7.19 PC share of HP in Chandigarh: Shanta Kumar hails HP CM for pressing centre
Shimla, July 5
Shanta Kumar, a former Union Minister and BJP stalwart, has praised Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for his efforts in pressing the central government to settle the state’s 7.19 percent share in Chandigarh city. In a social media post, Shanta Kumar expressed his happiness that the new government of Himachal Pradesh is striving to secure the state’s rights from the central government. He also acknowledged the unfortunate situation where Himachal Pradesh has not received its proper rights in central government schemes.
Shanta Kumar shared his own experience as the Chief Minister in 1977, when he discussed this issue with Prime Minister Morarji Desai. The Prime Minister showed sympathy and agreed to convene a meeting with the Chief Ministers of the concerned states. Shanta Kumar advocated for Himachal Pradesh’s rights, particularly regarding the Jogindernagar Shanan project and the state’s 7.19 percent share in Chandigarh.
While a committee was proposed during the meeting, Shanta Kumar expressed concerns about potential delays and requested that Himachal Pradesh be granted its temporary share of power in the meantime. Although some leaders like Devi Lal protested, Parkash Singh Badal supported Shanta Kumar’s request, leading to a historic decision to allocate 15 MW of power to Himachal Pradesh from the Vyas Sutlej project. Subsequently, the Subramaniam Committee was formed.
Shanta Kumar further mentioned that during his second term as Chief Minister in 1990, he continued to fight for the rights of Himachal Pradesh. The state organized the “Himachal Adhikar Yatra” to Delhi, which involved thousands of public representatives, Panch Pachayant Samiti, Zilla Parishad members, MLAs, and MPs. Shanta Kumar recalled a protest in Delhi where he was joined by leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Krishnalal Sharma, and they submitted a memorandum to the President.
Also read:Former CM, BJP leader Shanta Kumar back-pats Sukhu govt for levy of water cess on HPPs
He noted that Himachal Pradesh received 15 MW of power until 2011. The matter eventually reached the Supreme Court, which not only accepted the state’s demand but also ordered the payment of arrears. The formalities for this payment are currently being completed, and Shanta Kumar hopes that the state will soon receive approximately 6,000 crore rupees from the central government. He urged Chief Minister Sukhu to expedite the formalities and secure this amount.
Shanta Kumar expressed his happiness that the struggle initiated in 1978 and 1990 to secure the rights of the hill state has resulted in justice from the Supreme Court. He encouraged the Himachal Pradesh government to continue its efforts to obtain the remaining rights, assuring his support.
It is worth mentioning that shortly after taking office, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has been actively raising interstate issues, such as the state’s share in Punjab Reorganisation, its claim on various irrigation water supply schemes including Govinder Sagar and Maharanapartap Pong Dam, and several hydropower projects controlled by the Punjab government. Despite limited revenue resources and around 60 percent of the land under forests, the state is committed to environmental conservation but does not have full control over existing water and natural resources due to joint ownership.
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