Shimla, July 15,
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has embarked on a crucial visit to Delhi, where he is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The visit comes at a critical juncture for the state, as several pressing issues demand urgent attention from the central government.
Before departing from Shimla, CM Sukhu expressed his determination to address several key concerns affecting Himachal Pradesh. Among these is the controversial decision made by the previous government, led by former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, regarding the state’s power projects. Sukhu accused Thakur of compromising Himachali interests by waiving the royalty dues owed to the state, a move that has significant financial implications.
One of the top priorities for Sukhu is to secure the payment of over Rs 4000 crore owed to Himachal by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Despite a Supreme Court ruling on September 27, 2011, which affirmed Himachal’s 7.19% share in BBMB-operated power projects, the state has yet to receive the arrears from before 2011. The Chief Minister intends to press Prime Minister Modi to ensure these dues are settled promptly.
Another critical issue on Sukhu’s agenda is the proposed disaster relief funds from the central government. Himachal Pradesh has not yet received the grant for the Post Disaster Need Assessment (PDNA), and Sukhu will seek the Prime Minister’s intervention to expedite this process.
Furthermore, Sukhu aims to address the issue of reduced royalties in the state’s power projects. He argues that the current arrangement results in significant financial losses for Himachal each year, a situation exacerbated by ongoing legal challenges from central companies against the state’s royalty decision.
Accompanying the Chief Minister to Delhi is Himachal PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh. Together, they will also meet Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to advocate for increased funding for various road projects in the state. Improving infrastructure is a key component of the state government’s development agenda, and securing a larger budget for road projects is crucial to this vision.
As Chief Minister Sukhu prepares for these high-stakes meetings, the people of Himachal Pradesh await the outcomes with bated breath. The state’s financial health, infrastructure development, and disaster preparedness hang in the balance, making this visit to Delhi a pivotal moment for the future of Himachal Pradesh.
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