Previous double-engine govt pushed Himachal into debt trap: CM Sukhu
CM Sukhu alleges the previous BJP government pushed Himachal Pradesh into a debt trap and misused state resources.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched a scathing attack on the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) administration on Saturday, alleging that the "double-engine" government pushed the state into a severe debt trap and misused precious resources.
Addressing a massive public gathering at Kansa Chowk in the Balh Assembly constituency of Mandi district, the Chief Minister detailed the financial state of the state under the previous regime. He claimed that while the state received approximately Rs 60,000 crore through GST compensation and Revenue Deficit Grants (RDG) during the BJP's tenure, those funds were not utilized effectively for the state's welfare.
Restoring Rights and Facing Challenges
Reflecting on the transition of power 45 months ago, Sukhu noted that a Congress-led government had emerged to represent ordinary citizens. In one of its very first cabinet meetings, the government took the landmark decision to restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees. However, he alleged that this move led to the Central Government withholding financial assistance worth roughly Rs 1,600 crore from Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister highlighted the state's resilience in the face of both natural and political adversity. He noted that the current administration successfully rebuilt approximately 23,000 houses damaged during natural disasters using the state's own resources. He further attributed the Congress party's political strength—reaching 40 MLAs in the last election—to the support of the people and divine blessings.
Protecting State Interests and Boosting Welfare
Discussing the Kishau Multipurpose Project, Sukhu claimed the current government saved Himachal Pradesh from an additional burden of Rs 3,000 crore by strongly defending state interests, a situation he suggested would have been different under a BJP government. He projected that the project could eventually generate an annual revenue between Rs 1,200 crore and Rs 1,500 crore.
In a significant move for dairy farmers, the Chief Minister highlighted the increase in milk procurement prices. Under the previous BJP government, milk was purchased at Rs 32 per litre. The current administration has raised this to Rs 61 per litre for cow's milk and Rs 71 per litre for buffalo milk, with further increases expected soon.
New Welfare and Employment Measures
The Chief Minister announced several key changes to social welfare schemes and public services:
- Mukhya Mantri Ka Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar Yojana: The mandatory requirement to work one day under MGNREGA to qualify for benefits has been removed, and the family income limit has been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000.
- Women's Pension: All eligible women above the age of 21 will be provided a monthly pension of Rs 1,500.
- Police Recruitment: Recruitment for 800 police constable posts will be conducted shortly.
- Healthcare Upgrades: An MRI machine is being installed at Nerchowk Medical College at a cost of Rs 23 crore.
Addressing healthcare infrastructure, Sukhu noted that hospital staff levels have risen from 35 percent under the previous government to 60 percent under the current administration, with a target to reach 80 percent in the near future.