Fiscal deficit at 2.65% of GDP; announces EWS housing, Anti-Terror Squad, Film City and 20% police quota for Agniveers

Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday presented a ₹2,23,658.17 crore Budget for 2026-27 in the state Assembly, marking a 10.28 per cent increase over last year’s revised estimate of ₹2,02,816.66 crore, with a strong focus on housing, infrastructure, security, and employment generation.

Presenting his first full Budget while also holding the Finance portfolio, Saini projected a fiscal deficit of ₹40,293.17 crore, equivalent to 2.65 per cent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), keeping it within fiscal discipline limits. The revenue deficit is estimated at 0.87 per cent of GDP, while capital expenditure is projected at ₹28,205 crore, reflecting the government’s emphasis on asset creation and infrastructure expansion.

Sporting a saffron turban, the Chief Minister received enthusiastic thumping of desks from treasury benches as he entered the House to deliver his Budget speech.

Housing Push: 8,000 Flats, 43,000 Houses and 20,000 Urban Beneficiaries

In a major welfare and housing initiative, the government announced construction of 8,000 Economically Weaker Section (EWS) flats in cities including Gurugram, Faridabad, Rohtak, and Panipat. Additionally, 5,000 rural housing plots will be allotted to needy families under the Chief Minister Rural Housing Scheme.

Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban and Rural), over 43,000 houses will be constructed or completed in 2026-27, including financial assistance of ₹500 crore to help 20,000 poor urban families build permanent homes.

The state will also allot 15,251 urban plots under the Chief Minister Urban Housing Scheme.

Security Boost: Anti-Terror Squad, New Cyber Police Stations and Agniveer Quota

In a major internal security overhaul, Saini announced the creation of a dedicated Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), with police stations in Gurugram and Panchkula. The government will also establish three new cyber crime police stations in Sonepat, Gohana and Bahadurgarh to tackle rising digital threats.

Seven new women police stations will be set up across Loharu, Narwana, Meham, and other towns to strengthen women’s safety infrastructure.

Significantly, the Budget provides 20 per cent reservation in Haryana Police recruitment for Agniveers returning from military service, along with a special recruitment drive to fill 1,300 posts.

Infrastructure Push: Film City, Jails, Green Fund and Emergency Services

The government announced plans to develop a Film City in Pinjore and upgrade the Aravali Golf Course into a world-class sports destination.

New jails will be constructed in Fatehabad, Panchkula, and Charkhi Dadri, along with a high-security prison in Rohtak to strengthen correctional infrastructure.

To enhance emergency response, 150 new emergency vehicles will be procured, while a ₹100 crore Urban Green Fund has been created to promote large-scale plantation and environmental protection in cities.

Employment and Rural Economy: ₹610 Crore Allocation for Guaranteed Jobs

The Budget allocated ₹610 crore under the Vikas Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Gramin), ensuring 125 days of wage employment annually for rural households. Part of the funds will also support maintenance of village infrastructure such as roads, libraries and community buildings.

Capital Investment and Fiscal Discipline at Core

The Chief Minister emphasised that capital expenditure and infrastructure creation remain central to Haryana’s long-term growth strategy. Effective capital expenditure is projected at ₹35,216 crore, accounting for 15.7 per cent of the total Budget.

The Budget signals the government’s attempt to balance welfare expansion, security strengthening, and infrastructure growth while maintaining fiscal prudence ahead of future electoral and economic challenges.