Himachal Pradesh News
Vikramaditya Singh calls for bipartisan push to restore Himachal Pradesh RDG
PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh calls for bipartisan efforts to restore Himachal’s Revenue Deficit Grant, says strong Centre–state cooperation is vital for the hill state’s financial stability and development.
PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh calls for bipartisan efforts to restore Himachal’s Revenue Deficit Grant, says strong Centre–state cooperation is vital for the hill state’s financial stability and development.
Shimla: Stressing the need for political maturity over party lines, Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh has called for bipartisan cooperation to protect the state’s fragile finances, asserting that development must take precedence over ideology.
In an exclusive interview with Diary Times, Singh described himself as a “bridge between Shimla and Delhi”, emphasising that constructive engagement with the BJP-led Centre remains essential despite political differences.
“Politics and ideology cannot be allowed to come in the way of progress. I see myself as the bridge between the state and the Centre,” he said.
Push for restoring Revenue Deficit Grant
Commenting on the Centre’s decision to discontinue the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) — a crucial support mechanism for Himachal’s finances — Singh said the move has put the hill state under significant strain and urged BJP leaders in the state to rise above party politics to help reverse the decision.
“When Himachal was granted statehood in 1971, it was well understood that the state was not economically self-sufficient. Our demand for financial assistance from the Centre is fully justified,” he said.
While acknowledging the 16th Finance Commission’s call for states to become economically independent, he noted that the government is simultaneously working to strengthen revenue generation.
Unique challenges of hill states
The minister also highlighted the geographical and ecological constraints faced by Himachal, arguing that infrastructure development in mountainous terrain cannot follow the same model as plains states.
He said indiscriminate road cutting and highway expansion had aggravated environmental damage, particularly during last year’s heavy rainfall and landslides.
According to Singh, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has agreed that policy changes are necessary for hill states to ensure sustainable development.
“Road construction in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem needs a different approach. We cannot apply the same standards used in the plains,” he said.
Centre–state relations key to development
Calling strong Centre–state coordination “imperative” in a parliamentary democracy, Singh said this principle was something he learnt from his father and former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh.
“We may have different political ideologies, but we must find common ground in the larger interest of the state. Governments come and go, but protecting Himachal’s interests is paramount.”
He cited past examples of bipartisan cooperation, recalling how Himachal received substantial financial assistance under both BJP and Congress governments at the Centre.
On faith and politics
Addressing criticism over his public expression of religious faith, Singh said devotion should not be politicised.
“I have always been open about my faith. That does not mean one party has a monopoly over religion. I attended the Ram Mandir ceremony in my personal capacity as a Hindu,” he said.
