Empowering the Soil: CMs Vision for a Self-Reliant Rural Himachal

In a landmark move to redefine the state’s economic trajectory, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has unveiled a budget that places the rural economy at the absolute center of Himachal Pradesh’s growth story. Shifting away from traditional urban-centric development, the Chief Minister’s financial roadmap for 2026-27 signals a "Vyavastha Parivartan" (systemic transformation) aimed at making villages the primary engines of prosperity. Despite navigating a challenging fiscal environment, Chief Minister Sukhu’s vision remains undeterred, prioritizing long-term sustainability and direct income enhancement for the state's "Annadatas."

At the heart of this budget lies the Chief Minister’s bold vision to make Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant state by 2030. Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that "real progress is measured by the prosperity of the last person in the queue." By focusing on the "Gramin Arthvyavastha" (Rural Economy), the government is not merely providing subsidies but is building an ecosystem where rural youth see agriculture and dairy as prestigious and high-yield professions. His vision transitions the state from a debt-dependent model to one fueled by its own natural and human resources, ensuring that the wealth of the mountains stays in the hands of those who tend to them.

The centerpiece of this rural transformation is a historic surge in milk procurement prices, making Himachal a national leader in supporting dairy farmers. Chief Minister Sukhu announced that the government will now procure cow milk at Rs. 61 per litre, a significant jump from the previous rate of Rs. 51. Similarly, the price for buffalo milk has been raised to Rs. 71 per litre, up from the earlier rate of Rs. 61. To promote high-quality indigenous breeds of cow, the state has introduced a premium price of Rs. 100 per litre for A2 milk. This initiative is bolstered by doubling the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) incentive from Rs. 3 to Rs. 6 per litre, ensuring that every paisa reaches the farmer's pocket directly.

To shield 'Annadatas' (farmers) from market volatility, the budget introduces a robust Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime with unprecedented increases. The MSP for wheat produced through natural farming has been hiked to Rs. 80 per kg from the previous Rs. 60, while maize has seen an increase to Rs. 50 per kg from the earlier Rs. 40. Notably, raw turmeric has seen a massive boost to Rs. 150 per kg from the previous Rs. 90. For the first time in the state's history, a support price of Rs. 30 per kg for ginger has been announced. By establishing a dedicated State Farmers’ Commission, the Chief Minister has ensured that the voices of the rural workforce are central to future policy-making.

Demonstrating rare political will and a deep sense of empathy, Chief Minister Sukhu announced that he and his cabinet would lead by example during this fiscal crunch. The Chief Minister has opted to defer 50% of his salary for the next six months, with Ministers and MLAs following suit with 30 and 20 percent deferment of their salary. This austerity is matched by a compassionate social agenda: the 'Mukhya Mantri Apna Sukhi Parivar Yojana' will provide 300 units of free electricity and permanent housing to one lakh of the state's most vulnerable families. Through this blend of fiscal discipline and rural empowerment, the Sukhu government is carving out a unique path that balances economic rigor with a heart for the common man.

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Chief Minister of rural background presented budget forcommon people: Nardev

SHIMLA, 22.03.26-Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, Nardev Singh Kanwar, while reacting to the budget 2026–27, said that Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has presented a budget focused on the common people. The Chief Minister has given special attention to rural areas, the poor and the common man.

He stated that despite economic challenges, only a leader like Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu could take such bold decisions. This budget will not only bring financial discipline to the state but also pave the way for sustainable development.

Nardev Singh Kanwar said that Sukhu is the first Chief Minister who has worked to put money directly into the pockets of rural people. By increasing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of milk, turmeric, barley, wheat and maize and by fixing, for the first time, a support price for ginger, the Chief Minister has strengthened the economy of farmers and livestock rearers.

He added that Sukhu is the first Chief Minister to place special focus on rural areas. The announcement of providing 300 units of free electricity to one lakh extremely poor families and giving Rs. 1500 under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behana Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana to one lakh women from BPL families is commendable.

Sh. Kanwar said that by increasing the salaries of contractual employees in the health department and the honorarium of outsourced and project workers, the Chief Minister has clearly conveyed that the government stands firmly with every needy section even during financial constraints.

The Chief Minister has also focused on the health and education sectors, ensuring that people receive quality services at their doorstep.

Nardev Singh Kanwar further said that the decision to temporarily cut the salaries of the Chief Minister himself, along with ministers, MLAs, political appointees, and senior officials for six months, is in the public interest. This step is necessary to improve the financial condition of the state and maintain fiscal discipline.

He praised the Chief Minister for presenting a balanced budget without putting any burden on the common man.

Sh. Kanwar also said that despite the discontinuation of RDG, the Chief Minister maintained financial balance and outperformed the opposition. The BJP is unhappy with the budget because they did not expect such a well-balanced budget that successfully attempts to benefit every section of society.

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Anti-chitta movement in Himachal transforming into mass movement

A Spokesperson of the Himachal Pradesh Police stated today here that under the statewide anti-drug mass movement “Chitta-Free Himachal,” launched by the Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on 15 November 2025, the Himachal Pradesh Police has been continuously carrying out coordinated, intensive and effective actions across various districts of the state to strengthen this resolve. This campaign has now taken the form of a powerful mass movement, ensuring active participation from the government, administration and the public.

He said that Himachal Pradesh Police has strictly enforced a zero-tolerance policy within its own force against drug abuse and corruption, taking a highly significant and stringent action. Four police personnel from STF Kullu have been dismissed from service with immediate effect after being found involved in a serious NDPS case.

He further said that after thorough examination, Constable Nitesh, Constable Ashok, Head Constable Rajesh Kumar and Head Constable Sameer Kumar were dismissed from service under provisions of the Constitution of India and Himachal Pradesh Police Act. Earlier, 17 police personnel had already been dismissed in drug-related cases in the state, which has now increased to 21 with the present action.

The spokesperson said that in this context, it is reiterated that the Chief Minister’s clear and firm message has reached across the state that there will be absolutely zero tolerance for any involvement of police personnel in drug (chitta) trafficking or peddling. Furthermore, strict action will also be ensured against any police officers or personnel who show negligence, laxity or leniency towards such offenders, their associates or networks.

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Major success against interstate drug trafficking

A Spokesperson of Police Department revealed here today that in a major blow to drug trafficking, particularly those dealing in chitta and other psychotropic drugs, the interstate kingpin was nabbed by CIA Nurpur team from Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that in an FIR registered at Police Station Nurpur on 11 October, 2025, a total of 6.044 kilograms of charas was recovered during a checkpoint operation at Kandwal barrier. In this case, three accused from District Mandi were arrested on the spot.

The spokesperson said that during the detailed investigation of the case, the main accused, Shubhkaran, a resident of Samkehar of Jawali in District Kangra, was identified and subsequently arrested from Chandigarh on 1 November, 2025. Further investigation revealed that the recovered consignment of narcotics was to be received by Vijay Kumar alias V.K., a resident of Kathua in Jammu & Kashmir. The said accused was also successfully arrested from his residence on 22 March, 2026.

He said that with this operation, the Himachal Pradesh Police has dealt a major blow to an interstate drug trafficking network linked to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. Under the capable leadership of the Chief Minister, the Himachal Pradesh Police remains committed to intensifying its campaign against drugs and will continue taking strict action to completely eradicate such drugs networks.