Standing Firm: CM Sukhu Vows to Guard Himachal’s Rights

CM Sukhu declared at the closing ceremony of the historic Vaman Dwadashi Fair that the state will stand firm in protecting Himachal Pradesh’s financial interests and territorial rights. He highlighted major fiscal breakthroughs, including the historic Kishau Multipurpose Project pact that saved ₹3,000 crore by shifting power costs to water-beneficiary states, securing an estimated ₹1,200–₹1,500 crore in annual future revenue. Additionally, the state recovered ₹401 crore from the landmark Wildflower Hall legal victory—generating ₹2 crore monthly—and continues to pursue pending BBMB arrears in the Supreme Court.

Despite losing ₹8,000–₹10,000 crore due to central Revenue Deficit Grant cuts, the Chief Minister reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to public welfare and government employees. He confirmed the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), timely salary and pension disbursements, progressive DA payouts, and full settlement of Class-III pensioner arrears. To empower rural households, the government is targeting monthly incomes of ₹25,000–₹30,000 through higher milk procurement rates and Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for natural farming produce like ginger, alongside expanding affordable rural CBSE education.

Highlighting grassroots relief, CM Sukhu noted that the state independently raised disaster home-reconstruction aid from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹8.5 lakh. During the event, he distributed financial assistance cheques under the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana and released a commemorative souvenir. Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, former Minister Gangu Ram Musafir, and leader Dayal Pyari also addressed the gathering, praising the Chief Minister’s leadership and the execution of development projects worth ₹300 crore across the region.