Meet PM for reinstatement of revenue deficit grant: Sukhu tells BJP leaders
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday said that instead of targeting him, BJP leaders should approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the reinstatement of the revenue deficit grant. “I have appealed for a united front on this issue on numerous occasions, but I know they (BJP leaders) will never do so,” Sukhu said.
Abolition of revenue deficit grant (RDG) would deprive the state of approximately Rs 10,000 crore annually between 2026 and 2031, Sukhu said, adding that he has repeatedly appealed for a unified front on this issue, but he remains skeptical about the BJP leaders’ willingness to cooperate.
“Instead of targeting me, the BJP leaders should approach the prime minister for the reinstatement of the revenue deficit grant. I have appealed to the BJP leaders many times to come forward, but I know they will never do so,” Sukhu told mediapersons after returning from Delhi.
Sharing details of his meeting with former finance minister P Chidambaram in Delhi, Sukhu said he apprised the senior Congress leader. About the state’s viewpoint on the report of the 16th Finance Commission, and its likely impact on Himachal Pradesh. The chief minister also discussed the fiscal situation inherited from the previous BJP Government with Chidambaram, including a debt burden of Rs 75,000 crore and outstanding liabilities of Rs 10,000 crore in salary and pension arrears.
Sukhu highlighted that despite these hurdles, the state government’s stringent anti-corruption measures and systemic reforms have generated an additional revenue of Rs 3,800 crore over the last three years.
Chidambaram said that the RDG is a constitutional provision under Article 275(1), designed to balance state revenues and expenditures of the states, and while making recommendations on abolishing the grant for 17 states, the interests of the hilly and small states must be safeguarded, a statement issued by the chief minister’s office said.
