The budget for 2023–2024 that the Uttarakhand government unveiled on Wednesday includes $1 billion for relief efforts in Joshimath, which is now experiencing a humanitarian catastrophe.
Premchand Aggarwal, the state finance minister who presented the budget to the state parliament, referred to it as an inclusive budget that prioritizes the underprivileged while reaching out to youth, farmers, and women.
The 2023-34 budget is 18.02% larger than the 65,571 crore that was indicated in the budget projections for 2022-23. (BE). To be sure, the government would most likely spend 67,753 crore in the current fiscal year, according to the revised estimate (RE) figures for 2022–23.
“Our first focus is providing improved healthcare facilities to the general public. According to the Atal Ayushman Yojana, Uttarakhand is the first state in the nation to provide free or cashless healthcare to every household.
4,217 crore were allotted for healthcare and family welfare. While 10,459 were designated for youth welfare, sports, culture, and education, 302 crore were designated for tourism.
The budget, according to chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, would assist realize the goal of creating a fresh and powerful Uttarakhand. “This budget is both historical and well-balanced. In keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign slogan of Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas, it speaks to the aspirations of all societal groups. This budget aims to elevate Uttarakhand to a position of prominence, he said.
State Congress chairman Karan Mahara claimed the budget was “directionless and anti-development”. “It will rather harm the state's economic prospects. This Budget contains nothing new, he said.
