Himachal Pradesh Budget 2026-27: BJP Questions Congress on Youth and Women Empowerment

With the Himachal Pradesh Budget for 2026-27 set to be revealed, BJP's Shrey Awasthi has raised pressing questions regarding the Congress government's commitment to youth employment and women's empowerment. He emphasizes the need for a budget that not only addresses immediate concerns but also lays out a long-term vision for sustainable development. Awasthi's inquiries focus on the startup ecosystem, job opportunities for technical graduates, and the effectiveness of direct benefit schemes. As the budget announcement approaches, the stakes are high for the Congress government to demonstrate its dedication to the future of Himachal's youth and women.
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Himachal Pradesh Budget 2026-27: BJP Questions Congress on Youth and Women Empowerment

BJP Raises Concerns Ahead of Himachal Pradesh Budget Presentation


Shimla

As the Himachal Pradesh Budget for 2026-27 approaches its unveiling tomorrow, Shrey Awasthi, the BJP's Social Media Co-Convenor, has voiced significant concerns regarding the Congress-led government's commitment to youth employment, women's empowerment, and sustainable development.



Awasthi pointed out that with the budget announcement imminent, residents of Himachal, particularly the youth and women, are eager to know if the Congress administration will genuinely address their issues or merely continue with superficial announcements that lack lasting effects.



He posed five critical questions:



  1. What about the Startup & Innovation Ecosystem?
    Despite a ₹650 crore allocation for the e-taxi initiative, will the government prioritize establishing a robust ecosystem for innovation, research, and startups aimed at educated youth, including BTech, MTech, MBA, PhD, and other graduates?

  2. Will Women Achieve Long-Term Empowerment?
    While discussions around 25% reservation for women are ongoing, will the budget guarantee stable and permanent job opportunities, or will it continue to emphasize short-term contractual positions?

  3. What is the Strategy Beyond Direct Benefit Schemes?
    Although financial assistance programs have been introduced, will the new budget enhance their execution and also invest in girls' education and skill development?

  4. What Prospects for Technical Graduates?
    Given the limited hiring in departments such as PWD, IPH, HPSEBL, and HPPCL in recent years, will the government now create tangible opportunities for engineers and technical graduates?

  5. Will There Be Jobs for Youth or Just More Extensions?
    As retired officials continue to receive extensions, will the budget facilitate timely new recruitments and equitable opportunities for the youth of Himachal?



Awasthi stressed that the upcoming budget will serve as a litmus test for the Congress government's seriousness regarding the future of the youth and women in Himachal.



He called on the government to deliver a budget that offers genuine opportunities, a long-term vision, and accountability, rather than just empty announcements.