Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Confronts Financial Challenges in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed his frustration with the state’s financial situation, encapsulating it with the phrase, “Sarkar Gareeb hai, log ameer hain” (The government is poor while people are rich), as he explained to News18.

Currently, Sukhu is grappling with significant financial issues. As of 2023, Himachal Pradesh's debt liabilities have surged to Rs 76,651 crore. The state faces a revenue deficit of Rs 520 crore, which Sukhu attributes to the economic mismanagement by the previous bjp government. According to Sukhu, the state has accumulated an estimated debt of Rs 86,589 crore through market loans, and it continues to rely on borrowing. Sukhu is focusing on fiscal prudence but remains uncertain about finding sufficient funds or loans.

The state’s annual expenditure on pensions and salaries is around Rs 25,000 crore, with monthly costs of Rs 1,200 crore for salaries and Rs 80 crore for pensions. Sukhu criticizes the BJP’s past policies of generous subsidies and exemptions, which he believes have worsened the financial strain. He highlights that, under the current administration, efforts like auctioning liquor licenses have raised Rs 485 crore in a year, compared to Rs 635 crore accumulated by the bjp over five years.

Sukhu also reports a 20 percent increase in the state's economic growth. He contrasts this with the BJP’s decision to defer Dearness Allowance (DA) despite having revenue surpluses in previous years and accuses the bjp of inefficient resource management.

The bjp, however, dismisses Sukhu’s explanations as excuses from the congress party, which has been in power for two years. The party is also targeting rahul Gandhi, alleging that his election promises are impractical and unfulfilled. The bjp is warning voters in upcoming assembly elections in Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, and jharkhand about Gandhi’s unfulfilled schemes and promises.
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Balasahana Suresh

04/09/2024 04:22 PM