On 1st February, 2022, Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman presented the general budget of 2022. While the world continues to fight the pandemic and revive the economy, Indians looked keenly at what Vittamantri had for them. Considering the general discussion and the usual contradiction that the opposition brings forth, it is vital to put forward the direct- indirect benefits the state of Uttarakhand will get. However, no particular announcement was made for the states going for elections.
Of course, the budget wasn’t meant for electoral gains but Devbhumi has received quiet a lot in the budget. Centre’s financial assistance to state for capital investment has been increased to ₹15,000 crores and ₹1 lakh crore has been allocated to the states for catalyzing investments. This should definitely lead to increase opportunities for the people of the state.
Besides these allocation, a national Ropeway development programme will be launched under the ‘Parvatmala‘. This programme will benefit the hilly states of India by providing the localities with an easy way to commute and will also boost tourism. The initiation of vibrant village programme for border villages will reduce migration from the upper hills of the state. Uttarakhand shares an international border and under this scheme, the border villages will witness development of village infrastructure and livelihood generation. The domestic production of solar power will crucially help the residents of Uttarakhand and reduce the state’s burden on electricity. Under the chemical free natural farming’s first stage, focus will be on 5km wide corridors along the ganga river.
The year 2023 has been declared as the year of millets. Uttarakhand homes several types of millets namely Jhingora, Mandua, Kuttu, Chaulai among others. Vittamantri had announced in her budget speech that support will be provided for post-harvest value addition and for branding of the millets nationally and internationally. A scheme for domestic production of oilseeds will implemented to reduce the imports of oilseeds.
This too will prove to be beneficial to the farmers of the state. PM Modi is admired by the people of Uttarakhand and the budget comes as a boost for Uttarakhand. The onus is on the people of Uttarakhand who would be electing their next government in coming weeks. The construction of all weather roads, the Rishikesh- Karnaprayaag railway project will also play a significant role this time. Smooth transportation and commuting has made lives and livelihood easier, further acting as a factor that will impact the upcoming polls in the state.
