Budget Draws Criticism for Corporate Tilt, Raises Environmental and Federal Concerns

The recently presented Union Budget has drawn sharp criticism from regional and environmental activists, who label it a “pro-corporate” exercise that neglects rural India, federal harmony, and the pressing ecological crises of the Himalayan region.

In a scathing critique, the Himalaya Niti Abhiyan (Himalaya Policy Campaign) has accused the government of presenting a budget that wears the “garb of corporate interests” while being “anti-people.” The organization highlights the speech’s overwhelming focus on infrastructure and urban development, coupled with a glaring omission of key social sectors.

“The word ‘farmer’ was not uttered once in the entire budget speech,” pointed out Guman Singh of the Himalaya Niti Abhiyan. “There was no substantive discussion on rural development. The only mentions related to agriculture were about agronomy and farm commerce, not the welfare of the annadata (food-giver).”

The critique extends to the Centre-State dynamic, with observers warning that the budget could strain fiscal relations. “There is a clear possibility of fissures developing between the Centre and the states,” the statement noted, pointing to a lack of inclusive provisions for health, education, and the environment.

A Body Blow to Himachal Pradesh

For the hill state of Himachal Pradesh, the budget has proven “deeply disappointing.” The state faces an annual financial shock of nearly ₹10,000 crore due to the abolition of the long-standing Budget Deficit Grant (BDG) by the 16th Finance Commission—a provision that had supported its finances for 75 years.

“The state is already reeling under climate-induced natural disasters. Instead of bolstering our resources to cope, the Centre has withdrawn a critical lifeline,” said Singh.

Vague “Tourism Trails” and Trade Threats

The announcement of new “tourism trails” in Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand has also been met with skepticism. Activists demand full transparency, questioning whether this is a precursor to large-scale infrastructure projects and tourism commercialization in ecologically fragile mountain lands.

“What exactly are these trails? A comprehensive assessment of their environmental and social impact is essential before any move is made. This budget feels like the starting gun for exploiting hill states’ land for tourism and mega-construction,” the Abhiyan’s statement read.

Further compounding agrarian distress are international trade agreements. The pact with New Zealand is expected to depress apple prices—a core crop for Himachal—while impending seed laws following an EU deal raise concerns about the autonomy of local farmers.

“The budget is silent on how it plans to save Himachal’s apples and its farmers from these looming threats,” the critique added.

A Plea for the Himalayas Ignored

The Himalaya Niti Abhiyan revealed that it had formally petitioned the Finance Minister for special budgetary provisions dedicated to the Himalayan region. The plea aimed to secure funds to mitigate the escalating damage from landslides, floods, and other climate-change-fueled disasters.

“Unfortunately, the budget has made no such provisions. The Himalayas, which are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, have been completely overlooked,” concluded Guman Singh.

The budget, touted by the government as a blueprint for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), is thus facing significant pushback from representatives of the country’s critical mountain ecosystems, who argue it favors concrete over communities and corporations over climate resilience.