Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, approved a ₹1.11 lakh crore budget for the financial year 2026-27 in its Wednesday meeting. This marks a 10% increase compared to the previous fiscal year. The Cabinet also authorized the Chief Minister to make necessary amendments to the budget before presenting it to the state assembly.
Key Decisions of the Cabinet Meeting
The Cabinet approved a total of 27 proposals, focusing on financial, developmental, and welfare initiatives across the state. Major highlights include:
- Budget Approval: ₹1.11 lakh crore for FY 2026-27, reflecting a 10% increase over last year.
- Education and Research: Inclusion of 21 non-government aided colleges under the Chief Minister Higher Education Research Incentive Scheme, and approval for the Swami Vivekananda Uttarakhand Library Scheme.
- Nutrition Initiatives: Expansion of the Chief Minister Child Nutrition Program to include new food items for children aged 3–6 years. The Chief Minister Women Nutrition Scheme now provides additional nutritious food items alongside eggs, milk, and bananas.
- Urban Development: Creation of environmental engineer posts in all 11 municipal corporations on a contractual basis.
- Water and Environment: Approval of Treated Water Reuse Policy 2026 and Uttarakhand Efficient Water Supply Program, supported by the World Bank.
- Judicial Reforms: Establishment of three additional fast-track special courts in Dehradun, Kashipur, and Nainital, along with 14 new court manager posts to reduce judicial delays.
- Agriculture and Horticulture: Launch of Apple Advanced Nursery Development Scheme 2026 and approval of the Silence Observation Policy 2026, supporting farmers in hilly areas.
- Public Services and Governance: Structural reorganization in clerical/ministerial cadres and expansion of posts under various departments, including the State GST Appellate Tribunal with a new bench in Haldwani.
- Legislative Actions: Reintroduction of bills including Uttarakhand Shops & Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2026 and Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Bill 2026.
Focus on Social Welfare and Development
The Cabinet emphasized policies benefiting women, children, and rural populations. Nutritional schemes have been strengthened, urban environmental engineering roles established, and hilly region farmers supported through specialized horticulture programs.
Education reforms and research incentives are expected to enhance higher education standards and library access across the state.
Strengthening Governance and Infrastructure
Uttarakhand’s governance framework received a boost through judicial reforms, new fast-track courts, court manager posts, and structured cadre reorganization across departments. Urban water and environment policies, including treated water reuse and municipal environmental posts, aim to improve sustainability and public service delivery.
About Uttarakhand Government Initiatives
Under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand continues to focus on inclusive development, social welfare, environmental sustainability, and governance reforms, ensuring that budgetary allocations translate into tangible benefits for children, women, farmers, and urban and rural communities.
Read also: Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves 8 Key Proposals on Health, Education, Green Hydrogen, and Industry
