An all-party meeting was held today under the chairmanship of CM Sukhu to deliberate on the potential impact of the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) as recommended by the 16th Finance Commission. Addressing the media after the meeting, the Chief Minister said that the proposed withdrawal of RDG could have a serious impact on the state’s economy, making it necessary to hold a comprehensive discussion on the issue.
The Chief Minister condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party for walking out of the meeting midway, alleging that the party attended the meeting only to politicize the issue and was not serious about safeguarding the state’s interests. He added that BJP leaders had failed to present a clear stance on the RDG issue to the public.
Referring to Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, the Chief Minister said that not only the Congress, but also the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Aam Aadmi Party, and Bahujan Samaj Party had expressed willingness to meet the Prime Minister to press for the reinstatement of RDG. He emphasized that this issue was not about any single government, but about protecting the rights of the state and the interests of its people.
The Chief Minister stated that the previous BJP government had received Rs. 54,000 crore as RDG and Rs. 16,000 crore as GST compensation during its tenure, whereas the current state government has so far received only Rs. 17,000 crore as RDG. He added that the government is steadily moving towards making the state self-reliant through fiscal discipline and prudence.
He further said that RDG is a constitutional right of the states under Article 275(1), intended to bridge the gap between revenue and expenditure. The Chief Minister alleged that the BJP lacked the courage to stand firm on the issue and had previously walked out even during critical situations like disasters.
During the meeting, CPI(M), Aam Aadmi Party, and BSP extended unconditional support to the state government. Former MLA Rakesh Singha urged all parties to unite and make decisions in the interest of the state, while AAP representative Dr. Rajesh Chanana emphasized the need for adequate financial support from the Centre. The BSP representative said that the state must collectively raise its voice for its rights, especially considering the increased pressure on resources due to COVID-19 and the two major natural disasters in the past three years.
In conclusion, the Chief Minister said that governments may come and go, but protecting the rights of the state and its people must remain paramount.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
