The Chief Minister strongly advocated for higher financial support, emphasizing that hill states like Himachal Pradesh, facing unique geographical challenges, must receive fair and adequate funding from the Centre. He also requested a “green bonus” recognizing the state’s ecological and environmental contributions in preserving its fragile ecosystem.
Highlighting the adverse impact of the reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenues on the state’s finances, CM Sukhu urged the Centre to compensate for these losses adequately. Additionally, he called for an increase, rather than a reduction, in the Revenue Deficit Grant allocated to Himachal Pradesh.
Dr. Panagariya assured that the Finance Commission would carefully consider all submissions made by the state delegation.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Principal Advisor Ram Subhag Singh, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Principal Secretary Finance Devesh Kumar, Secretary to CM Rakesh Kanwar, and other senior state officials during the meeting
