Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh Government Calls All-Party Meet on RDG Issue on February 13
Himachal Pradesh Government has convened an all-party meeting on February 13 to discuss the 16th Finance Commission’s recommendation to discontinue the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), which could halt nearly 8,000 crore in annual central assistance to the state.
Himachal Pradesh Government has convened an all-party meeting on February 13 to discuss the 16th Finance Commission’s recommendation to discontinue the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), which could halt nearly 8,000 crore in annual central assistance to the state.
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Government has convened an all-party meeting on February 13 at the state secretariat to deliberate on the implications of the 16th Finance Commission’s recommendation to discontinue the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) to the hill state.
The proposed move would halt nearly 8,000 crore in annual financial assistance from the Centre, posing a serious challenge to the state’s already strained finances.
Invitations have been sent to the state presidents of major political parties, including the Congress, BJP, CPM, BSP and AAP. The meeting aims to gather suggestions and formulate a common strategy to address the fiscal impact if the Centre accepts the Commission’s recommendation.
Call for Unity Across Party Lines
Industry and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said he had personally reached out to several political leaders, urging them to attend the meeting. He stressed that the situation calls for a united approach rather than political confrontation.
According to Chauhan, safeguarding Himachal’s financial interests requires collective responsibility and bipartisan cooperation.
BJP Participation Uncertain
However, uncertainty remains over the participation of BJP leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur.
BJP legislators had earlier skipped a Finance Department presentation held on February 8 following a Cabinet meeting. Thakur had stated that he did not attend because the invitation was issued by the Secretary (Finance) instead of the Chief Minister. He also alleged that a subsequent invitation publicised by the Chief Minister was post-dated.
No BJP MLA attended the February 8 presentation, which was attended by ministers, Congress legislators and senior state officials.
The February 13 meeting is being seen as a crucial step in determining the state’s response to the potential withdrawal of the RDG, a financial lifeline for Himachal Pradesh.
