Shimla, March 21 -- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday said that the state budget for 2026-27 is focused on "transformation and strengthening the rural economy," while acknowledging that the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) has led to a financial loss of approximately Rs 8,000-10,000 crore.

Addressing the media after presenting the budget, CM Sukhu emphasised that the financial plan was not politically driven but aimed at long-term development and welfare

"This is not a political budget. It is a budget to strengthen the rural economy. We will have to face these circumstances," he said.

The Chief Minister noted that the state government made efforts to address the issue of the discontinu...