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Himachal CM Sukhu: Revenue Deficit Grant is Our Right, Not Charity

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the Governor skipping the full Assembly address is not unprecedented. He emphasized that the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) is the state's constitutional right and not a matter of seeking charity from the Centre. The Chief Minister highlighted the unique fiscal challenges faced by Himachal as a hill state with limited revenue generation capacity. A three-day Assembly session has been convened primarily to deliberate on the restoration of the RDG.

Key Points: Himachal CM on RDG: State's Right, Not Charity | Governor's Address

  • Governor skipped full customary address
  • CM says RDG is state's right, not charity
  • Hill state faces unique fiscal challenges
  • Session called to discuss RDG restoration
2 min read

Governor skipping full Assembly address not unprecedented; RDG is Himachal's right, not charity: CM Sukhu

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu asserts RDG is state's right, not aid, after Governor skips full Assembly address. Budget session to focus on fiscal challenges.

"RDG is our right. We are not asking for any charity. Don't harm the rights of the state. - CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, February 16

Following Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla's decision to skip reading the full customary address in the Assembly, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday said the move was "not an exception" and stressed that the matter of the Revenue Deficit Grant pertains to the state's rights.

Speaking to mediapersons in Shimla after the opening day of the Budget Session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Sukhu said that governors in the past too had skipped portions of the address.

"The governor not reading the address is not an exception. Earlier, governors have also skipped reading the address," he said.

The Chief Minister clarified that the issue is not about the state government seeking aid but about safeguarding Himachal Pradesh's financial entitlements. "This is not about the government. RDG is our right. We are not asking for any charity. Don't harm the rights of the state," Sukhu said.

He emphasised that Himachal Pradesh, being a hill state, cannot be compared with larger states in terms of revenue generation capacity.

He further highlighted the unique fiscal challenges of Himachal Pradesh, emphasising that, as a hill state, its revenue-generating capacity is limited relative to larger states.

"You talk about 17 states, but Himachal cannot be compared with them. Those states have big projects and stronger revenue bases. Himachal is a hill state where revenue generation is inherently limited due to natural resources and geographical constraints," he added.

Referring to the discontinuation of RDG following the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, the Chief Minister said the state government had convened a three-day Assembly session primarily to deliberate on the issue

"We have called this three-day session to discuss RDG. I am hopeful that the BJP will rise above party lines and join us in going to the Centre for restoration of the rights of the state," he added.

Earlier in the day, the budget session began with the governor's address. However, Governor Shukla read only a few lines and laid the speech on the table of the House, objecting to certain references concerning constitutional institutions.

The issue of RDG and the state's financial position is expected to dominate proceedings during the ongoing session.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I agree with the CM on the financial issue, the Governor skipping the address sets a bad precedent. These constitutional formalities matter for the dignity of the Assembly. Both sides need to show more respect for the institutions.
R
Rohit P
This is pure politics. The Governor's action and the CM's response are both for show. Instead of this drama, they should focus on solving the actual financial crisis. Himachal needs solutions, not political one-upmanship.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves visiting Himachal, I can see why they need special grants. The infrastructure costs in mountains are huge. Comparing them to plains states is unfair. Hope the Centre listens.
V
Vikram M
Finally a CM speaking up for state rights! Too often CMs act like beggars before Delhi. Sukhu is correct - it's about entitlement, not asking for favors. Other states should also assert their rights like this.
K
Karthik V
The Governor's job is to represent the Centre, but he should also respect the state legislature. Skipping the address seems like a petty move. The real issue is RDG - hope BJP supports the state regardless of party politics. Jai Himachal!

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