Gairsain (Chamoli), March 10 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who also holds the finance portfolio, on Monday presented a Rs.1,11,703 crore budget for the financial year 2026-27, an increase of about 10.41% over the previous year's outlay. This is the first time in the state's history that the budget is being presented on the very first day of the session, after the Governor's address. The state expects to maintain a revenue surplus of Rs.2,536.33 crore, while the fiscal deficit is estimated at Rs.12,579.70 crore, 2.94% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). The GSDP for 2025-26 (actual expenditure) is Rs. 3,81,889 crore. The budget is based on the theme "SANTULAN" (Balance), focusing on inclusive development, self-reliance, innovation, rapid growth, development of villages and cities, public participation, economic strength and a just governance system. "This budget is not merely a document of income and expenditure; it is a pledge for the development of nearly 12.5 million residents. It is comprehensive, innovative and inclusive, and will pave the way for a developed Uttarakhand while balancing villages and cities, the poor and the rich, farmers and scientists, tradition and modernity," Dhami said while presenting the budget. Among the major provisions, Rs.1,327.73 crore has been allocated for social security pension schemes, while Rs.1,027 crore has been proposed as infrastructure assistance from the Union government for preparations related to the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar. The budget also sets aside Rs.600 crore for the Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand health scheme and Rs.400 crore for the Gadda Mukti Abhiyan aimed at repairing pothole-ridden roads. Infrastructure works also include Rs.350 crore for utility shifting under the Rispana-Bindal elevated corridor project, Rs.100 crore for tourism infrastructure development and Rs.100 crore for housing facilities for police personnel. Support for agriculture and horticulture includes Rs.42 crore for Mission Apple, Rs.39.90 crore for the Trout Promotion Scheme, Rs.30.70 crore to promote high-value fruits such as kiwi and dragon fruit, Rs.24.75 crore for the Aromatic Plant Centre and cluster development, and Rs.20 crore for fencing to protect crops from wildlife. Other initiatives include Rs.30 crore for the Chief Minister Mahalaxmi Kit Scheme, Rs.30 crore for developing municipal bodies in hill towns as smart cities, Rs.28 crore as grants for Sanskrit schools, Rs.25 crore each for the Startup Venture Fund, formation of a special purpose vehicle for implementation of the AI Mission and construction of prisons, and Rs.24.50 crore under the Mining Surveillance Scheme. Smaller provisions include Rs.19 crore for rescue centres, Rs.15 crore for cyber security initiatives, Rs.14.13 crore for the Eja-Boi Shagun scheme for pregnant women, Rs.11.50 crore for emerging technology and artificial intelligence, Rs.10 crore each for the Haridwar Ganga Corridor project, the Rishikesh Ganga Corridor project and development of a spiritual economic zone, Rs.7 crore for e-libraries in government colleges and Rs.4 crore for the 'Lab on Wheels' scheme. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the state government's commitment is to advance the state's overall development through the GYAN model. This model includes the empowerment of the poor (Gareeb), the youth (Yuva), the farmers (Annadatta), and women (Nari)as the four main pillars of development. The chief minister said that the government's objective is to make Uttarakhand prosperous, empowered, and self-reliant by connecting every section of society to the mainstream of development. In this regard, significant provisions have been made in the budget for various welfare schemes, he added....