At police recruitment event, Himachal CM flags fiscal crisis, seeks restoration of RDG

Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday made a strong appeal to BJP leaders in Himachal Pradesh to join hands with the state government in pressing the Centre for the restoration of the revenue deficit grant (RDG), warning that its discontinuation had pushed the hill state into a severe financial crisis.

Talking to mediapersons after a police recruitment function at the Himachal Pradesh Police Training Institute, Daroh, Sukhu said the withdrawal of RDG had dealt a major blow to the state’s economy, adversely affecting development works, welfare schemes and long-term planning.

“Himachal Pradesh cannot be run without the revenue deficit grant. This is not a political issue but a question of the financial rights of a hill state,” the CM said, urging BJP leaders to objectively assess the impact of the decision on the people.

Referring to successive natural disasters over the past three years, Sukhu said the state required substantial financial support to rebuild damaged infrastructure and revive the economy. He stressed that all political parties must rise above partisan interests and present a united front before the Centre to secure the grant. “I am ready to meet anyone and go anywhere along with local BJP leaders to restore Himachal’s financial rights,” he said, adding that the people should be prepared for a sustained and determined struggle.

Earlier, the CM distributed appointment letters to 1,253 newly recruited police constables at the ‘Rozgar Sankalp Mela’, saying the recruits would strengthen policing and play a key role in the fight against drug abuse. He said the recruitment was conducted in a transparent manner through the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.

Sukhu announced that 800 more police constables would be recruited within the next two months. Highlighting achievements, he said Himachal ranked first nationally in average response time under the Emergency Response Support System and has consistently topped hill states under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems. The state also secured fifth position nationally under the Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences.

He further announced steps to improve the quality of police uniforms and said the government was seriously considering enhancing uniform grants. On the anti-drug campaign, Sukhu said a decisive crackdown had been launched against the “chitta” mafia, with 12 police personnel already dismissed for involvement in drug-related activities. He also administered an oath against drug abuse on the occasion.

Director General of Police Ashok Tewari welcomed the CM and briefed him on departmental initiatives to combat drugs and crime.

Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh Police, known for discipline, saw an unusual scene at the Police Training Institute, Daroh, during appointment letter distribution to new constables by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Schoolchildren invited for an anti-chitta oath gradually drifted away after hours of sitting with little engagement. By the later stages, rows of empty chairs were visible. The quiet exits reflected fatigue, not indiscipline, underscoring challenges of crowd management and sustaining young students’ attention at prolonged official programmes.