interstate MoU in this regard has
been signed recently. The State will get additional 200 m
units of power after commissioning of this project. Chanju-III
(48 MW) and Deothal Chanju (30 MW) in Chamba district

37
have already been recommended in principle by the
Government of India for Rs.650 crore funding from an
external funding agency. It is proposed to start execution of
these projects soon.

105. A robust transmission system is required to harness

the hydel potential. The projects under Green Energy
Corridor and the Tranche-II of the Asian Development Bank
will be completed by the Himachal Pradesh Power
Transmission Corporation during 2019-20. These projects
include 400 KV Lahal Sub-Station in Chamba district, 220
KV Charor and 33 KV Sub-Station in Palchan, Kullu district,
220 KV Sundha Sub-Station in Shimla and 66 KV Urni Sub-
Station in Kinnaur district. In addition, augmentation of 6 power
Sub-Stations and completion of 10 High voltage transmission
lines is also proposed during 2019-20. As a result, it would
be possible to transmit 921 MW additional power.

106. The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd.

has prepared a Rs.3,200 crore project for funding through
an external agency. This project envisages strengthening of
the existing distribution network, automation and
modernization of the entire system to ensure reliable and
quality power supply to the consumers. This project has been
sent to Government of India for its recommendations for
external funding.

107. Speaker Sir, 850 new distribution sub-centres will

be established by Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board
Ltd. to provide new connections and to improve voltage. To
38
improve the reliability of supply, it is also proposed to replace
26,000 old wooden electricity poles with new steel poles
during 2019-20. Presently, about 5 lakh consumers still have
old mechanical energy meters. It is proposed to replace 4
lakh of these old meters with new electronic meters during
2019-20.

108. Our Government is taking all necessary steps to

promote non-conventional sources of energy. It is proposed
to commission a 2 MW solar power plant in Kaza through
Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board during 2019-20. It
is also proposed to install grid connected solar roof-top power
plants with a total capacity of 10 MW through HIM URJA
during 2019-20. I also announce that the installation of
domestic, Rooftop Solar Plants connected to grid through
net metering will be subsidised, to help consumers reduce
their energy bills.

109. I am also happy to announce a new “Mukhya

Mantri Roshni Yojna” for poor families during 2019-20.
The poor households will not have to pay any service
connection charges for a new energy connection. I propose
an outlay of Rs.475 crore to provide power to domestic and
agriculture consumers at subsidised rates.

Speaker Sir, here I would like to say that:-

fpjkx lh rklhj jf[k,]

lksfp, er fd ?kj fdldk jks’ku gqvkA
39
 110. I propose an outlay of Rs.1,208 crore for Power
Department and various power projects.

Tourism 111. Speaker Sir, there is vast scope of expanding

tourism sector in the State. There is good potential for
generating employment and income opportunities in this
sector. The State Government will prepare a New Tourism
Policy for holistic development of tourism in the State. The
State also has immense Eco-Tourism potential. Therefore,
to encourage Eco-Tourism, experts will be consulted to
prepare a Master Plan, wherein provisions for encouraging
private investors will be incorporated. I am also pleased to
announce that “Pong Area Development Board” will be
constituted for the integrated and planned development of
the area. This Board shall draw up policies and plans to
promote tourism and culture in the area, and also help
generate employment opportunities.

112. Currently, there are approximately 1,300 Home Stay

Units in the State. I firmly believe that there is a vast potential
for Home Stay in the State. Not only do such Home Stays
promote tourism, they also provide respectable employment
opportunities to our young people. To promote Home Stays,
our Government will increase the limit of rooms for Home
Stays from 3 to 4. The Tourism department will provide
assistance to all such Home Stay owners who wish come on
a common booking platform. Arrangements will also be made
to train the Home Stay owners on all aspects of the scheme.

40
113. Himachal is widely known as Dev Bhumi. I announce
that a “Shiv Dham” in Mandi district will be established with
the dual objectives of promoting tourism and conserving
religious heritage of the State. Replicas of 12 Jyotirlingas
will be established at this site to attract tourists. Speaker Sir,
I also announce that a “Light and Sound Show” at two
sites in Shimla will be started soon. We will also endeavour
to start another one in Kullu district, which will project the Dev
Sanskriti of the State. This will encourage more tourists to
visit the State and to learn about the local culture .

Here, I would like to say:-

You don’t get what you wish for,

You get what you work for.

114. It is proposed to start restoration of Bantony Castle

in Shimla, Aarti on the banks of river Beas in Mandi on the
pattern of the Aarti performed in Varanasi, and construction
of a cultural centre in Janjhehli during 2019-20. Tattapani is
also proposed to be developed and promoted as a religious
tourism and water sports destination.

115. Our Government started a new scheme “Nai Rahen

– Nai Manzilen” during 2018-19 to promote tourism in the
State. An outlay of Rs. 50 crore was kept for this scheme. I
propose to continue this scheme during 2019-20 with an
outlay of Rs.50 crore.

116. The world heritage sites like the Great Himalayan

National Park, and Ramsar Sites of Pong Dam, Renuka Ji
41
and Chandertaal are famous for wild life and biodiversity in
the Western Himalayas. Our Government will develop
attractive and informative facilitation centres in these areas
to attract more international and national tourists.

117. Government of India has recommended our

Rs.1,892 crore Tourism Infrastructure Development Project
for funding by Asian Development Bank. Our Government
will endeavour to improve infrastructure in towns, preserve
and restore historic buildings of the State, promote eco-
tourism and adventure tourism, skill development, capacity
building and encourage community based activities under
the project.

118. Our Government has also sent a proposal to the

Government of India for starting water transport and other
activities in Chamera, Kol Dam, Larji and Gobindsagar Lake.
This will not only promote water transport and water sports in
the State, but also create employment opportunities for the
local youth. 3,000 youth will be trained in various tourism
related activities during 2019-20.

119. Our Government is making efforts to establish an

international airport in the State. Nagchala in Mandi district
has been found to be a suitable site for construction of such
an international level airport. The Obstacle Limitation Survey
for this site has been completed.

120. Many people availed the Heli-Taxi service from

Jubbarhatti to Chandigarh up to October, 2018. Efforts will
42
be made to start such services from other tourist destinations
also in a phased manner. I propose to connect the 3 airports
of the State with one Helipad each in Mandi, Kullu and Solan
districts and three helipads of Shimla district under Regional
Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Udaan-II. In addition, it is also
proposed to start Heli-Taxi services from Chandigarh to
Shimla, Shimla to Kullu and Shimla to Dharamshala during
2019-20. It will be our Government’s endeavour to ensure
each Legislative Assembly Constituency has at least one
helipad. This will be achieved in a phased manner.

121. It is important to upgrade skills of the youth to Labour and

Employment.
provide more employment opportunities in an increasingly
competitive environment at National and State level. I propose
an outlay of Rs.100 crore for “Kaushal Vikas Bhatta Yojna”
during 2019-20. About 1 lakh youth will be provided Skill
Development Allowance under this scheme. I also propose
to undertake a third party evaluation of the Skill Development
Centres to ensure quality.

122. The Labour & Employment department will organize

9 Rojgar Melas and 120 campus interviews which are
expected to provide employment opportunities to about
10,000 unemployed youth.

123. Speaker Sir, roads are the primary mode of transport Transport

in Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh Road Transport

Corporation has been providing transport facility even in the
remotest areas of the State. The working of the Corporation
shall be modernized to improve the quality of services given
43
by it. I propose to introduce modern Integrated Public
Transport Management System (IPTMS), with an aim to make
the journey of the commuters comfortable. The commuters
will be able to make cashless transactions during their journey,
see the bus time table online and the exact location of the
vehicle will be known using GPS, once this system is
established. It is proposed to provide assistance of Rs. 297
crore to Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation
during 2019-20.

124. Our Government has established the Ropeway and

Rapid Transport System Development Corporation (RRTDC)
in the Transport department of the State. The RRTDC will
get a prefeasibility study conducted to establish overhead
mass rapid transportation system in Shimla and Manali Towns.
The RRTDC will also explore the possibility of developing
ropeway and other alternate modes of transportation in
partnership with the private sector. I propose to initiate
necessary formalities for construction of ropeways to Bagla
Mukhi Temple in Mandi district and Neugal in Palampur during
2019-20.

125. Speaker Sir, the construction work of Bus Stands in

Karsog, Barchhwar (Sarkaghat), Theog and Paonta Sahib
will be completed on priority during 2019-20.

126. Our Government will bring out a new Electric Vehicle

Policy for enabling provision of safe, environment friendly,
contemporary and sustainable transport facilities.

44
127. It is proposed to establish state of the art driving
test tracks in Baddi and Jasoor, to fully automate driving tests
before a driving licence is issued. This will reduce manual
interface and will also be useful in improving road safety. I
am also happy to announce that authorized mobile testing
centres will be established during 2019-20 in partnership with
private sector for inspection of the vehicles. These mobile
testing centres will be authorized to issue fitness certificate
for vehicles, using state of art modern equipment.

128. My Government will come out with a policy which

will ensure coordination between transport department, public
works department and police department to work jointly to
prevent road accidents. The transport department will be the
nodal department for overall coordination of these activities.
I propose an outlay of Rs.50 crore for road safety during
2019-20. The expenditure will be incurred on the
recommendations of the Road Safety Committee.

129. In the event of death of an individual in road accident,

Ex-Gratia Grant of Rs.1 lakh is provided to the dependents
of the deceased person under the “Himachal Pradesh Yatri
Anugrah Purvak Anudaan Yojna” as per the current
provisions. Presently, the Ex-Gratia Grant given in case of a
child, less than 12 years of age, is Rs.50,000. I announce
that equal Ex-gratia Grant of Rs.1 lakh will be provided to all,
irrespective of age.

130. Speaker Sir, roads are the lifeline for people of Roads

Himachal Pradesh in the absence of adequate means of rail

45
and water transport. Our Government is giving top priority to
this sector. The guiding principles for the Government are
quality and value for money. A Quality Monitoring Cell has
been established in the office of the Chief Minister to ensure
quality of the assets constructed by various departments.
This cell will be further strengthened. I also propose the use
of India Road Congress (IRC) approved non-conventional
materials and new techniques for constructing roads on pilot
basis with the objective to improve the quality of roads and
to speed up the process of construction. These techniques
include hot asphalt mixture, micro surfacing fog seal spray
in bituminous works and pre-fabricated slabs and culverts.

131. 3,128 Panchayats out of 3,226 Panchayats have

already been connected with motorable roads. The
construction work of roads to connect 59 out of the remaining
98 Panchayats is in progress. Efforts are being made to
resolve problems being faced in connecting the remaining
39 Panchayats, so that they too are connected with motorable
roads at the earliest. I make an appeal to the people of the
State to come forward and provide private land wherever
required, to increase the pace of construction of roads.

132. “Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojna” has

helped the State in expanding and strengthening its road
network. It is propose to construct 500 kilometres of new
roads connecting new habitations and undertake metalling
and tarring of 1,000 kilometres of roads under PMGSY during
2019-20. I propose an outlay of Rs. 600 crore under
“Mukhya Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna”.
46
133. The use of environment friendly green technology
is important in road construction. The Public Works
Department, in consultation with the Urban Development
Department, is in the process of identifying such roads, which
can be tarred using plastic waste of low density.

134. The Government has taken a decision to undertake

3rd party inspection of main bridges in the State to assess
their safety. It is proposed to complete these inspections
during 2019-20. I also propose to start e-Project Management
System for online monitoring of road projects in the State
and also to implement software based road management
system for maintenance of roads in the State during
2019-20.

135. We have targeted construction of 750 kilometres

of new motorable roads, tarring of 1,500 kilometres roads,
construction of small bridges/culverts over 850 kilometres
road length and 50 bridges. 50 villages will be connected
with roads during 2019-20.

136. I propose Rs. 3,921 crore for construction and

maintenance of roads during 2019-20.

137. Speaker Sir, I am happy to announce an increase in Excise and

Taxation
the annual turnover limit from Rs.20 lakh to Rs.40 lakh for
GST registration, for the convenience and benefit of small
traders. In addition, the existing limit for composition will be
enhanced from a total turnover of Rs.75 lakh to Rs.1.50 crore.
47
 138. I also announce that a new app will be launched
during 2019-20 enabling traders and transporters to deposit
the Certain Goods Carried by Road Tax (CGCR), Passenger
and Good Tax (PGT) and Additional Goods Tax (AGT) online.
I am also happy to announce that the existing tax barriers will
be replaced with Tax Facilitation Centres in the next two years.
It is also proposed to establish booths equipped with internet
and other IT enabled equipment in the offices of the Excise
and Taxation Department at the State and District level. These
booths will facilitate online submission of GST returns.

Quality Education 139. Speaker Sir, I would like to share with the
August House what our ex-President Dr. Abdul Kalam had
said on education:—
f’k{kk balku dh xfjek dks c<+krh gS vkSj
mlds LokfHkeku esa o`f) djrh gSA

140. Himachal Pradesh has 10,657 Elementary Schools,

1,996 Middle Schools, 922 High Schools and 1,836 Sr.
Secondary Schools. In addition, the State has 137 Colleges
and 1 B.Ed. College. One Central University and 7 other
Universities in the public sector are also functional in the State.
All these institutions are in the Government sector. 3,252
private educational institutions are supplementing the efforts
of the Government in providing education.

141. Our Government is committed to provide quality

education in the Schools and Colleges of the State. The
Government will provide appropriate facilities in these
institutions to meet this objective. I propose to strengthen
48
the existing infrastructure of ICT labs of schools by
establishing video conferencing rooms in a phased manner,
enabling these institutions to start online learning courses.

142. Speaker Sir, our Government had started “Atal

Aadarsh Vidya Kendra Yojna” during 2018-19 to improve
the quality of education in the State. I announce that 15 new
Atal Aadarsh Vidya Kendras will be established in
2019-20.

143. Virtual Class Rooms can be instrumental in

improving the quality of education in remote areas of the
State, where geographical conditions are difficult. I am happy
to announce a new “C.V. Raman Virtual Classroom Yojna”
in the year 2019-20. In the 1st phase, Virtual Classrooms will
be established in 10 colleges located in remote areas of the
State.

144. The State Government is imparting vocational

training to the students in 873 schools in 11 trades under
National Skill Qualification Framework with the objective of
providing improved opportunities. I am happy to announce
that 80 more schools will be brought under this programme,
and additional trades like electronics, apparel, furnishing,
beauty and cosmetics, plumbing etc. will also be introduced.
I propose to start Bachelor of Vocational Studies (B.VoC) in
6 new colleges and to introduce two new trades of Information
Technology and Banking, Financial Services and Insurance
(BFSI) during 2019-20. 4,000 students will be able to enrol
for B.Voc courses during 2019-20. Employment fairs will be
49
organized in the colleges of the State, enabling students to
get gainful employment.

145. I propose to establish language labs in 50 more

schools and 50 colleges during 2019-20. These labs will
also have facilities to learn and speak Sanskrit in addition to
other languages. The education department will start remedial
classes for improvement in the educational level of
educationally weak children. The existing Continuous
Comprehensive Evaluation System will be made more
effective by taking inputs from the parents of the students.

146. Speaker Sir, our Government is alive to the

importance of cleanliness in creating a conducive
environment for education. In this context, I am happy to
announce a new “Atal Nirmal Jal Yojna” during 2019-20.
All the Government schools in the State will be provided
Water Filters in a phased manner, so that clean drinking water
is made available to the students of the State. We also
propose to launch “Khel Se Swasthya Yojna” in 2019-20
to encourage participation of schools and college students
in sports. In the first phase, Kabaddi Mats, Judo Mats and
Wrestling Mats shall be provided in 50 schools and colleges.
In other selected educational institutions, Track & Field,
Boxing Rings, Weight Lifting equipment shall be provided.

147. Adequate number of well qualified and trained

teachers are necessary to ensure quality of education
imparted in Government educational institutions. We will
ensure that all vacant functional posts of teachers will be
filled up on priority.
50
148. Speaker Sir, I am happy to announce that the
honorarium given to Mid-Day workers will be increased to
Rs.2,000. The honorarium to Water Carriers in schools will
be increased to Rs.2,400. About 1,000 vacant posts of Part
time Water Carriers, Lab Staff and other class-IV employees
will also be filled up.

149. Speaker Sir, PTA/Para Teachers have rendered

useful services in imparting education. However, due to legal
hurdles, their regularization has not been possible. Our
Government is aware of the financial problems faced by these
Teachers. I am happy to announce that such teachers, who
have completed three years of service as on 1st October,
2018 on Government contract, will be paid an amount equal
to minimum of pay band plus grade pay and DA. The
remuneration of teachers engaged by the School
Management Committees on period basis will be enhanced
by 20 percent.

150. I propose an outlay of Rs. 7,598 crore on Education

during 2019-20.

151. Presently 149 Technical Education institutions, Technical

including 127 ITIs, are imparting vocational and technical Education

and Skill
education in the Government sector. There are 5 Government Development

Engineering colleges in the State. In the private sector, there

are 195 such technical institutes, which includes 147 ITIs
and 14 Engineering Colleges.

152. Speaker Sir, our Government has taken a decision

to start classes from the academic session 2019-20 in
51
Government Pharmacy Colleges in Rakkar, district Kangra
and Seraj in district Mandi. Degree course in electrical
engineering will be started in Atal Vihari Vajpayee Government
Engineering College Pragtinagar and diploma courses in
electrical and automobile engineering will be started in the
Government Polytechnic, Paonta Sahib. 5 new ITIs, one each
in Bhanjradu and Salooni in Chamba district, Amboya and
Sataun in Sirmour district and Ladbharol in Mandi district will
be started. New trades will be started in Chopal and
Kumarsain ITIs. In addition, two new Polytechnic Institutes
will be opened in Karsog and Dalash.

153. About 32,000 Himachali youth will be provided

National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) based training
in various trades under Himachal Pradesh Skill Development
Project during 2019-20. Our Government will start a new
“NAVDHARNA” scheme. This scheme will provide
assistance to the disabled youth for undertaking various skill
development programmes, thereby enabling them to find
employment. 300 such youth are proposed to be provided
training in retail trade, hospitality, agriculture and food
processing during 2019-20.

154. To increase employability of students studying in

final year of the graduate courses , a graduate, add-on training
programme will be started in Banking Financial Services and
Insurance (BFSI), Electronics, IT, Beauty and Wellness and
Apparel trades in 10 selected Government colleges of the
State. 1,500 students will be imparted training during

52
2019-20 under the scheme. The Himachal Pradesh Kaushal
Vikas Nigam will engage with the Industry and other industrial
organizations to provide employment to these trained
students.

155. There is a good potential of generating employment

in handicrafts and handloom sector in Himachal Pradesh. Our
Government has taken a decision to train 5,000 youth in
8 selected handicraft arts under “Pradhan Mantri Kaushal
Vikas Yojna”. The services of empanelled artisans will be
taken as master trainers to train these students. The trainee
artisans will be assisted in training, designing and marketing
under the scheme.

I would like to say the following to the artisans of

the State:-

dke;kch ds njokts] mUgha ds [kqyrs gSa]

tks mUgsa [kV[kVkus dh rkdr j[krs gSaA

156. It is proposed to upgrade 23 trades, in 50 ITIs, from

State Council for Vocational Training (SCVT) standard to
National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) standard,
under the Himachal Pradesh Skill Development Programme
(HPSDP). About 2,300 students are expected to benefit from
this initiative. 29 trades in 47 ITIs will be modernized by
providing new equipment and by renovating their laboratories.
These initiatives will help increase the student enrolment by
5,400 in these ITIs.
53
Language
Art and Culture
157. Sanskrit is the mother of many Indian languages
and part of our cultural heritage. Speaker Sir, I am happy to
announce that Sanskrit language will be declared as the 2nd
official language of Himachal Pradesh. An amendment Bill
to make necessary changes in the Official Language Act will
be introduced in the ongoing budget session of Vidhan
Sabha.

158. Recently, some evidence has been found which

indicates existence of historical remains of Archaeological
value in Spiti area of Lahaul & Spiti District and Sirmour district.
It is proposed to start archaeological excavation at these
two sites.

Youth Services 159. I consider sports as an important medium of

and Sports.
education that promotes discipline and increases self-
confidence. Encouraging youth of the State to participate in
sports will help in keeping them away from evils like
intoxication etc. Our Government will announce a new sports
policy, which will encourage participation of youth in sports
activities.

160. Our Government has taken a decision to construct

at least two big multipurpose playgrounds in each Assembly
Constituency of the State under “Mukhya Mantri Yuva
Nirman Yojna” in a phased manner. These playgrounds
ideally would have the dimensions of a football field wherever
land is available, with a facility of Gym. I am to happy to
announce that the State Government will contribute Rs.15
lakh per ground. For any expenditure over and above Rs.15
54
lakh, I propose convergence with MNREGA, Vidhayak
Kshetra Vikas Nidhi Yojna, MPLADS and 14 th Finance
Commission Grants. This will help to engage the youth in
socially and physically productive endeavours.

161. It is also proposed to start a new “Khel Kud

Pratibha Khoj Karyakram” during 2019-20. This scheme
will enable identification of talent during various sports events
organized the State. Such talent will be further trained to
prepare them for participation in the events at National and
International levels.

162. I am happy to announce that the award money given

to the winners of senior national, junior national, national,
school games and inter universities sports events, will be
doubled to promote the local sports talent.

163. Speaker Sir, I am happy to announce a new scheme Information and

Public Relation
“Kalakar Protsahan Yojna” to encourage talented children
and youth of the State, who join various courses in performing
arts and other courses related to Performing Arts in reputed
institutes of the country. One time grant of Rs.75,000 will be
provided to such children and youth selected for studying in
these institutes.

164. Press plays a very important role in disseminating

information relating to welfare schemes and other activities
of the Government to the general public. The journalists have
to work very hard in collecting, collating and sending this
information. I am happy to announce that all the accredited
55
 correspondents at the State and district level will be provided
a Lap-Top, enabling them to reduce time taken in collecting
and collating the information. I also propose to increase the
financial assistance being given under “Patarkar Kalyan
Yojna” in the event of death of a serving journalist from Rs.2
lakh to Rs.4 lakh and for retired journalist from Rs.50,000 to
Rs.1 lakh.

Health and 165. Speaker Sir, a robust network of health institutions

Medical Education
is important to provide health services. There are about 4,320
health institutions in the Government sector including
hospitals, dispensaries, medical education institutes and
ayurvedic institutions in the State. The private sector has also
marked its presence in providing health services over the
last few years. There are about 258 health institutions
including medical education institutions, in the private sector.

166. In addition, an All India Institute of Medical Sciences

is also being established in district Bilaspur with the
assistance of Government of India. The ground breaking
ceremony for this institute was done recently by the Hon’ble
Union Health Minister Sh. Jagat Parkash Nadda and me. I
sincerely wish to thank Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi
and Union Health Minister Sh. Jagat Parkash Nadda for
granting this prestigious institution to the State. The people
of the State will have access to modern health services within
the State after this institution become functional.

167. Our Government has been making efforts to provide

timely health care services to the people of the State. It is
56
proposed to upgrade the primary health centres and health
sub-centres to Health and Wellness Centres with the
assistance of Government of India, in a phased manner. I
propose to upgrade 500 health sub-centres and 125 primary
health centres to Health and Wellness Centres during 2019-
20. The necessary facilities with regard to child delivery and
mother care, child health, child and adolescent health care,
family planning and management of communicable diseases
etc. will be provided in these upgraded centres.

168. The patient turnover in medical colleges of the State

is very high as all health care services are not available in
other health institutions of the State. I am happy to announce
that our Government will start “Sampuran Swashthya
Yojna” in the State. In the first phase of this scheme, 12
medical institutions including some district hospitals will be
upgraded to Sampuran Hospitals. All the necessary facilities
will be made available in these Sampuran Hospitals. In
addition, a mechanism will be devised to ensure online
monitoring of all referral cases at tertiary health centres.

169. The facilities in the medical colleges of the State

also need up-gradation. I propose that Cath Labs be
established in partnership with the private sector in Lal
Bahadur Shastri Medical College Mandi and Dr. Y.S. Parmar
Government Medical College, Nahan in 2019-20, providing
necessary facilities to treat heart related ailments.

170. I also announce that a State of Art Digital Subtraction

Angiography Machine will be established in Indira Gandhi
57
Medical College Shimla which will help in early diagnosis of
ailments related to brain, cancer, lungs, intestine, uterus and
kidneys etc. A mother and child care wing, with a capacity of
100 beds, will also be established in Jawahar Lal Nehru
Government Medical College and Hospital Chamba. This will
enable provision of services to the people living in remote
areas of Chamba at the district headquarter. I also announce
the provision of one modern ambulance equipped with
emergency equipment and ventilator at all the Government
Medical Colleges in the State.

171. Our Government has decided to establish a

mechanism to provide cochlear implants for such identified
children who are deaf by birth under “Rashtriya Bal
Swasthya Karyakram”. Cochlear implant centres will be
set up in Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Dr. Rajinder
Prashad Medical College, Tanda and Lal Bahadur Shastri
Medical College, Nerchowk. In addition, adequate resources
will be provided in all district hospitals to screen children for
deafness.

172. Speaker Sir, persons suffering from serious

ailments such as Parkinson’s, Cancer, Paralysis, Muscular
Dystrophy, Haemophilia, Thalassemia, Renal failure etc.
require constant and continuous care. I announce a new
“Sahara” scheme to provide financial support at the rate of
Rs.2,000 per month to such ailing persons who belong, to
economically weaker sections.
58
173. The State has about 4,200 persons of all ages who
are infected with HIV/AIDS. These infected persons are being
provided diet allowance ranging from Rs.300 to Rs.800 per
month depending on their age. I announce an increase in
this allowance to Rs.1,500 per month to all the infected
patients, irrespective of their age. These infected persons
will also be provided treatment free of cost.

174. The traffic in the industrial areas of Baddi-Barotiwala-

Nalagarh has increased manifold and this has resulted in
increase in the incidence of road accidents also. To facilitate
immediate medical care to the persons injured in accidents,
a Trauma Centre will be established in Baddi-Barotiwala-
Nalagarh industrial area. Another Trauma Centre will be
established along the National Highway between Kalka and
Shimla. Red Cross Society in every district will be provided
one Moksh (dead body) van.

175. To encourage institutional deliveries, I am happy to

announce that the grant being given to the mothers belonging
to the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and BPL families
during delivery under “Janani Suraksha Yojna” will be
enhanced from Rs.600 in rural areas and Rs.700 hundred in
urban area, to a uniform grant of Rs.1,100 in both the areas.

176. The State has witnessed an increase in occurrence

of breast and cervical cancer among women during the last
few years. I announce the provision of Mobile Diagnostic
Vans for early detection and prevention of breast and cervical
cancer. These mobile vans will function in close coordination
with the Medical Colleges in the State.
59
 177. Our Government has started “HIM CARE Yojna”
for families not covered under “Ayushman Bharat” by
providing health insurance cover up to Rs. 5 lakh. I am happy
to announce that families of persons, who work for more
than 50 days under MNREGA during the year, will be provided
health insurance cover of Rs.5 lakh, without any insurance
premium. This insurance cover shall be extended to all
outsourced employees for a meagre sum of Re.1 per day.
178. ASHA workers have been making an important
contribution in improving mother and child health care
services. I am happy to announce an increase in the State
share of their honorarium, from Rs.1,250 to Rs.1,500.

179. I propose an outlay of Rs. 2,482 crore for providing

quality health services in the State.
Ayurveda 180. Ayurveda has an important role to play in the
provision of health services. The State has 3 Government
run Ayurvedic Pharmacies in Majra, Paprola and
Jogindernagar. It is proposed to explore the possibility of
upgrading the plant and machinery of these pharmacies in
collaboration with the private sector to enhance productivity
of these pharmacies.

181. Ayurveda Department has adopted 1,712 schools

for educating children regarding health and sanitation related
issues. Information related to personal hygiene, healthy
lifestyle, nutrition and common remedies is shared with the
children of these schools. It is proposed that the children of
these schools will also be educated about the ill effects of
consuming drugs and intoxicants.
60
182. The Ayurveda department has taken the initiative to
make Banjar Block in Kullu, Baijnath Block in Kangra and
Basantpur block in Shimla, anaemia free. These efforts would
be continued during 2019-20, and it is also proposed to cover
three more development blocks under the initiative.

183. I propose Rs.288 crore for Ayurveda during

2019-20.

184. Speaker Sir, our Government is sensitive to the weak Women and
Child
and vulnerable sections of the society and is committed to Development

serve their needs.

185. Young widows face many difficulties in earning their

livelihoods. The scope of self-employment is also limited
for them due to absence of necessary skills. I announce that
eligible widows, less than 45 years age, will be provided
reservation in Nursing Institutions and ITIs for admission. This
will equip them with the necessary skills to take up
employment. All such widows in this age group, who are either
illiterate or are educationally less qualified, will be provided
skill training under various schemes being run through
Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam and Labour and
Employment Department. Appropriate financial assistance
will also be provided to them.

186. I am happy to announce that all widows who are

getting social security pension will be eligible for health health
insurance coverage of Rs. 5 lakh under HIM CARE health
insurance scheme of the State, without payment of any
61
premium. Our Government had announced increase in the
financial assistance of Rs.4,000 per child, per year, given to
deserted women/widows, for up to two children, to Rs.5,000.
I am happy to announce a further increase in this amount to
Rs.6,000 per child.

Here I would like to say that:-

geus jksrh vk¡[kksa dks galk;k gS lnk]

blls csgrj bcknr rks ugha gksxh gelsA

187. Children living in Bal/Balika Ashrams of the State

have to leave these ashrams after attaining the age of 18
years. These children are still in their teens and are suddenly
rendered shelter less. I propose the setting up of ‘After Care
Homes’ for such children, at Mashobra (Shimla) for girls and
at Tutikandi (Shimla) and Arki in Solan, for boys. I also
announce an annual grant of Rs.10,000 to all such children
of Children Homes registered under the Juvenile Justice
(Care and Protection of Children), Act 2015, who score more
than 60 percent marks in 8th ,10th and 10+2 standard exams.

188. There are about 1,600 children in children homes

across the State. Most do not have any employment
opportunities after the age of 18 years. It is proposed to
provide training under Flexi ITI Scheme to such children who
complete the age of 18 years in these Homes. The
department will engage with the industry to ensure that these
children are provided on the job training and are absorbed in
the industry.
62
189. I would like to thank the Hon’ble Prime Minister on
behalf of all the residents of the State for extending POSHAN
Abhiyan in all districts of the State.

190. I am happy to announce an increase from Rs.50,000

to Rs.1 lakh in the income limit (from all sources) of a family
to be eligible for loans from the Mahila Vikas Nigam. This will
provide an opportunity to more women to avail loans from
the Nigam and take up self employment activities.

191. The Central Government has recently revised the

rates of honorarium for Anganwari Workers from Rs. 3,000
per month to Rs.4,500 per month. I am happy to announce
that they will now get a monthly honorarium of Rs.6,300 per
month after including the State contribution. The monthly
honorarium to Anganwari Helpers and Mini Anganwari Workers
has also been increased from Rs.1,500 to Rs.2,250, and
from Rs.2,250 to 3,500, respectively. After including the State
contribution, an Anganwari Helper will now get a monthly
honorarium of Rs.3,200 while the Mini Anganwari Worker will
get Rs. 4,600.

192. I propose an outlay of Rs. 534 crore for Women

and Child Department during 2019-20.

193. Speaker Sir, our Government has been providing Welfare of the
Weaker Section/
Social Security Pension to more than 5 lakh pensioners in Social Security
Pensions
the State. I am happy to announce an increase in the pension
amount of all such pensioners, presently getting Rs.750 per
month, to Rs.850 per month, and to Rs.1,500 per month for
63
 all such pensioners who are presently getting a pension of
Rs.1,300 per month. I propose an outlay of Rs.642 crore
for Social Security Pension schemes during 2019-20.

Speaker Sir, may I say the following:-

vklku ugha gksrk]

fdlh rkys dh pkch gksukA
xgjkbZ esa lekdj]
fny thruk iM+rk gSAA

194. I propose the setting up of one shelter home with

the help of non-Government organizations, for mentally ill
persons who have been rehabilitated. This home will provide
shelter, food, health services, safe environment and all other
basic services necessary for healthy life to such people. The
Government will also seek assistance of the private sector
as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility for this noble
cause.

195. I propose an outlay of Rs. 2,543 crore for Social

Justice and Empowerment during 2019-20.

Tribal 196. Speaker Sir, our Government has always given

Development
priority to balanced development of the tribal areas and
welfare of the tribal population of the State.

197. It is proposed to skill tribal youth and artisans under

“Border Area Development Programme”. Under the
Special Central Assistance, the tribal youth and artisans will
be provided training in handloom and handicrafts, computer
skills etc.
64
198. I propose Rs. 1,564 crore for Tribal Development
during 2019-20.

199. Speaker Sir, the State has contributed a very large Welfare of
Ex-Servicemen
number of brave soldiers to the armed forces of the country. and Freedom
Fighters
These soldiers have served the armed forces with dedication
and distinction. To honour the martyrs and soldiers, the
construction of War Memorial in Nurpur will be started during
2019-20. I also announce an increase in the annuity for Kirti
Chakra winners from Rs.1.50 lakh to Rs.2 lakh. I am further
happy to announce an increase from Rs. 6,000 to Rs.12,000
in the allowance given to children, who undergo SSB coaching
to join armed forces as an officer.

200. Speaker Sir, the law and order situation has Home/
Law and Order
remained peaceful during the tenure of our Government. All
the functional posts in the Police department are being filled-
up on priority. Recently, our Government has approved filling
up of 1,063 posts of Constables. Our Government has also
been stressing upon the modernization of Police force. I am
happy to announce an increase in honorarium of SPOs
deployed along the border with Jammu & Kashmir from
Rs.6,000 to Rs.7,000.

201. I propose to reform and strengthen the present

policing system in the State. Presently, the first information
report (FIR) can only be registered in a Police Thana. People
living in remote areas have to travel long distances to get
FIR registered. They have to incur additional costs in terms
of money and time to travel the distance. It is proposed to
65
designate 100 police chowkis in the State in 2019-20, where
an FIR can be registered. This will enable people living in
remote areas to register their complaints conveniently.

202. Under the Himachal Pradesh Excise Act, 2011,

Police Officers of the rank of ASI and above are authorized
to investigate offences related to Excise. It is proposed to
amend this Act and authorize Head Constables also to inquire
into Excise related crimes. In addition, I also propose to
authorize all Constables, who are graduates, to investigate
crimes, where punishment involved is 3 years or less. These
provisions will enable officers of the police department to
have more time to investigate into crimes of a more serious
nature and will also boost the morale of these Constables.

203. The increasing use of narcotics and drugs is a

matter of concern for all. This is in fact a national and global
problem. In the last one year, our Government has taken a
number of steps to tackle the drug trafficking menace and in
the field of de-addiction and rehabilitation of drug victims.
The law has been amended and made more stringent.
Speaker Sir, we took an initiative to coordinate with the
Governments of the neighbouring States, and decided that
the State DGPs will devise a proper information sharing
protocol. In addition, a State wide peoples movement has
been started to fight this menace.

204. Speaker Sir, many departments viz Social Welfare,

Police, Youth Services and Sports, Health and Excise and
Taxation are working in this direction. I am of the firm opinion
66
that these departments need to work in a close coordinated
manner and work out a well thought out strategy. Community
participation is also very important in the whole endeavour. I
therefore announce setting up of a “Yuva Navjeevan
Board” to be chaired by the Chief Minister. Concerned
Administrative Secretaries, experts from the concerned field,
elected representatives and civil society will be associated
with this Board. This Board will formulate effective strategies
to prevent trafficking and consumption of narcotics, and for
rehabilitation and de-addiction. The Board will also monitor
the implementation of these policies and strategies. I
sincerely hope that this Board will be instrumental in saving
our youth from the ill effect of narcotics. I also announce that
5 de-addiction and rehabilitation centres will also be
established in the State during 2019-20. These centres will
have facilities for treatment and counselling of the affected
people.

Here, it will not be out of context to say :

;dhu gks rks dksbZ jkLrk fudyrk gS

gok dh vksV ysdj Hkh fpjkx tyrk gS

205. I also propose the formation of a State level Special

Task Force under Inspector General of Police rank officer,
which will work in close coordination with the police of the
neighbouring States. This will strengthen the efforts of
Government in fighting the drug menace. Wherever
necessary, the laws will be made even more stringent.

67
 206. The Forensic service network will be improved .
One District Mobile Forensic Unit each will be established in
Nurpur, in the Northern Range and in Police district Baddi, in
the Southern Range.

207. I also propose the installation of 150 IP enabled

high resolution CCTV Cameras at extremely sensitive spots
to keep a vigil on narcotic smuggling, forest smuggling and
other illegal activities along the 941 kilometre boundary with
the neighbouring States. A technical cell will also be
established in all the 13 Police districts to further strengthen
the efforts of the Government in the prevention of drug
trafficking and other crimes. State of art equipment will be
installed in these technical cells.

208. I propose a total budget outlay of Rs. 1,609 crore

for the department of Home i.e. Police, Home Guards, Fire
Services and Prisons.

209. I also announce the setting up of 3 family court in

the State for early resolution of family disputes.

Employees
Welfare
210. Speaker Sir, our Government has been sensitive to
the welfare of the employees. Our Government is committed
to fill all the functional posts at the earliest. During the last
one year, the Cabinet has approved filling up of vacant
functional posts in various departments in almost all its
meetings. Our Government proposes to fill nearly 20,000
functional posts during 2019-20. These include 8,000 posts
of teachers, 300 posts of doctors, 3,000 posts of para
68
medical staff and nurses, 1,000 posts of junior office
assistants (IT)/clerks, 400 patwaris, 1,400 constables, 200
posts of forest guards, 200 posts of junior engineers and
50 posts of assistant engineers. In addition, 800 posts of
various categories in HRTC, 1,000 posts in HPSEB and
3,500 posts in other departments are also likely to be filled-
up.

211. Our Government is committed to notify new pay

scales after Punjab Pay Commission gives its
recommendations.

212. I am happy to announce that the contribution of the

State Government under the New Pension Scheme will be
increased to 14 percent from the existing 10 percent. This
will benefit about 80,000 employees. The Government will
incur an additional liability of Rs.175 crore per annum on this
account.

213. I am also happy to announce that Dearness

Allowance to the employees and Dearness relief to the
Pensioners of the State Government at the rate of 4 percent
will be provided from 1st July, 2018. The contract employees
are currently getting emoluments equal to Basic Pay plus
Grade Pay plus 100 percent of Grade Pay. I am happy to
announce that in the next financial year, the contract
employees shall be paid emoluments equal to Basic Pay
plus Grade Pay plus 125 percent of Grade Pay.

214. Our Government is in favour of making necessary

changes in the present policy for providing appointments on
69
 compassionate grounds. As per the existing provisions, only
a dependent of the employee who dies in harness before
attaining the age of 50 years, is eligible for compassionate
employment. Speaker Sir, I am happy to announce that this
age limit will be increased up to retirement age. The income
criteria for determining eligibility will also be enhanced
appropriately.

215. Speaker Sir, I am happy to announce that class-IV

employees in the State in the pay band of 5910-20200 and
Grade Pay of Rs.1900 and who have completed 20 years
of service, will now be eligible to get an additional increment
in the pay. I also announce an increase in minimum daily
wages from Rs.225 to Rs.250 per day. The hourly rate for
part time worker will also be suitably increased.

Budget Estimates 216. Speaker Sir, now I present the revised estimates
for 2018-19 and budget estimates for 2019-20. As per the
revised estimates for 2018-19, total revenue receipts are
expected to be Rs. 31 thouand, 189 crore against the budget
estimates of Rs. 30 thousand, 400 crore. Total revenue
expenditure as per revised estimates for 2018-19 is expected
to be Rs. 33 thousand, 408 crore against the budget
estimates of Rs. 33 thousand, 568 crore. Thus the total
revenue deficit is expected to be Rs. 2 thousand, 219 crore
as per revised estimates, which is Rs. 949 crore less than
the budget estimates for 2018-19. The fiscal deficit is
expected to be Rs. 7 thousand, 786 crore as per the revised
estimates for 2018-19 which is 5.14 percent of the Gross

70
State Domestic Product. The fiscal deficit as percentage of
GSDP was estimated at 5.16 percent in the budget estimates
for 2018-19.

217. This deficit is expected to be covered by net

borrowings of Rs. 4 thousand, 546 crore during 2018-19,
which will be within the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget
Management Act (FRBM) approved limit.

218. During 2019-20, total revenue receipts are

estimated at Rs. 33 thousand, 747 crore, whereas total
revenue expenditure is estimated to be Rs. 36 thousand,
089 crore. Thus total revenue deficit is estimated at Rs. 2
thousand, 342 crore. Fiscal deficit is estimated to be Rs. 7
thousand, 352 crore which is 4.35 percent of the Gross State
Domestic Product. The difference between the receipts and
the expenditure will be made good through net borrowings,
which are estimated at Rs. 5 thousand and 69 crore during
2019-20. These borrowings will be in accordance with the
obligations under the FRBM Act.

219. Speaker Sir, no new taxes have been proposed in

the budget estimates for the year 2019-20. It will be a
challenge for our Government to mobilize the necessary
resources required for implementation of newly proposed
and ongoing development and welfare schemes. I believe
that our Government will be able to mobilize required
resources through more effective tax administration,
continued support of Government of India, exploring
alternative funding mechanisms and prudent fiscal
management.
71
220. Out of every hundred rupees to be spent by the
Government, Rs. 27.84 will be spent on salaries, Rs. 15 on
pension, Rs.10.25 on interest payment, Rs. 7.35 on loan
repayment and Rs.39.56 will be spent on development works
and other activities. The detailed budget estimates for the
financial year 2019-20 are contained in the budget documents
which are being presented to this August House.

221. These budget estimates indicate the difficulties in

terms of resource constraints and limited sources of income.
However, our Government is determined take the State to
new heights of development where no one is left behind.

I would like to share a few lines written by our

beloved Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji:—

foink,a vkrh gSa vk,a]

ge u #dsaxs] ge u #dsaxsA
vk?kkrksa dh D;k fpark gS\
ge u >qdsaxs] ge u >qdsaxsA
222. Speaker Sir, Now I would like to summarise
highlights of the budget:—

 The last one year of our Government is a live example

of “bZekunkj iz;kl lcdk fodkl”. Hon’ble Prime
Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s guiding Development
Goal of “lcdk lkFk lcdk fodkl” is the focus of
our development policy.

 10 percent reservation will be provided to the general

category in employment and educational institutions.
72
 Many targets under the Sustainable Development Goals
will be achieved by 2022 instead of 2030.

 Himachal Pradesh has got first rank in the ranking done

by the NITI Aayog in the efforts being made to achieve
Sustainable Development Goals.

 The outlay for the Annual Plan 2019-20 will be Rs.7,100

crore.

 The Government managed to get necessary approvals

and recommendations for projects worth Rs.10,300
crore from Government of India for external assistance.

 The limit for posing projects to NABARD for funding

MLA Priority Schemes will be increased to Rs.105
crore per Assembly Constituency.

 Outlay under Vidhayak Kshetra Vikas Nidhi Yojna will

be increased to Rs.1.50 crore per Assembly
Constituency.

 The Discretionary Grant per MLA will be increased to

Rs.8 lakh.

 Hon’ble MLAs will be able to recommend sports

material and equipment worth Rs.25,000 per registered
Yuvak Mandal out of Vidhayak Kshetra Vikas Nidhi
Yojna. This grant for Mahila Mandals will also be
increased to Rs.25,000.

 An annual Loktantre Prehari Samman Rashi of

Rs.11,000 will be given to the persons arrested under
MISA during emergency.
73
 Additional 136 G2C Services will be automated and
linked with e-District Portal.

 State of Art Command and Control Centre will be set-

up in the State. Mukhya Mantri Help Line will be
established. MyGov portal will be started to establish
contact between the Government and public.

 The State Government will supplement the Central

Government’s “Ujjwala” Yojna by providing one free
cylinder, gas stove and pipe from its own resources.

 One additional LPG refill cylinder will be provided free

to the beneficiaries of Himachal Grihani Suvidha Yojna
and Ujjwala Yojna. This will benefit 2 lakh families.

 Barbed Wire and Chain Link will be provided at 50

percent subsidy under Mukhya Mantri Khet Sanrakshan
Yojna.

 50 percent subsidy will be provided for purchasing

Cows of indigenous breed to promote natural farming.

 Electricity charges being paid by farmers for irrigation

will be reduced to 50 paisa per unit.

 A scheme “Doubling of Farmers’ Income through

Water Conservation and other Activities” will be started
with the assistance of Asian Development Bank.

 Nadaun Medium Irrigation Scheme will be completed

and commissioned. Pace will be provided to execution
74
 of Phina Singh Medium Irrigation Scheme. The execution of Swan
River Flood Management Project and Chhonch Khad Channelization
Project will be speeded up.

 A scheme “Himachal Pradesh Flood and River Management Project”

with the first phase costing Rs.1,235 crore and second phase costing
Rs.1,850 crore will be started with external assistance.

 The compensation under “Mukhya Mantri Kisan Avam Khetihar

Majdoor Jeevan Suraksha Yojna” will be doubled.

 A new “Mukhya Mantri Nutan Poly House Project” with a total cost of
Rs.150 crore will be started.

 The outlay for Anti Hail Nets will be doubled to Rs.20 crore.

 “Mukhya Mantri Khumb Vikas Yojna” will be started.

 “Himachal Pradesh Sub Tropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value

Addition (SHIVA)” project with a total cost of Rs.1,688 will be started
with external assistance.

 Breeding farm for Sahiwal and Red Sindhi Cows will be established
with a total cost of Rs.11 crore and Embryo Transfer Technology will
be used for their breeding.

 Goats will be provided at a subsidy of 85 percent to the farmers

living below poverty line. Sheep of improved breeds will be imported.
A farm for Murrah buffaloes and Gokul Gram will be set-up.

 Additional processing capacity of 50,000 litre per day will be installed

in Duttnagar and Chakkar Milk Processing Plant.
75
 Milk procurement price will be enhanced by Rs.2 per
litre.

 100 Trout Units and Carp Fish Ponds in 10 hectare,

will be constructed. Retail fish outlets will be
established in Kangra, Chamba and Shimla and
Insurance cover will be provided to Trout units.

 Honorarium of elected representatives of Panchayati

Raj Institutions will be increased. Honorarium of
Panchayat Chowkidar will be increased to Rs.4,500.

 Mukhya Mantri Gram Kaushal Yojna will be started.

 The State Government will provide uniform financial

assistance of Rs.20,000 for house construction for the
poor out of its own resources, in addition to assistance
currently being provided, both in rural and urban areas.
The subsidy for repair of houses under “Mukhya Mantri
Aawas Yojna” will be increased.

 A new scheme “Ek Buta Beti Ke Naam” will be started.

 SMS based alert system will be started to fight forest

fires. 25 Small Scale Industries will be established
using pine needles as raw material.

 A new “Mukhya Mantri Green Technology Transfer

Scheme” will be started.

 Integrated Cooperative Development Project will be

started in Una and Chamba Districts. 250 Auditors will
76
 be empanelled for undertaking audit of the Cooperative
Societies.

 A grant of Rs.15,000 will be provided to the forest

personnel in 200 sensitive beats for procuring arms.

 The honorarium to elected Members of the Urban Local

Bodies will be increased.

 State Disaster Response Force will be setup.

 500 habitations will be provided with safe drinking water

supply.

 “Mukhya Mantri Swajal Yojna” will be started to provide

up to 50 metre of pipe at a subsidy of 50 percent to
the weaker sections of the society.

 The honorarium of the Water Guards, Pump Fitters and

Para Fitters in Irrigation and Public Health Department
will be increased. Functional posts in the department
will be filled up on need basis.

 The Government will bring out a new Micro Small and

Medium Industrial Policies.

 Global Investors Summit will be held in Dharamshala.

 The age limit and investment limit under “Mukhya Mantri

Swablamban Yojna” will be increased.

 A new “Mukhya Mantri Dastkar Sahayata Yojna” will be

started.
77
 Industrial areas in Channour, Gehrwin and Basouli
Bangarh will be set-up.

 Hydel Projects with an installed capacity of 500 MW

will be commissioned. Execution of Chanju-3 and
Deothal Chanju projects will be commenced.

 A new “Mukhya Mantri Roshni Yojna” will be started to

help poor families getting electricity connection without
payment of service charges.

 A subsidy of Rs.475 crore will be provided to HPSEB

Ltd.

 A new tourism policy will be brought out and Master

Plan for promoting Eco-Tourism will be prepared.

 Pong Area Development Board will be set up.

 “Shiv Dham” will be established in Mandi district to

attract tourists.

 Tourism Infrastructure Development Project with a cost

of Rs.1,892 crore will be started with the assistance of
an external funding agency.

 Rs.100 crore will be provided for “Kaushal Vikas Bhatta

Yojna”.

 Integrated Public Transport Management System will

be introduced in HRTC.

 A new electric vehicle policy will be brought out.

78
 Non-conventional material and new technique approved
by the Indian Road Congress will be used for
construction and maintenance of roads on pilot basis.

 750 kilometres new roads, culverts/small bridges on

850 kilometres of road length, 1,500 kilometres of
tarred roads and 50 bridges will be constructed which
will connect 50 new villages.

 Annual turnover limit for GST registration will be

increased to Rs.40 lakh and composition turnover limit
will be increased to Rs.1.50 crore.

 A mobile App and an online facility will be introduced to

deposit CGCR, PGT and AGT.

 Video conference facility will be setup in schools.

 15 new Atal Aadarsh Vidya Kendras will be started in

various Assembly Constituencies.

 A new CV Raman Virtual Classrooms Yojna will be

started.

 A new “Khel Se Swasthya” Yojna will be started in

educational institutions.

 A new “Atal Nirmal Jal Yojna” will be started to provide

water filters in schools.

 Skill Development assistance will be provided to

disabled persons under a new scheme “Navdharana”.
79
 50 ITIs will be modernized which will enable intake of
5,500 additional students.

 Two large playgrounds with Gym facilities per

Assembly Constitutency to be constructed under
‘Mukhya Mantri Yuva Nirman Yojna’.

 A new “Khel Kood Pratibha Khoj Karyakram” will be

started.

 A new “Mukhya Mantri Kalakar Protsahan Yojna” will be

started.

 Free Lap-Tops to be provided to State and district level

accredited journalists.

 The financial assistance under “Patrakaar Kalyan Yojna”

will be doubled.

 500 Health Sub Centres and 125 Primary Health

Centres will be upgraded to Health and Wellness
Centres.

 12 Health Institutions will be upgraded under

“Sampuran Swasthya Yojna”.

 Cath Lab will be established in Lal Bahadur Shastri

Medical College Mandi and Dr. Y.S. Parma Medical
College, Nahan.

 Digital Subtraction Angiography Machine will be setup

in IGMC, Shimla
80
 New SAHARA scheme to provide financial assistance
to patients belonging to weaker sections of the society
and suffering from serious ailments requiring prolonged
treatment and after care.

 The diet allowance to the HIV-AIDS infected persons

will be increased to Rs.1,500 per month.

 The assistance under “Janani Suraksha Yojna” will be

increased to Rs.1,100.

 Mobile Diagnostic Vans will be introduced to diagnose

and prevent breast and cervical cancer.

 Honorarium of ASHA workers will be increased.

 Free Health Insurance cover under HIMCARE for

MGNREGA workers, who have completed atleast 50
days of wage employment, and widows drawing social
security pension. Subsidised health insurance cover
for outsourced employees.

 Widows less than 45 years of age will be assisted in

upgrading their skills and getting employment.
Reservation in admissions in ITIs and Nursing
Institutions will be provided to them.

 After Care Homes will be established for the orphans

completing the age of 18 years. They will also be
provided training.

 Honorarium of the Anganwari workers, Mini Anganwari

Workers and Anganwari helpers will be increased.
81
 The social security pension of more than 5 lakh
pensioners of the State will be increased.

 War Memorial will be constructed in Nurpur.

 The financial assistance for undergoing SSB coaching

will be increased to Rs.12,000.

 100 police chowkis of the State will be designated as

Reporting Police Chowkis so that FIRs can be
registered in them. Head Constables will be authorized
to investigate Excise Crime. Graduate Police
Constable will also be authorized to investigate certain
offences.

 “Yuva Navjeevan Board” will be setup to develop a

coordinated strategy to deal with trafficking and
consumption of narcotics. Five de-addiction and
rehabilitation centres will also be established.

 Nearly 20,000 functional posts will be filled-up.

 New pay-scales will be granted after recommendations

of the Punjab Pay Commission.

 The State Government’s contribution of 10 percent

under NPS will be increased to 14 percent.

 Necessary changes will be made in the policy for giving

employment on compassionate grounds.

 DA to employees and DR to pensioners at the rate of

4 percent will be given from 1st July, 2018.

82
 Class-IV employees who have completed 20 years of
service and are already getting a grade pay of Rs.1,900
will be eligible for another increment.

223. Speaker Sir, these budget estimates have been

presented keeping in view the welfare of all sections of
society. The implementation of ongoing schemes as well as
new schemes will be strengthened. The initiatives in almost
all sectors will create new employment opportunities for the
youth. It is also proposed to upgrade the skills of youth to
ensure their eligibility for better employment opportunities.
The social security for women, old age pensioners and
weaker sections of the society has been strengthened. We
have established a direct dialogue with the common people
to ensure their participation in the development process of
the State.

Speaker Sir, I would like to commend this budget to

this August House with the following lines:—

esjs tquwu dk urhtk t+:j fudysxk]

blh fl;kg leanj ls uwj fudysxkA

Jai Hind – Jai Himachal

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