New Delhi: Haryana’s Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar, unveiled the final budget of his second term on Friday, outlining a roadmap for the state’s future with a focus on development, welfare, and sustainability.
Packed with ambitious plans and impactful announcements, the budget promises to touch the lives of farmers, media personnel, freedom fighters, and the general public. Let’s delve into the key highlights:
Bridging the Digital Divide
Recognizing the transformative power of digital access, the government has approved a ₹130 crore scheme to enhance digital connectivity at the gram panchayat level. This includes a ₹65 crore grant from the Central Government, aiming to provide fiber optic connections to over 62,000 gram panchayats. Imagine the impact this will have on education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities in rural areas!
Empowering Media Workers
The budget acknowledges the valuable contribution of media personnel by doubling their monthly pension from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000.
Additionally, their insurance coverage has been bumped up from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh, with the government covering the entire premium. These measures offer much-needed financial security to media professionals.
Freedom Fighters Honored: Monthly Allowance Increased
A touching gesture towards freedom fighters, the budget proposes an increase in their monthly allowance from ₹25,000 to ₹40,000. This acknowledges their sacrifices and ensures they live a life of dignity in their twilight years.
Greener Commute: E-buses Take Center Stage
Taking a giant leap towards sustainability, the government plans to operate 450 AC electric buses across cities like Palwal, Sirsa, Rohtak, Bhiwani, and Sonipat. This not only combats environmental pollution but also offers people a clean, comfortable, and affordable travel option.
Relief for E-rickshaw Drivers
Understanding the challenges faced by e-rickshaw drivers, the government proposes replacing the annual fee with a one-time fee. This eases their financial burden and promotes the use of eco-friendly transportation.
Reaching Out to More Families: Expanding the PDS Net
The budget aims to ensure food security for more families by increasing the number of beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS) from 26 lakh to over 44 lakh. This translates to affordable access to essential food items for a larger section of society.
Boosting Education: Support for Construction Workers’ Daughters
Recognizing the importance of education for girls, the budget introduces a scheme to provide financial assistance of ₹50,000 or the cost of an electric scooter (whichever is lower) to daughters of construction workers seeking higher education. This empowers these young women and encourages them to pursue their dreams.
Skilling Up the Workforce
To support gig workers and promote their self-reliance, the government proposes a credit guarantee scheme offering up to ₹45,000 without interest for purchasing an electric scooter. This empowers them with flexible transportation and paves the way for economic independence.
Honoring Heroes: Increased Financial Support for Martyrs’ Families
Deepening its commitment to the armed forces, the budget proposes to increase the ex-gratia amount given to families of martyrs from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore. This gesture expresses the state’s immense respect and gratitude for their supreme sacrifice.
Building a Strong Future: Investing in Armed Forces Preparation
To encourage more youth to serve the nation, the government plans to establish three Armed Forces Preparatory Institutes across the state. These institutes will provide dedicated training and guidance to aspiring soldiers, equipping them for a career in the defense or paramilitary forces.
