Shimla/ Bilaspur, Dec 12
Marking two years of the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressed a rally highlighting the state’s financial challenges and achievements. He also criticized the central government for its limited support during recent natural disasters, emphasizing the resilience of his administration in navigating economic hurdles.
Financial Struggles and Borrowings
The Chief Minister underscored the state’s financial recovery efforts, stating that his government borrowed Rs 9,000 crore over two years but repaid Rs 7,800 crore in loan principal and Rs 11,288 crore in interest. Comparing this with the previous administration, he highlighted that the BJP had incurred Rs 25,000 crore in borrowings during its tenure. Sukhu blamed the financial strain on inheriting a near-empty treasury with only Rs 2,000 crore, insufficient even to meet salary and pension obligations. Despite these setbacks, the government reinstated the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for 1.36 lakh employees soon after assuming power.
Disaster Relief and Centre’s Apathy
Sukhu criticized the Union government for failing to provide adequate post-disaster relief funds, despite the state suffering significant losses due to heavy rains. He revealed that the state government allocated Rs 4,500 crore from its limited resources to aid affected communities. He called out the Centre’s indifference toward Himachal Pradesh, stressing the urgent need for fair financial assistance.
Progressive Policies Despite Constraints
The state government has implemented innovative initiatives to promote green transportation and sustainable development. An e-taxi scheme was launched for unemployed youth, offering a Rs 12 lakh subsidy per vehicle, and Rs 700 crore has been allocated for procuring 3,000 electric buses. These steps aim to create employment opportunities while reducing the state’s carbon footprint.
Farmers have also benefited from new policies, with state agencies purchasing 4,000 quintals of natural maize at Rs 30 per kg during the Kharif season. Plans are underway to procure wheat at Rs 40 per kg during the Rabi season. Additionally, the government increased milk prices to Rs 45 per liter for cow milk and Rs 55 per liter for buffalo milk, providing economic relief to dairy farmers.
For economically weaker sections, a direct benefit transfer scheme provides women with Rs 1,500 per month. Furthermore, Rs 1.5 lakh per annum has been earmarked for the educational expenses of 23,000 women enrolled in professional courses. Social welfare programs continue to prioritize widows, orphans, and marginalized communities.
Revenue Growth and Accountability
The government reported a revenue boost of Rs 2,250 crore, with Rs 1,500 crore generated through liquor vend auctions—a sharp contrast to the Rs 600 crore achieved over five years by the previous administration. Legal recoveries, including Rs 280 crore from Adani Power and properties worth Rs 1,500 crore, have also improved the state’s financial standing.
Taking a stand against corruption, Sukhu accused the BJP of paper leaks and recruitment scams during its term. He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, welcoming investigative probes to ensure accountability.
Vision for Self-Reliance
Looking ahead, Sukhu expressed optimism about achieving self-reliance by April 2027, enabling the state to overcome its economic constraints fully. He reiterated that true celebrations of governance would only be possible with sustainable financial health and development.
Himachal Pradesh continues to face fiscal challenges, but the Chief Minister remains determined to drive progress through innovative policies and resilient governance.
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