H.P Govt demands its legitimate rights over Chandigarh and unpaid power dues
Shimla, June 3
In a recent statement, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh vowed to find an amicable solution to the pending issues concerning the rights of the state with neighboring states. The Chief Minister emphasized that the people of Himachal Pradesh have been deprived of desired benefits due to these long-pending matters. Since assuming office, the state government has actively raised concerns related to the state’s interests with the central government and the concerned states through various platforms.
One of the key issues raised by the Chief Minister is the state’s legitimate rights over the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Referring to the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966, which entitles Himachal Pradesh to a 7.19 percent stake in Chandigarh, the Chief Minister highlighted the state’s long-standing injustice in being deprived of this right. The government has now intensified its efforts to secure all the legitimate rights of the state, including the aforementioned share in Chandigarh. To address this matter comprehensively, a cabinet sub-committee has been constituted to examine all aspects, and its findings and recommendations will be presented to the government for further action.
Also read:Himachal Govt forms Cabinet Sub-Committee to pursue stake in Chandigarh, vows legal battle if needed
Furthermore, the Chief Minister expressed the state government’s determination to recover the state’s unpaid dues in power sharing. The Supreme Court had ruled in November 2011 that Himachal Pradesh is entitled to a 7.19 percent power share in all projects of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) within the state. However, the state is yet to receive the outstanding dues of 13,066 million units of electricity. Additionally, the government has demanded an equitable increase in its power share in all BBMB projects within the state, as these projects utilize the state’s natural resources.
Currently, Punjab receives 51.8 percent of power allocation from BBMB projects, Haryana receives 37.51 percent, and Himachal Pradesh receives only 7.19 percent. Chief Minister Sukhu urged the partner states to generously consider increasing Himachal Pradesh’s share, highlighting the challenges faced by displaced families and the submergence of land caused by the construction of these power projects. The Chief Minister reiterated the need for fair distribution among participating states and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to vigorously pursue the state’s issues until justice is achieved, utilizing various forums to address these concerns.
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