Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh Facing Financial Crisis Due to Mismanagement, Claims Ex-CM Jai Ram Thakur
Himachal Pradesh’s financial health has come under sharp political scrutiny after Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur accused the ruling Congress government of pushing the state into a deep economic crisis.
Himachal Pradesh’s financial health has come under sharp political scrutiny after Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur accused the ruling Congress government of pushing the state into a deep economic crisis.
Speaking to the media after the BJP’s two-day state executive meeting in Mandi, Thakur claimed that the state is witnessing “unprecedented financial mismanagement” under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. According to him, the situation has deteriorated significantly over the past three-and-a-half years.
Thakur highlighted that for the first time, the state’s Budget has reportedly shrunk by nearly ₹3,500 crore compared to the previous year. He expressed concern that less than 5% of the total budget is now available for development work.
“The situation is alarming. Out of every ₹100, even ₹5 is not being spent on development,” Thakur said.
Rising Debt and Loan Dependency
The former Chief Minister also pointed to a sharp increase in the state’s debt burden. He claimed that when the BJP government left power, Himachal’s total debt stood at around ₹69,600 crore. However, in the current tenure, the debt has allegedly surged by over ₹40,000 crore, crossing ₹1.1 lakh crore.
Thakur further alleged that the government is increasingly relying on fresh loans not just for development, but even to repay existing debt and interest — a sign of mounting financial stress.
Borrowing Rate Doubles
Another key concern raised by Thakur was the rise in borrowing rates. He claimed that during the BJP tenure, borrowing grew at an annual rate of around 7.2%, whereas under the current government, it has exceeded 16%, indicating what he described as “unsustainable financial practices.”
Subsidies and Welfare at Risk
Raising alarm over the possible impact on the public, Thakur warned that the financial strain could force the government to reconsider subsidies on essential services like electricity, water, and ration.
He also suggested that delays in salaries, dearness allowance, and welfare payments could become a reality if corrective measures are not taken urgently.
Allegations on Welfare Schemes
Thakur did not stop at financial issues alone. He alleged irregularities in key welfare schemes such as Himcare and Sahara Yojana, claiming that the current government is attempting to undermine initiatives launched during the BJP’s tenure.
Administrative Concerns and Election Delay
He also flagged administrative inconsistencies, including conflicting decisions on re-employment policies. Additionally, Thakur accused the government of deliberately delaying Panchayati Raj elections, raising questions about governance and transparency.
Call for Immediate Action
Calling the situation “deeply concerning,” Thakur warned that Himachal Pradesh could face serious fiscal imbalance if urgent corrective steps are not taken.
He announced that the BJP would soon launch a mass movement to bring these issues before the public and hold the government accountable.
“The time has come for tough decisions, better revenue generation, and strict control on expenditure,” he said.
