Coordination between Centre-Himachal can protect state's interest: Governor Shukla

Refusing to be drawn into any controversy over Centre not coming to the help of Himachal, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Tuesday said it is in only good coordination between the two which will help protect the interest of the hill state.

Talking to media persons on the completion of two years as the Governor of Himachal, Shukla said there is no question of Centre not coming to the aid of Himachal Government.

“As a representative of the Centre and having assessed the Union Budget, I feel Himachal has been given ample funding by the Centre in the Union Budget. Himachal should focus on providing its share in projects like Central University, where Rs 250 crore state share is yet to be paid,” he said.

Shukla said that all hill states have to only provide 20 per cent matching funds in all central schemes.

“Centre has never denied Himachal its share. Himachal must seek its share from Centre through better coordination and ministers must meet the Union Ministers with their,” he said.

On Centre yet to grant Rs 9,200 crore funds to Himachal for the devastation caused in 2023 monsoons, the Governor said it is only through better coordination that such issues can be resolved.

He said the assessment by the central team and the state government on monsoon damages was different.

Reacting to the issue of rising drug addiction in the state, Shukla said the situation was alarming and a mass campaign against it should be launched, only then the situation will improve.