Haryana budget 2025-26 focus on industry and urban development debt and regional inequality loom large in state
Mar 24, 2025, 05:41 IST
Haryana’s budget of Rs205017 crore for 2025-26 was presented by the CM and finance minister (FM) Naib Singh Saini on 17th March 2025. It shows an increase of 13.70 % compared to 8.38% in the previous year’s revised estimate.
Haryana's Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, presented the state's budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, totaling ₹2,05,017.29 crore, marking a 13.7% increase over the previous year. The budget emphasizes industrial growth and urban development, with significant allocations aimed at enhancing infrastructure and fostering economic progress.
Key Allocations:
Urban Drainage Fund: A ₹100 crore fund has been established to improve drainage infrastructure across the state, addressing urban flooding and promoting sustainable urban development.
Artificial Intelligence Initiatives: Investments are directed towards integrating artificial intelligence in various sectors to boost efficiency and innovation.
Gurugram Metro Expansion: Plans include extending metro connectivity in Gurugram to enhance urban mobility and support the region's growth as a real estate and commercial hub.
Fiscal Concerns:
Despite the developmental focus, concerns have been raised regarding the state's financial health:
Debt Levels: The state plans to borrow ₹71,350 crore in 2025-26, with ₹61,220 crore allocated for servicing existing debt, leaving ₹10,212 crore for developmental activities.
Revenue Shortfalls: The Comptroller and Auditor General reported a revenue loss of ₹1,103 crore in 2021-22 due to under-assessment and short levy of taxes, highlighting fiscal management challenges.
Regional Disparities:
The budget's allocation patterns have sparked discussions on regional inequality:
Gurugram Focus: Substantial investments in Gurugram's infrastructure, including metro expansion and AI initiatives, aim to bolster its status as a commercial hub.
Neglect of Other Regions: Critics argue that other districts may not receive proportional attention, potentially widening regional disparities.
In response to these challenges, the state government has launched "Mission Haryana-2047," aiming for sustainable economic growth and equitable development, with a focus on the welfare of underprivileged communities.
The 2025-26 Haryana budget reflects a commitment to modernization and industrial advancement. However, addressing fiscal constraints and ensuring balanced regional development remain critical for achieving inclusive growth.