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Himachal CM Seeks Rs 10,000 Cr Grant, Green Fund in Delhi Meetings

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Health Minister J P Nadda to seek central support for health infrastructure projects, including under Ayushman Bharat. In a separate meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, he pressed for critical fiscal relief, including a minimum Rs 10,000 crore annual Revenue Deficit Grant. The CM strongly advocated for a separate Rs 50,000 crore 'Green Fund' for hill states, describing them as ecological frontiers. He also requested a revised disaster risk index and additional borrowing space to address the state's constrained fiscal situation.

Key Points: Himachal CM Meets Nadda, Sitharaman; Seeks Fiscal Support

  • Health infrastructure support requested
  • Plea for Rs 10,000 crore Revenue Deficit Grant
  • Demand for separate Rs 50,000 crore Green Fund
  • Revised formula for forest ecology devolution
3 min read

Himachal CM calls on Union Ministers, seeks Centre's support for health infra, fiscal relief

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu meets Union Ministers, seeks health infra aid, Rs 10,000 cr grant, and a separate Green Fund for hill states.

"Green Frontiers and Lungs of North India - CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

New Delhi, January 15

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday called on Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda in New Delhi and urged the Centre's assistance for developing health infrastructure in the state.

During the meeting, CM Sukhu requested the Union Minister to take up Himachal Pradesh's projects at the Centre and extend support for the overall development of the state. He held detailed discussions on strengthening the health sector and sought central support for health infrastructure projects, including under the Ayushman Bharat Programme.

The Union Health Minister assured the state of all possible assistance.

Earlier, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also called on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi and discussed the fiscal issues of the state. The Chief Minister sought the Centre Government's support for strengthening Himachal Pradesh's financial condition.

CM Sukhu apprised the Union Finance Minister about the memorandum and additional memorandum submitted to the 16th Finance Commission. He urged that the Revenue Deficit Grant be set at a minimum of Rs 10,000 crore annually and stressed the need for a realistic assessment of states' revenue and expenditure projections for the 16th Finance Commission's award period.

The Chief Minister strongly pleaded for the creation of a separate 'Green Fund' with an earmarked annual allocation of Rs 50,000 crore for hill states, describing them as the 'Green Frontiers and Lungs of North India' in view of the ecological services they provide.

He also apprised the Union Finance Minister about the revised formula proposed by the state for horizontal devolution, seeking increased weightage for the criteria of Forest and Ecology.

CM Sukhu urged that snow-covered and cold desert areas above tree lines be included along with very dense and moderately dense forest areas, citing their symbiotic relationship. He stressed the need to reframe the Disaster Risk Index developed by the 15th Finance Commission, stating that Himalayan regions cannot be equated with other areas of the country.

He said the state was deprived of adequate resources for disaster relief despite facing frequent natural disasters and demanded a separate Disaster Risk Index for hill states, considering their unique indicators, along with a separate allocation.

The Chief Minister also requested the Union Finance Minister to allow additional borrowing of two per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), stating that the sharp reduction in Revenue Deficit Grant in recent years has severely constrained the state's fiscal space.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the CM fighting for the state's financial rights. The demand for a separate Disaster Risk Index for Himalayan states is absolutely valid. You can't compare disasters in the plains with landslides and flash floods in the mountains. Hope the Finance Minister listens.
D
David E
While the requests seem reasonable, I hope there is transparency in how these funds would be utilized. Fiscal responsibility is a two-way street. The Centre's support must be matched by efficient state governance to avoid wasteful expenditure.
A
Ananya R
Strengthening health infra in Himachal is crucial, especially for remote areas. Ayushman Bharat is a good scheme, but its implementation on the ground in hilly terrain needs extra support. Glad the Health Minister has assured assistance.
V
Vikram M
The argument for including cold desert areas in the forest criteria makes complete sense. These are fragile ecosystems. The Finance Commission needs to adopt a more nuanced approach for states with unique geographical challenges. Jai Himachal!
S
Sarah B
It's interesting to see the detailed fiscal negotiations happening. The request for additional borrowing space highlights how tight state finances are. Hope a balanced solution is found that helps Himachal without straining central resources.

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