Himachal Pradesh News
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Slams Previous Himachal Govt for ‘₹1000 Crore Vacant Buildings’ and Financial Mismanagement
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday launched a sharp political attack on the previous BJP government while addressing a public gathering in Diyargi village of Nachan Assembly constituency in Mandi district.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday launched a sharp political attack on the previous BJP government while addressing a public gathering in Diyargi village of Nachan Assembly constituency in Mandi district.
Speaking to a large crowd, Sukhu accused the former government led by Jairam Thakur of financial mismanagement and poor planning that, according to him, left several public projects incomplete or underutilized.
‘Buildings Worth ₹1000 Crore Are Lying Vacant’
Highlighting what he described as wasteful spending, the Chief Minister claimed that buildings worth nearly ₹1,000 crore constructed during the previous regime are currently lying vacant across the state.
According to Sukhu, these projects were launched without proper planning and have become symbols of unnecessary expenditure of public funds.
He further said that if fiscal discipline had been maintained during the previous government’s tenure, Himachal Pradesh could have reduced its debt burden by nearly ₹30,000 crore.
Centre’s Financial Support and State Debt
Sukhu pointed out that the previous government received significant financial support from the Centre.
He said Himachal received around ₹54,000 crore as Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) and nearly ₹16,000 crore as GST compensation during that period.
Despite this assistance, the state’s financial condition did not improve, he alleged.
The Chief Minister also noted that the 16th Finance Commission has discontinued the RDG of about ₹10,000 crore annually, which the state had been receiving for several years.
He added that the current government has so far received about ₹17,000 crore as RDG, which will also end in the next financial year.
Government Cleared Pending Dues
Despite financial challenges, Sukhu said his government has taken steps to support employees and vulnerable citizens.
He said the government has cleared the pending 14 percent Dearness Allowance (DA) for state employees and also released arrears for beneficiaries above 70 years of age.
Disaster Relief and Political Tensions
Referring to the devastating natural disasters that hit Himachal in 2023, Sukhu criticised the BJP for allegedly failing to support the state during a difficult time.
He claimed BJP leaders demanded a special Assembly session while the government was focused on relief and rehabilitation efforts.
According to him, when a proposal seeking a special relief package from the Centre was moved in the Assembly, BJP legislators walked out while raising slogans.
To strengthen disaster support, Sukhu said the government has revised relief norms.
Families whose homes were completely destroyed in disasters earlier received ₹7 lakh, which has now been increased to ₹8 lakh.
‘Education Standards Declined Earlier’
The Chief Minister also targeted the previous government over the state’s education system.
He alleged that several institutions were opened hurriedly before elections without adequate staff, which affected the quality of education.
According to Sukhu, this pushed Himachal Pradesh to the 21st position nationally in education rankings.
“The present government has filled several vacancies and introduced corrective measures, helping the state climb to the fifth position in quality education,” he said.
New School and Financial Support for Women Groups
During the rally, Sukhu announced that a Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School will be established in Chhatar to strengthen educational infrastructure in the region.
He also announced ₹51,000 financial assistance for each women’s group present at the event, aiming to support community development initiatives.
Old Pension Scheme to Continue
Reaffirming the government’s stance on social security, Sukhu said the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) would continue in Himachal Pradesh.
He also warned of strict action against corruption and the illegal drug trade, stating that employees found involved would face dismissal and properties linked to drug traffickers could be confiscated.
Brief Tension at Rally
The political atmosphere briefly turned tense during the event when supporters of Nachan BJP MLA Vinod Kumar raised slogans in his favour.
Congress workers responded with counter slogans as the MLA came on stage.
CM Sukhu was seen appealing to party workers to maintain calm and allow the MLA to speak. Throughout the exchange, Vinod Kumar remained seated quietly while Congress leaders continued criticising the BJP leadership at both the state and central levels.
