Shimla: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced an anticipated revenue increase of Rs. 1100 crore in the current financial year for Himachal Pradesh. This surge is attributed to the state government's strategic measures aimed at curbing wasteful expenditure.
However, the Chief Minister expressed that the natural disaster had prevented the state from achieving an even higher revenue hike of Rs. 1500 crore.
He emphasized that the Union Government's restrictions on implementing the old pension scheme had led to a fixed loan limit of Rs. 6600 crore for the fiscal year.
Additionally, a cap of Rs. 2900 crore over three years for externally aided projects has been imposed, contrasting with the absence of such limits in the past.
Remarkably, the current government has taken a loan of Rs. 4100 crore in the ongoing fiscal year, a stark contrast to the preceding BJP government, which borrowed a substantial Rs. 14 thousand crore in the financial year 2022-23.
Chief Minister Sukhu urged BJP leaders to lobby for the removal of these restrictions imposed on Himachal by the Central Government.
The government's efforts to enhance resources include amendments to lease rules, reducing the lease period from 99 years to 40 years.
Notably, the improved auction of liquor contracts is expected to contribute Rs. 500 crore to the state exchequer.
In a legal pursuit, the government is aggressively working to reclaim the luxurious Wild Flower Hall, presenting a strong case in court.
The property is expected to be handed over to the state government in the near future, he said.
The state government has undertaken various decisions, such as handing over Dhaulasiddh, Luhri Phase-1, and Sunni hydro power projects to Himachal Pradesh after 40 years. Additionally, the government canceled the Jangi-Thopan-Powari project awarded to SJVNL due to delays in construction.
Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the corruption hub that the previous BJP government had become, citing scandals like the police recruitment scam, HPSSC question paper leak scam, mining scam of about Rs. 100 crore, and a cryptocurrency scam. He questioned the lack of investigation and action during the BJP government's tenure, assuring that the government would ensure accountability and transparency.
