Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Prasdesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Asks BJP to Clarify Stand on ₹10,000-Crore RDG Discontinuation
Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu asked the BJP to publicly clarify its stand on the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant, calling it a 77-year-old right of the state.
Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu asked the BJP to publicly clarify its stand on the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant, calling it a 77-year-old right of the state.
Sarahan (Sirmaur): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday asked the BJP to make its stand clear before the people regarding the proposed discontinuation of the ₹10,000-crore Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG).
Addressing a public gathering at Sarahan in Sirmaur district, Sukhu said the state had been receiving the RDG since the tenure of Himachal’s first Chief Minister, Yashwant Singh Parmar, and alleged that the 16th Finance Commission had “snatched this 77-year-old right”.
“The RDG belongs to the people of Himachal, not to the government. We are fighting for the rights of the state,” he said, adding that BJP leaders had failed to support the state on the issue.
‘BJP Must Clarify Its Position’
Referring to the recent all-party meeting convened on the RDG issue, Sukhu said he had directly asked BJP leaders whether they supported Himachal Pradesh receiving the grant, but claimed they did not respond.
“The people of Himachal Pradesh are not asking for alms; this is the state’s right. The government will continue to fight for it,” he said.
He urged BJP leaders to approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek reinstatement of the RDG.
Allegations Against Previous BJP Government
The Chief Minister alleged that the previous BJP government had received an additional ₹70,000 crore over five years but failed to utilise the funds effectively. He claimed that due to financial mismanagement, the state now carries a debt of ₹76,000 crore and liabilities of ₹10,000 crore.
Sukhu further alleged that buildings worth ₹1,000 crore were constructed “to appease friends”, and that land worth ₹5,000 crore in the Baddi-Nalagarh area was sold at throwaway prices.
He also accused the previous regime of distributing freebies worth ₹5,000 crore ahead of elections to influence voters.
On Disaster Relief and OPS
Highlighting his government’s measures, Sukhu said financial assistance for completely damaged houses after natural disasters had been increased from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹8 lakh following amendments to relevant laws.
He also asserted that despite “pressure” to discontinue the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), the state government would not back down.
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said the state had faced political, economic and natural challenges over the past three years. “Efforts are being made to economically strangle Himachal Pradesh. The RDG, available since 1952, has been discontinued,” he alleged.
Development Projects Inaugurated
During the event, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for seven development projects worth ₹32 crore in the region.
The BJP has yet to issue a detailed response to the Chief Minister’s remarks.
