Himachal’s Economic Survey Highlights Progress, Jobs Crisis, and Climate Risks
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented the Economic Survey 2025–26 in the Legislative Assembly, painting a mixed picture of the state’s economy—steady growth on one hand, but rising concerns over unemployment, climate challenges, and fiscal strain on the other.
The survey shows encouraging numbers: per capita income has jumped by ₹25,430 to ₹2,83,626, a 9.8% rise over last year, keeping Himachal ahead of the national average. The state’s economy grew at 8.3%, outpacing India’s 7.4% growth rate, with the Gross State Domestic Product projected at ₹2,53,886 crore.
But beneath the strong figures lies a worrying trend. Youth unemployment in the 15–29 age group stands at 16.3%, far higher than the national average of 10.2%. The survey warns of a widening gap between growth and job creation, raising questions about how inclusive this progress really is.
Sectoral analysis shows agriculture still employs more than half the population, with apples remaining the backbone of horticulture. Yet climate change is hitting hard—erratic rainfall, reduced snowfall, and frequent disasters have cost the state nearly ₹46,000 crore in just four years. Tourism, however, has bounced back strongly, with arrivals soaring from 32 lakh in 2020 to over 3.11 crore in 2025, making it a major driver of jobs and revenue.
Fiscal challenges remain another hurdle. Limited revenue sources and declining central assistance are squeezing capital expenditure, even as infrastructure and services expand.
The survey’s message is clear: Himachal Pradesh is growing, but the gains are uneven. Tackling unemployment, building climate resilience, and managing fiscal pressures will be crucial to ensure that prosperity reaches everyone.
