Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh has called upon the Prime Minister to establish a high-level committee to evaluate the financial setbacks faced by the hill state. These losses stem from the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), damages caused by natural calamities, and revenue shortfalls under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework.
Participation in NITI Aayog Meeting
The Chief Minister made this appeal during the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, held in New Delhi under the theme 'Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat'. He emphasized the need to safeguard Himachal's interests in the execution of the ambitious Chandrabhaga-Ravi-Beas link project, which aims to improve water management.
Revenue Deficit Grant Concerns
Sukhu highlighted that the cessation of the RDG has severely impacted the state's economy. The current allocation of Rs 25,000 crore is insufficient to offset the loss, and he urged the central government to double this amount to Rs 50,000 crore to ensure uninterrupted development activities.
Ecological Services Compensation
According to a study by the Indian Institute of Forest Management, Himachal Pradesh provides ecological services worth Rs 90,000 crore to the nation. However, the state does not receive adequate compensation for preserving its ecology. Sukhu stressed the need for a high-level committee to assess these contributions and ensure Himachal receives its rightful share.
Free Power and GST Arrears
The Chief Minister also sought the Centre's intervention regarding the state's fair share of free power from hydroelectric projects. Himachal is being deprived of its share from the 13,000 MW generated, and arrears of Rs 7,000 crore from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) remain pending. Additionally, the state has incurred losses of Rs 25,000 crore over the past eight years due to the GST regime. Natural disasters have further exacerbated the situation, with Rs 1,500 crore in central assistance still awaited.
Human Development Achievements
Highlighting the state's progress, Sukhu noted that Himachal was declared fully literate in 2025 and ranked 6th in 2026 in the Performance Grading Index for school education. The state is also on track to become a leader in green energy, with initiatives in solar power, green hydrogen, pumped storage, and battery storage.
Infrastructure and Anti-Drug Campaign
Sukhu emphasized the need for better air connectivity to boost tourism, particularly the development of Gaggal airport in Kangra. He also briefed the council on the state's aggressive anti-drug campaign, 'Chitta', and requested support for strengthening intelligence networks and inter-agency cooperation.
