Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Calls for Austerity, Laments Lack of Compensation for Environmental Sacrifices from the Centre. But we will move on...
SHIMLA: In a move to steer Himachal Pradesh towards financial stability, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced a series of austerity measures, urging all MLAs to voluntarily delay their salaries, DA, and allowances for the next two months.
Leading by example, HP CM Sukhu had donated his savings worth Rs 55 lakh and salaries to the state treasury earlier.
Now IT advisor Gokul Butail has pledged to forgo his salary and benefits for the entire year, choosing to take just Re 1 as a symbolic gesture.
Speaking in the Vidhan Sabha, CM Sukhu highlighted the state’s commitment to protecting the environment, particularly through the ban on green felling in forests.
"Himachal Pradesh has sacrificed its valuable forest resources to protect the environment, yet the Centre has not compensated us for this sacrifice," the CM stated, expressing frustration over the lack of financial support from the Union government.
He said he put forward this before the 16th finance commission and the PM, seeking green bonus for ecoservices being rendered by Himachal to the entire north India.
Sukhu said we could have cut forests to generate Rs 1,50,000 Crore and pay our debts and borrowings in two years time. But we are protecting our green lungs for the nation, he said.
Sukhu also shared his vision of making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant by 2026-27, emphasizing that the state’s revenue-generating efforts have already brought in Rs 2,200 crore.
However, he voiced concerns over the financial burden of salaries and pensions, which consume over 60% of the state budget. He also expressed hope that the new liquor policy would provide additional revenue to ease this burden.
"Our government is working transparently to move forward in revenue, horticulture, agriculture, and ensuring the welfare of every section of society," the CM added, underscoring the government’s commitment to the state's overall development, despite the challenges posed by limited resources.
Sukhu’s speech also reflected his concern for the future, questioning how the state will improve its education and health sectors, which have been lagging behind.
"Governments come and go, but if we leave the state's economy in this condition, where will the future generation find employment? How will we fund new schemes?" he asked.
He urged all stakeholders to consider the long-term impact of their decisions on Himachal Pradesh’s development.
The CM's remarks were a clear call to action, urging collective responsibility in facing the state's financial challenges while keeping the environment and future generations in mind.
Will MLAs and Officers wake up and contribute their bit to bail the state out from the crisis?
