Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday, 27 October 2026 presented a supplementary budget of ₹7,844.18 crore at the Vidhan Sabha Bhawan in Bhararisain, Gairsain, earmarking additional funds for the upcoming Ardh Kumbh Mela and a range of public welfare schemes for the financial year 2026-27. The budget was tabled during a special session of the state legislature convened at the hill capital.

Key Allocations in the Budget

Speaking to reporters after the session, Chief Minister Dhami said the supplementary budget is designed to ensure completion of schemes already provisioned in the general budget while introducing new initiatives. 'Funds have been allocated in this supplementary budget to ensure the completion of schemes for which provisions were made in the general budget,' he said. Among the notable new provisions are funds for the construction of a lake in Gairsain, improved water management infrastructure, and the full-scale organisation of the Kumbh Mela. Dhami added that funding has been increased for ongoing schemes across all sectors.

Ardh Kumbh Mela Preparations Take Centre Stage

The allocation for the Ardh Kumbh Mela is among the most prominent features of this supplementary budget. The event is expected to draw millions of pilgrims and tourists to Uttarakhand, placing significant demand on the state's hospitality, transport, and civic infrastructure. The additional budgetary push signals the government's intent to position the Mela as a major managed event rather than a routine religious gathering, with infrastructure works expected to accelerate in the months ahead.

Agniveer Employment Cell and Welfare Provisions

Beyond the Mela allocations, the budget underlines the Dhami government's commitment to former defence personnel. The Chief Minister confirmed the formation of an Agniveer Employment Cell, which he described as a key initiative to ensure 'rehabilitation, employment, and self-reliance of retired Agniveers.' He noted that the government remains committed to the 'honour and welfare of brave soldiers, ex-servicemen, Agniveers, and their families.' This provision is particularly significant for Uttarakhand, one of India's states with a disproportionately high per-capita representation in the armed forces.

Homage to Former Leaders

Before the session commenced, Chief Minister Dhami offered floral tributes at the Vidhan Sabha to former Chief Minister and retired Major General Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri, and former Cabinet Minister Hira Singh Bisht, both deceased, according to an official statement. Dhami also invoked Uttarakhand's cultural identity, describing Devbhoomi Uttarakhand as 'not merely our identity but our soul, culture, and pride.'

Broader Development Agenda

In a post on X, Chief Minister Dhami described the supplementary budget as 'a significant step toward accelerating development works and effectively advancing public welfare schemes,' and outlined a vision spanning education, health, employment, women's empowerment, and basic infrastructure expansion. The government's stated goal is to establish Uttarakhand among the leading states in the country. The session's venue — the Gairsain assembly complex, which serves as Uttarakhand's summer capital — itself carries political symbolism, reflecting long-standing demands from hill residents for greater administrative attention to the higher reaches of the state.