Himachal RDG Issue Heats Up, CM Sukhu Targets Central Government
The issue of the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) in the Union Budget is heating up in Himachal Pradesh. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during the inauguration of the new Himachal Cooperative Bank branch in Kathu, stated that the suspension of RDG will have a serious impact on the state’s economy. He highlighted that from 2019 to 2025, Himachal received ₹48,000 crore through RDG, and the sudden halt of this constitutional grant poses a severe crisis for the state.
The CM announced that a cabinet meeting will be held on 8 February to discuss this issue, followed by a meeting of the legislative party, which will include BJP legislators. During the meeting, a presentation will be made explaining the adverse impact of RDG discontinuation on the state. Sukhu emphasized that it is time for all political parties to rise above party lines and collectively appeal to the central government to save RDG.
Additionally, the Chief Minister declared that the state government will levy taxes on power projects established on Himachal land. Criticizing GST, Sukhu said that it has benefited larger states while causing losses to hill states like Himachal. He also challenged MP Anurag Thakur to clarify his stance on the RDG issue.
Sukhu stressed that Himachal’s development is achieved while preserving the environment and that RDG is a lifeline for such hill states. He urged the people of the state to be prepared to fight for this cause.
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