Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday called upon the BJP to make its position clear on the State’s Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), asserting that Himachal Pradesh’s rights must be protected at all costs.
Addressing a large public gathering in Sarahan of Pachhad Assembly Constituency in Sirmaur district, the Chief Minister said the State government is committed to strengthening the rural economy. He announced that after providing a support price for milk, the government would soon fix a minimum support price for ginger as well. He also assured that within a year, Sarahan hospital would be equipped with specialist doctors and an ultrasound machine. Among other announcements were the opening of a CBSE school in Sarahan and the double-laning of the Sarahan-Chandigarh road. He also promised to address the demands raised by local Congress leader Dayal Pyari and former Assembly Speaker Gangu Ram Musafir.
Recalling the contributions of the State’s first Chief Minister, Yashwant Singh Parmar, Sukhu said Section 118 was enacted to safeguard the interests of Himachal’s people and that his government is following the same path. He stated that the RDG had been granted to the State since Parmar’s tenure, but the 16th Finance Commission discontinued this 77-year-old provision. “RDG belongs to the people of Himachal, not the government,” he said, adding that the BJP remained silent during an all-party meeting convened to discuss the issue.
Sukhu alleged that BJP leaders failed to clarify whether they support the restoration of RDG and challenged them to secure the reinstatement of the grant through the Prime Minister. He termed the reported Rs 10,000 crore cut as a serious blow to the State’s finances and emphasized that Himachal Pradesh was seeking its rightful dues, not charity.
The Chief Minister also criticized the previous BJP government, claiming it received Rs 70,000 crore in additional funds over five years but failed to use them prudently, leaving behind a debt of Rs 76,000 crore and liabilities of Rs 10,000 crore. He accused the former regime of constructing buildings worth Rs 1,000 crore to benefit select interests, while asserting that the present government is focused on making the State self-reliant.
Highlighting welfare measures, Sukhu said financial assistance for fully damaged houses had been increased from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh. He reiterated the government’s commitment to social security schemes, including adopting 6,000 orphaned children as “Children of the State” and supporting their needs up to the age of 27. He also announced financial aid for children of widowed women pursuing education outside the State.
Taking aim at the Centre, he criticized the Agniveer scheme and alleged dilution of MNREGA’s original spirit. He further accused the previous BJP government of selling land worth Rs 5,000 crore in the Baddi-Nalagarh area at throwaway prices and distributing freebies ahead of elections. He reaffirmed that the State government would not bow to pressure to discontinue the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said the government had faced political and natural challenges over the past three years but remained committed to development. He accused the BJP of walking out of the all-party meeting on RDG and said political parties should rise above ideology when State interests are at stake.
MLA Reena Kashyap, former Speaker Gangu Ram Musafir, Congress leader Dayal Pyari, and District Congress President Anand Parmar also addressed the gathering, expressing support for the Chief Minister and raising local issues.
Earlier, the Chief Minister visited an exhibition organized for farmers in the area.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
