Tensions Rise in Himachal Assembly Over Budget, Employment, and Disaster Relief
Shimla, August 21:Tensions escalated in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly as the ruling party and the opposition clashed over key issues, including budget allocations, employment statistics, disaster relief, and interest income from bank fixed deposits under the SNA SPARSH scheme.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the Central Government withholds future funds if interest on accounts under the SPARSH scheme is not remitted. He informed that ₹500 crore in interest from departmental FDs has been deposited in the state treasury, and moving forward, funds will only be kept in banks offering higher interest.
No Privatization of Tourism Properties:
Sukhu clarified that the government has no intention to privatize any hotels or restaurants of the Tourism Development Corporation.
Departmental Funds:
In response to BJP MLA Randhir Sharma, the CM said FD funds belong to the treasury and will be allocated to departments as per their needs.
Dispute Over Employment Figures:
BJP MLA Vipin Parmar questioned the discrepancy in employment data, asking why last year's figure of 34,980 jobs has dropped to 23,191 this year.
Salary Controversy:
BJP MLA Satpal Satti accused the government of favoritism, saying that while women haven't received the promised ₹1500 pension, the CM’s relative (Dehra MLA Kamlesh Thakur) was awarded a salary. The CM responded saying this happened due to BJP’s “generosity.”
Regional Discrimination Alleged:
MLA Balbir Verma alleged that his constituency Chopal received unfair treatment in disaster relief, getting only ₹10 crore in three years compared to ₹34 crore in other regions.
Call for Central Help:
Congress MLA Vivek Sharma emphasized the need for central disaster relief funds, to which the CM responded with readiness to go to Delhi with the opposition to raise the demand.
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