CM Sukhu Demands 12 per Cent Royalty from BBMB and Ownership of Shanan Project from Punjab Government

: Category: Latest; Published: 29 May 2023

HimbuMail Service

SHIMLA- Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met with Union Minister for Power R. K. Singh in New Delhi.

They discussed important issues related to the state's power projects and water resources.

The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that the lease for the Shanan Project will expire in March 2024, and he requested the necessary steps to be taken by the Punjab Government to hand over the project to the state before that date.

The Chief Minister also talked about the state's share in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and asked for a fair 12 percent water royalty for the state.

He highlighted the challenges faced by towns affected by BBMB projects and the long-pending compensation for those displaced by these projects.

The Chief Minister proposed that the state should be allowed to collect free power royalty from all BBMB projects, which has been a demand for a long time.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister raised the issue of increasing the royalty share of the state in SJVNL (Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited). He suggested that the share of free power royalty from SJVNL projects, which have completed their debt period of 12 years, should be raised from the current range of 12 to 30 percent.

The Chief Minister also shared the state's efforts to promote green energy and requested incentives, such as tax benefits, to encourage the production of green hydrogen in the state.

The Union Minister assured the Chief Minister of his support and cooperation. The meeting was attended by other officials, including the Chairman of HP State Electricity Board Limited, Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, and Principal Private Secretary to the Chief Minister.

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Sword of Uncertainty Over Six CPSs’ Fate Temporarily Lifted: Relief for Sukhu Government

In a major relief to the Himachal Pradesh government, the Supreme Court has stayed the High Court’s directive to initiate disqualification proceedings against six MLAs who were appointed as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs).

This decision, welcomed by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has brought a temporary reprieve to his administration, which was grappling with the political and legal ramifications of the High Court’s order.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court had earlier quashed the appointments of the six CPSs, deeming them unconstitutional, and directed the Assembly Speaker to initiate disqualification proceedings under the anti-defection law.

However, the Supreme Court’s stay has effectively paused the implementation of this directive, offering the government some breathing space to strategize its next legal move.

CM Sukhu Hails Supreme Court’s Clarity

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, CM Sukhu expressed his satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s interpretation, which he said provided much-needed clarity on the matter.

"The relief granted by the Supreme Court is significant, and we will deliberate on the next steps after considering all legal aspects,” he said.

The Chief Minister also emphasized that the apex court’s interpretation differed from paragraph 50 of the High Court’s verdict, which had been the basis of the controversial directive.

Opposition’s “Childish” Behavior Criticized

Shifting his focus to the opposition, Sukhu took a sharp jab at their tactics, describing their behavior as “childish” and lacking focus on real issues.

“There are no controversies here, but their behavior is simply immature. From toilet tax to ‘Samosa Politics,’ they are just distracting from the real issues,” he said.

Sukhu accused the opposition BJP of attempting to create diversions because of its failure to make a dent in the Congress’s strength during the Vidhan Sabha elections.

“Their ‘Operation Lotus’ was decisively rejected by the people, and Congress retained its 40-seat strength. Now, they resort to personal attacks to divert attention from our welfare schemes,” he added.

Relief Amid Mounting Challenges

The Supreme Court’s stay on the High Court’s order has momentarily eased the pressure on the Sukhu government, but the sword of uncertainty continues to hang over the six MLAs who served as CPSs.

With questions around their appointments still unresolved, the case remains a legal minefield.

The CPS appointments had drawn criticism for allegedly violating constitutional provisions, which prohibit the creation of such posts without legislative backing.

The High Court’s scathing remarks and the directive for disqualification had added fuel to the controversy, creating a storm in the state’s political landscape.

While the Supreme Court’s intervention provides temporary relief, the Sukhu government must now prepare for a protracted legal battle to defend the appointments and protect its legislative majority.

Opposition’s Counterattacks

The BJP, meanwhile, has been quick to pounce on the issue, accusing the government of flouting constitutional norms for political convenience. Party leaders have argued that the CPS appointments were a backdoor way to reward loyalists, a claim that Sukhu has staunchly denied.

The opposition’s attacks, combined with the ongoing legal scrutiny, highlight the precarious nature of the government’s position. For now, the Supreme Court’s decision is a welcome pause, but the final word on the matter could still have far-reaching consequences for the political stability of Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu’s Call for Responsibility

Amid the controversy, Sukhu reiterated his commitment to governance and welfare. He called on the opposition to act responsibly and raise issues that matter to the common man.

“Significant progress has been made in improving the socio-economic status of the underprivileged during this tenure, and that remains our priority,” he stated.

With the legal wrangling far from over, the fate of the six CPSs—and the stability of the Sukhu government—remains inextricably tied to the unfolding courtroom drama.

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CM Sukhu Demands 12 per Cent Royalty from BBMB and Ownership of Shanan Project from Punjab Government

They discussed important issues related to the state's power projects and water resources.

The Chief Minister also talked about the state's share in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and asked for a fair 12 percent water royalty for the state.

He highlighted the challenges faced by towns affected by BBMB projects and the long-pending compensation for those displaced by these projects.

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Bar and Bench

Sword of Uncertainty Over Six CPSs’ Fate Temporarily Lifted: Relief for Sukhu Government

CM Sukhu Hails Supreme Court’s Clarity

Opposition’s “Childish” Behavior Criticized

Relief Amid Mounting Challenges

Opposition’s Counterattacks

Sukhu’s Call for Responsibility

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