The Harish Rawat Government has presented its second Budget. The observers said it is a populist Budget. According to them, the State Finance Minister, who has presented her fourth Budget, has opened the Government’s purse-strings for all strata of the society by way of providing largesse. State government has allocated budget provision for 38th National Games to be held in Uttarakhand. Besides, it has decided to establish Rajya Aandolankari Kalyan (welfare) fund. It also allocated funds for Mukya Mantri Vridhay Mahila Poshan Yojna (Chief Minister’s old-age women nutrition scheme) for improving their health and nutrition.
The State Government has decided to give Rs500 per month financial assistance to the disabled children if they are disabled since birth. This will be given till they reach 18. Budget has been made for Mere Buzurg Mere Tirth Yojna, meant to raise awareness amongst the school children about tree and environment. The state government has introduced Hamara School Hamara Vriksha Yojna (my school my tree scheme). To mitigate the damage caused to standing crops due to straying monkeey, the state government has started Manav Vanar Sangharsh Neunikaran Yojna (human monkey conflict mitigation scheme),
The state government has decided to establish four veterinary colleges — one each in Gangolihaat, Champawat, Bajpur and Jakholi. It means, three out of four such colleges will come up in Kumaon division i.e. Gangolihaat, Champawat and Bajpur. Only one is left for Jakholi which falls in Garhwal division. Multipurpose Artisan Museum in the memory of Munshi Hari Prasad Tamta will be established in Garurabanj, Almora. State has decided to establish singer/artist welfare fund too.
Schools for preservation of traditional vocal instruments will be established near Petshal, Almora and near Tehri lake. One- time grant will be given for Rang Sanskriti Museum in Dhachula. Pangti Museum would come up in Munshiyari. State has decided to revamp Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Yojna and 20 percent reservation will be given for women.
To promote traditional handicraft and Hathkargha (handloom) in the hills, the State Government has decided to start master craftsman yojna. To recharge ground water, the state government has made provision of Chal Khal Yojna. Keeping in view the medical requirements of the elderly, the state government has decided to reserve hospital beds for senior citizens. Animal reproduction centre on the lines of Kalsi veterinary centre will be established in Nariyal village of Champawat district. Science centre and park will be established in Almora. Vyapari Kalyan Kosh will come up for the welfare of businessmen and traders as well.
A fund of Rs 10 crore would be created for Rajya Aandolankari or statehood activists. Twenty percent reservation would be provided for women in the recruitment of home guards. Sitavani near Ramnagar will be developed as Maharishi Valmiki Teerth. To facilitate proper traffic management, a tunnel will be constructed in Almora district.