Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who also oversees the Finance portfolio, presented a Rs 2,23,658.17 crore Budget for the financial year 2026–27 in the state Assembly on Monday, outlining new sector-specific reforms and targeted welfare measures.
The proposed outlay represents a 10.28% rise over the revised estimate of Rs 2,02,816.66 crore for 2025–26, signalling a push toward higher capital investment and structural changes in agriculture and environmental governance.
Key Fiscal Indicators
The state’s fiscal deficit for 2026–27 is projected at Rs 40,293.17 crore, equivalent to 2.65% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). The revenue deficit is estimated at 0.87% of GSDP, while the effective revenue deficit stands at 0.41%.
Capital expenditure has been pegged at Rs 28,205 crore, accounting for 12.6% of the total Budget. Effective capital expenditure is expected to touch Rs 35,216 crore, or 15.7% of the total outlay — reflecting the government’s emphasis on infrastructure-led growth. Last year’s capital outlay stood at Rs 27,650 crore.
‘Agri Discom’ to Support Farmers
Among the headline proposals is the creation of a dedicated “Agri Discom” — a separate power distribution framework aimed at improving electricity supply management for the agricultural sector. The initiative is expected to streamline farm power subsidies, reduce transmission losses and ensure more reliable supply to rural areas.
Officials said the specialised utility model would also enhance transparency in subsidy accounting and improve operational efficiency in the power sector.
Green Climate Fund Announced
In a significant environmental step, the Chief Minister proposed the establishment of a state-level “Green Climate Fund.” The fund is intended to mobilise resources for climate adaptation, renewable energy projects, water conservation and sustainable urban development.
The move aligns with broader efforts to address environmental challenges such as depleting groundwater levels and rising urban pollution.
20% Reservation for Agniveers
The Budget also introduced a proposal to reserve 20% of certain state government jobs for Agniveers — youth recruited under the Centre’s short-term military service scheme. The measure aims to facilitate post-service employment opportunities and leverage their training in discipline and skills for public administration roles.
Focus on Infrastructure and Growth
Entering the Assembly wearing a saffron turban, Saini was welcomed by members of the Treasury Benches as he began his address. In his speech, he underlined the need to accelerate infrastructure development to sustain economic growth.
The government’s strategy centres on boosting capital formation while maintaining fiscal discipline within prescribed limits. Increased allocations are expected in sectors such as roads, irrigation, urban development and social welfare.
The 2026–27 Budget reflects Haryana’s attempt to balance welfare commitments with structural reforms and fiscal prudence, even as the state navigates broader economic pressures.
