Himachal CM seeks BJP’s help to get Rs 22,406 crore dues from Centre

Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 17

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today sought the cooperation of the BJP in getting Rs 22,406 crore arrears from the Central Government to help improve the financial health of the state and reduce the Rs 1.02 lakh burden on every newborn.

“I am willing to go with BJP leaders to meet anyone in the Central Government to seek our legitimate dues, including pending Rs 9,906 crore relief for rain damages, Rs 8,000 crore of employees’ contribution to the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and Rs 4,500 crore power sector arrears from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB),” said Sukhu while addressing mediapersons here. He added that his endeavour was to make Himachal self-reliant by 2027.

He said that the Budget was aimed at strengthening the rural economy, which had been ignored for the past many years. “Almost 90 per cent of the population of Himachal resides in rural areas and a big section of people is moving away from agriculture. Also, every section of society needs to be taken care of for overall development,” he added.

Sukhu said that in the budget last year, the focus of the government was on making Himachal a green state but this time, the thrust was on rural economy by encouraging natural farming and minimising the use of chemical fertilisers. He assured the House that all 10 guarantees made to people would be fulfilled in a phased manner as the economy gains strength. “Our government is working with total transparency and no allegation of corruption has been levelled against any minister or leader. We are committed to bringing succour to every section of society,” he added.

He said, “Our government is facing many challenges due to financial mismanagement and wasteful expenditure by the previous BJP regime. As a result, the total loan liabilities have risen to Rs 87,788 crore, which were Rs 47,906 crore when the BJP assumed power in 2018.” He added that additional revenue was expected, including Rs 359 crore due to changes in the Excise Policy, increase in VAT collections from Rs 1,370 crore to Rs 1,773 crore, Rs 116 crore from milk cess and 22 per cent growth in the state excise duty.

Sukhu said, “We have to work for building an end-to-end eco-system to realise the dream of agriculture and milk production-based ‘Atmanirbhar’ rural economy with the use of the latest technology.” He added, “A grant of Rs 3 lakh will be provided to destitute women and people belonging to the Valmiki community, having income less than Rs 2.50 lakh annually, for house building. As many as 250 lakh man days of work is being undertaken under MGNREGA and daily wages have been increased by Rs 60.”

He said that due to efforts made for resource mobilisation, there had been 23 per cent increase in revenue. “We want to make Himachal a green and clean, power and tourism state, drug free, investor-friendly and free from illegal mining. Though hydropower remains a priority area, efforts are now being made to promote solar energy,” he added.

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