Medical Device Park: Original Agreement Ignored Himachal’s Interests, Says CM’s Media Advisor

Shimla, April 21 – Chief Minister’s Principal Media Advisor, Naresh Chauhan, has strongly rebutted the allegations made by Union Health Minister and BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda regarding the Medical Device Park project in Himachal Pradesh.

Responding to Nadda’s criticism of the Congress-led state government, Chauhan stated that the questions raised by the BJP leader are misleading and factually incorrect. “Someone holding such a high office should focus on promoting the interests of the state rather than making politically motivated statements,” Chauhan said.

Clarifying the state’s position, Chauhan asserted that the Medical Device Park is being developed independently by the Himachal Pradesh government. He revealed that the ₹25 crore previously received from the central government has already been returned with interest. “The earlier agreement was not in the best interest of the state,” he said.

According to Chauhan, the agreement involved handing over 1,500 bighas of land for a mere ₹12.63 lakh—an amount far below its market value. “The land is worth around ₹500 crore, and upon review, the state government realized that the terms of the agreement would result in significant losses,” he added.

Beyond land undervaluation, other aspects of the agreement were also unfavorable, Chauhan explained. These included supplying water free of cost for 10 years, the burden of maintenance being placed entirely on the state, and a 70% GST concession—all of which would have deprived Himachal of substantial revenue.

“The government has therefore decided to build the project on its own terms to protect the state’s interests,” Chauhan said, accusing Nadda of presenting distorted facts.