Himachal Pradesh Government Allocates Significant Funds for Rural Infrastructure Development
The Himachal Pradesh state government has made a substantial budget provision of over Rs 758 crore under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for the upcoming financial year 2025-26. This announcement was made by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday, highlighting the administration's commitment to enhancing rural infrastructure across the state.
MLA Priorities and Project Coordination for Future Financial Years
During the second session on the first day of discussions, Chief Minister Sukhu engaged with MLAs from Solan, Chamba, Bilaspur, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur districts to deliberate on MLA priorities for the financial year 2026-27. He issued clear directives to all concerned departments to ensure efficient project management. Specifically, Sukhu instructed that if any detailed project report (DPR) of MLA priority projects, which has been submitted to the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for approval under RIDF, has already been sanctioned under any other funding head, the relevant department must immediately notify the planning department in writing.
This step is crucial to facilitate the withdrawal of such DPRs from NABARD and to reconcile records without unnecessary delays, thereby streamlining the approval process and avoiding duplication of efforts.
Addressing Natural Disasters and Government Relief Efforts
Chief Minister Sukhu also addressed the severe impact of natural disasters on the state, noting that Himachal Pradesh suffered heavy losses of life and property due to intense rainfall and cloudbursts in both 2023 and 2025. In response, the state government provided adequate financial assistance for relief and rehabilitation from its own resources, demonstrating a proactive approach to disaster management and support for affected communities.
Focus on Priority Sectors and Governance Reforms
For the welfare of the people, the government has identified several key priority sectors, including health, education, rural economy, tourism, energy, food processing, and data storage. These areas are set to receive focused attention and investment to drive sustainable development and improve the quality of life for residents.
Furthermore, Sukhu emphasized that the present state government places a strong emphasis on good governance. Over the past three years, significant progress has been made, with 5.70 lakh mutation cases successfully processed. Additionally, the government aims to complete 80% of revenue corrections by March 31, showcasing a commitment to administrative efficiency and transparency.
Key Officials Present at the Meeting
The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Health Minister Colonel Dhani Ram Shandil (retd), Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani. Their presence underscores the collaborative effort across various departments to implement these initiatives effectively.
