Public Works Department budget in Himachal Pradesh
Introduction The Public Works Department (PWD) in Himachal Pradesh is responsible for the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, buildings, and other public infrastructure. The PWD budget accounts for around 8% of the total budget of the Himachal government, and its allocation is crucial for the development of the state.
Current status
The PWD budget for the upcoming financial year is expected to be disclosed on March 17. However, the assessment and planning have already started to ensure the best use of the resources. If the PWD’s share remains at 8% like last year, the budget will touch five thousand crores.
Targets and Responsibilities
In the previous year, the PWD was given a target to increase the length of pucca roads to 4,000 kilometers in the state. For this, the PWD had to pave 2,000 kilometers of roads in a year. Additionally, the PWD was responsible for constructing 1,060 kilometers of new motorable roads, drainage systems on 1,000 kilometers of roads, and providing roads to 20 panchayats, 80 villages, and 22 other settlements.
Impact of Union Budget
The PWD budget in Himachal Pradesh also depends on the central government’s budget allocation for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). In the recent Union Budget, the budget of PMGSY has been increased by 36% to 19 thousand crores for the entire country. In the last financial year, Himachal Pradesh received Rs. 422 crores from this scheme. However, this year, the PWD is eyeing a share of more than one thousand crores, and a detailed project report of more than two thousand crores has been sent to the central government for approval.
| Year | PMGSY budget (Rs. crores) |
|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 4.22 |
| 2022-23 (expected) | >10 |
Conclusion
The PWD budget is critical for the development of Himachal Pradesh, and its allocation depends on various factors such as the state’s budget, central government schemes, and project planning. The PWD is expected to continue its share of around 8% in the upcoming budget, which will enable it to undertake various infrastructure projects in the state.
