Himachal Pradesh Assembly’s Special Session on 17th at RDG, Proposal Sent to Governor

Himachal Pradesh Assembly to Hold Special Session on February 17 to Discuss Revenue Deficit Grant Issue

The Himachal Pradesh Assembly has sent a proposal to convene a special session on February 17 to the Lok Bhavan. The proposal was sent by the Assembly Secretariat following the government’s request and with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s approval. The state cabinet also approved it through a bi-circulation process before sending it to the Governor. The Governor, currently away from Shimla, will give approval upon return.

The special session has been called in response to the central government’s decision to discontinue the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG). During the session, the government will discuss the issue with the opposition and send a proposal to the Centre requesting the restoration of the grant. The discontinuation in the central budget, following the 16th Finance Commission report, has dealt a major blow to the state, which will now struggle to cover its revenue deficits, which have been increasing year by year.

Under previous finance commissions, Himachal Pradesh received revenue deficit grants. Based on the 15th Finance Commission’s recommendations, the state received a total of ₹37,199 crore between 2021 and 2026. Out of this, ₹10,249 crore was allocated in 2021-22, ₹9,377 crore in 2022-23, ₹8,058 crore in 2023-24, and ₹6,258 crore in 2024-25.

Meanwhile, the Congress legislative party meeting is scheduled for February 8 under the chairmanship of CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, with the Deputy CM, all ministers, and Congress legislators in attendance. Earlier, a state cabinet meeting will be held at 11 a.m.

BJP Legislators May Boycott Meetings
The BJP is considering boycotting the legislator priority meetings. A BJP legislative party meeting, chaired by Leader of the Opposition and former CM Jairam Thakur, has been called in Shimla on Thursday. BJP legislators claim the government is ignoring their priorities. If the government does not take the DPRs and budget approvals seriously, the party may boycott these meetings.