In a spirited session marked by opposition protests, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution urging the Centre to restore the suspended Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG). The move comes after the Governor, in his customary address at the budget session’s opening on Monday, omitted mention of the state government’s RDG proposal, citing constitutional concerns.
The resolution, introduced by Revenue Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan, was approved through a voice vote. The proceedings, however, saw sharp exchanges between the ruling Congress and Opposition parties. CM Sukhu defended his government’s fiscal record, alleging that the Opposition had neglected the state’s interests and exposing what he called their “real face.”
The CM highlighted improvements in revenue collection under the current government and claimed curbs on “wasteful expenditure.” He criticised the previous BJP government for distributing subsidies to private interests and spending nearly Rs 5,000 crore on election “freebies,” including a Rs 5 per litre VAT reduction on diesel that resulted in a Rs 160 crore excise revenue loss.
Sukhu noted that the state earned Rs 450 crore through transparent liquor vend auctions, and for the first time in 48 years, the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board posted a profit of Rs 200 crore. He added that the state’s loan burden had increased from Rs 48,000 crore to Rs 73,000 crore under the previous regime.
Sukhu also cited administrative achievements, including the state winning the Wildflower Hall case, securing Rs 401 crore, and ongoing annual revenue of Rs 3 crore. He alleged irregularities in Himcare and Sahara schemes, contrasting Rs 626 crore mismanaged earlier with Rs 140 crore spent responsibly by the current government.
On governance reforms, Sukhu mentioned the dismantling of a paper leak racket in Hamirpur, establishment of a new State Selection Commission, and enhancement of MGNREGA wages to Rs 243 per day. Compensation for damaged houses was raised from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 4.5 lakh, benefiting 23,000 households with Rs 40,000 released as the first instalment.
He also criticised the Centre’s disaster assistance team, claiming that only Rs 1,500 crore was released despite a loss assessment of Rs 9,300 crore due to rain-related damages.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
