Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday addressed the Assembly on the third day of the monsoon session on the financial problems of the state, where he initiated a verbal attack against the Union Government for not sending necessary funds to the state.
Sukhu’s statement revealed that the financial position of the state is a cause for concern. He said the Revenue Deficit Grant, which was Rs 8,058 crore, has gone down to Rs 6,258 crore. Further, this has been stated to be reduced by Rs 3,000 crores and come down to Rs 3,257 crore by 2025-26. This reduction, Sukhu pointed out, is one of the major factors contributing to increasing the financial woes of the state.
The Chief Minister (CM) also claimed that the Centre has not sent any of the Rs 9,042 crore allocated for the PDNA. He has said that the state is yet to receive the NPS contributions from PFRDA. Also, the GST compensation to the state has been stopped since 2022. Its stoppage led to a reduction in state revenue by about Rs 2,500-3,000 crore. The shifting to OPS further drains the finances of the state. As it cuts the borrowing capacity of the state by about Rs 2,000 crore.
Sukhu, while addressing a press conference, blamed the previous BJP state government for the situation. He said, “The state’s situation is not good and the previous BJP government is mainly responsible. They received around Rs 10,000 crore from the Revenue Deficit Grant as per the 15th Finance Commission. Since then this grant has been decreasing.”
Sukhu, while speaking, focused on the financial burden taken by the state. And also blamed the previous government’s way of fund utilization. He said that all these factors are giving immense trouble to this present government.
The Chief Minister (CM) also announced on the social media platform X that the salary. And allowance of the employees of the state would be delayed. He wrote in a post, “We have taken a decisive step for the economic interests of the state. We must always prioritize the bright future of the state over personal gains.” This decision targets relieving the financial burden in the state and reflects the seriousness of the intention to handle the economic situation responsibly.
Sukhu says in his post, “I have full faith that all of you honorable public representatives will join us in this noble work. Voluntarily supporting this important decision to delay salaries. And allowances will show our true service and loyalty to every citizen of the state.” This appeal to public representatives underlines the gravity of the financial challenges and the need for collective effort.
The statement and the moves by the Chief Minister smell of a larger game plan aimed at balancing the financial burdens in the state. While at the same time taking vengeance on the previous regime for all ills. The public bringing of these issues and subsequently ordering delays of salaries is the way Sukhu intends to sail the state out of the economic doldrums. And put it on the path to financial stability.
Overall, Sukhu himself brought to light the incessant struggles of Himachal Pradesh. And all the aftermath of different financial decisions and policies. Steps taken by the Chief Minister toward addressing the issue loudly. And acting upon it pointed toward positivity in handling the economic situation of the state.
ANI
