CM Sukhu Blames Previous BJP Government for Mismanagement in Water Billing, Himcare Yojana, and Power Projects alloted tp SJVN 

SHIMLA: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today criticized the previous BJP government for several mismanagements, including the failure to charge water bills from hoteliers in rural areas and the misuse of the Himcare Yojana.

Addressing media after a  delegation led by CPM leader Rakesh Singha met with him here today CM Sukhu outlined the steps his government is taking to rectify these issues.

"The previous BJP government irresponsibly included government employees and others with incomes   Tax payees under the Himcare Yojana, and also extended its benefits to private hospitals across the state and beyond," CM Sukhu said.

"This has led to widespread misuse of the Himcare facility. My government has decided to exclude private hospitals from the Himcare Yojana and ensure that only poor people and non-income taxpayers are covered under it. We will continue to provide a grant of Rs. 550 crore to support this scheme," he added.

CM Sukhu also addressed concerns related to power projects that were allotted to SJVN including the Luhri, Sunni Dam, and Dhaula Sidh projects. He alleged that the previous BJP government signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that neglected the interests of Himachal Pradesh.

"Now we have sought, Himachal will  set to receive  royalty from day one, revised it after 20 years or so   The power projects will  be taken back by the state after 50 years or so," he stated.

CM Sukhu emphasized that his government has asked SJVN to renegotiate these projects, stipulating new conditions to ensure that the people of Himachal Pradesh receive their fair share from these developments.

Regarding water charges in the Rural area, CM Sukhu clarified that while a nominal fee of Rs. 100 has been fixed for water charges, poor residents will be exempted.

"Only those who have paid income tax will be charged for water usage. Private hotels in the rural area area will have to pay based on their consumption," he explained.

The water charges will be used for improving the quality of water in rural Himachal.

The Chief Minister's comments came in response to concerns raised by the CPM delegation, which expressed alarm over the potential burden of water charges on villagers.

CM Sukhu assured them that his government is committed to protecting the interests of the state's poor and ensuring equitable access to resources.