By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 7 Feb: The dates for the Budget Session of the Uttarakhand Assembly have been announced. The budget session will be convened from 18 to 24 February. The Assembly Secretariat has already convened the session. The proceedings of the House will commence at 11 a.m. on 18 February with the Governor’s address, after which the House will adjourn until 19 February. It may be recalled that, each year, the first session of the state assembly during the year begins with Governor’s Address.
Sources indicated that Finance Minister Prem Chand Aggarwal is likely to present the state budget for the Financial Year 2025-26 on 20 February.
The upcoming Assembly Budget Session is significant for various reasons apart from the budget. It is learnt that the Dhami government is planning to introduce stringent land laws during the session. For this, sources indicate that the land laws may get an approval of the cabinet in the cabinet meeting likely to be held on 12 February. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had already indicated the implementation of strict land laws in September 2024. A committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, has completed drafting the amendment. The Revenue Department is preparing a related bill, which, after cabinet approval, will be tabled during the session.
Following the Governor’s address on 18 February, several ordinances will be tabled in the House on 19 February. Besides this, the members will also participate in the discussion on Motion of Thanks to Governor for his address on 19 February and continue the discussion on 20 February, after which it would be passed. After this, legislative work will follow.
Sources indicated that Finance Minister Prem Chand Aggarwal will present the State Budget for the Financial Year 2025-26. A general discussion on the budget will follow on 21 February and then there will be a discussion on cut motions on the budget to be moved by the Opposition and the discussion on demands on Grants. There will be consideration and voting along with the presentation of the demands for grants department wise. Along with this, legislative work will be done. There will be a state holiday on 22 and 23 February. The Budget discussion will follow. After this, the introduction or presentation of the Appropriation Bill will be considered and passed and then the budget will be passed on 24 February, followed by adjournment of the session.
