Himachal Tax Free Budget 2014

Himachal’ Tax Free Budget

Chavinder  Sharma  Anni

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh presented his 17th budget in Himachal Vidhan Sabha. The tax free budget for 2014-15 financial year is estimated at Rs. 23,613 crore against Rs. 21,767 core leaving a deficit of Rs. 2,732 crore. Chief Minister has decided to spend 12% more money in state’s development despite financial crunch. Reiterating his resolve to generate resources; he has tried to provide relief to every section. Already reeling under debt, Himachal will raise addition debt of Rs. 2400 crore this year against Rs. 2100 crore raised last year.

“We have tried to provide relief to every section despite the fact that the previous government had left the public exchequer empty. The budget will provide impetus to the development in the state

-Virbhadra Singh, Chief Minister

People’s Welfare Announcements

* 5000 functional posts to be filled

* Rs. 100 crore for Skill Development Allowance

* Rs. 100 crore for Dr. YS Parmar Kisan Swarojgar Yojna

* Daily wages increased from Rs. 150 to Rs. 170

* 10% DA for employees and pensioners from July 1, 2013

*  Hike in wages of Aanganwadi workers

*  Part time workers to become daily wagers after eight years

*  Contractual employees to be regularized after six years

*  Daily wagers to be regularized after seven years

*  Two women police stations at Shimla and Dharamshala

*  Social security pension enhanced to Rs. 550

*  Hike in honorarium of representatives of local bodies

*  Laptop for 7500 brilliant student

*  Rs. 130 crore for children development services

* 2000 MW hydropower potential to be tapped in 2014-15

*  1300 new buses for HRTC

*  Construction of tunnels on PPP mode