SHIMLA: As Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu approaches the two-year milestone of his tenure On December 11, his government faces a mixed report card.
Sukhu is targeting the Bilaspur celebration as a springboard to launch six new schemes. He aims to fulfill his guarantees within the next three years.
The CM has made bold claims of making Himachal self-reliant by 2027.
However, the current scenario raises doubts about these promises. The state is grappling with a severe fund crunch, increasing reliance on taxes, spate of borrowing and significant cuts in subsidies.
Unemployment continues to grow, and the economy remains stagnant. A massive salary and pension bill further burden the state that is worth Rs 2000 Crore.
Relations with the Centre have led to a reduction in grants, complicating financial recovery.
CM Highlights Achievements in Two Years
Speaking about his government’s achievements, Sukhu emphasized, "Despite the unprecedented challenges of natural disasters and financial constraints, my government has taken historic steps for the welfare of the people.
The ‘Mukhya Mantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana’ is a testimony to our commitment to the underprivileged, providing complete care to orphans and the homeless till the age of 27."
The CM also pointed to his efforts to improve governance, though BJP termed has termed his government as Mitroan ki Sarka.
Sukhu stated, "We have streamlined government departments, enhanced transparency, and are working on making Himachal financially robust. Our measures have already increased state revenue to the tune of Rs 2200 Crore."
Sukhu highlighted advancements in the education sector but he didn't provide specific data, including the establishment of modern digital classrooms in rural areas and its promise to start model Rajiv Gandhi Day boarding school, a dream project yet to be started
He also praised the rollout of green energy initiatives, saying, "Himachal is set to become a green energy state by 2030, and we are taking rapid strides towards sustainable development."
But we don't know exactly how much green energy has been generated but the power purchase agreement with the UNA based company has raised eyebrows as power would cost state exchequer @ Rs 7.25 per units, the most expensive deal while the cost of solar is not more than Rs 3.50 per unit, said experts.
Welfare Promises: Ambitious but Long-Term
One of Sukhu’s key welfare initiatives has been a scheme to support 5,000 orphans and homeless children. The government promises to cover their expenses until the age of 27 to make them self-reliant.
However, the results of this initiative will only be visible a decade later.
Disaster Fallout and Rehabilitation Gaps
Himachal Pradesh faced devastating calamities in 2023 and 2024. Losses exceeded ₹19,000 crore. Over 58 lives were lost in Kullu and Rampur in 2024, and almost entire Samej village was wiped out. Infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and homes, suffered massive damage.
While the government highlights its disaster response, rehabilitation remains incomplete, it is appreciable that the government has increased relief under the relief manual many times
Many affected villages continue to live in uncertainty. Sukhu addressed these concerns, stating, "We acted swiftly to provide relief during the disasters and have sought ₹12,000 crore in aid from the Centre, but with little response. We are committed to rebuilding a stronger and more resilient Himachal."
Financial Woes Persist
The state carries a debt burden of ₹80,000 crore. Monthly obligations of ₹2,00 crore for salaries and pensions add to the strain.
The government has yet to pay arrears pending since 2016 amounting to Rs 10000 crore to employees so far.
Despite claims of boosting revenue by ₹2,200 crore through measures like liquor auctions, cess on diesel, and subsidy cuts, financial challenges persist.
The state’s revenue deficit grant from the Centre has dropped from ₹9,000 crore to ₹3,000 crore. GST dues from the Centre remain unresolved.
Rising Unemployment
Unemployment remains a major concern. Sukhu promised 100,000 jobs annually but has not clarified how many jobs were created in the past two years thought he made a passing reference that state has created over 25000 jobs in state sector.
Responding to the criticism, Sukhu stated, "We are creating an ecosystem for employment through new Rs 650 crore startups fund, industrial growth, and tourism. The results will soon be evident as we continue our efforts."
Governance and Political Setbacks
Sukhu admitted to lacking administrative experience, coming from a party organizational background.
This shift has proven challenging. The Congress government’s internal divisions surfaced during the Rajya Sabha elections, where BJP’s Harsh Mahajan secured a win despite Congress having the numerical advantage. It culminated in loss of six Congress MLAs who switched sides and joined BJP.
The poor performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections further dented the party’s morale.
Several state undertakings, including HIMFED, HPMC, and HRTC, HPTDC including HPSEB continue to suffer massive losses. Nothing concrete is visible to improve their plight.
High Court in its series of judgements dealt blow to the government. To promote Kangra as a tourism hub remains a slogan so far.
The government has failed to appoint a regukar vice Chancellor of the HP university and the VC of central university has been holding fort for the last two years. The retired Employees await their retirement benefits.
The Road Ahead
As Sukhu’s government enters its final three years, challenges remain. To fulfill his vision of making Himachal self-reliant by 2027, the Chief Minister must address financial mismanagement, unemployment, and governance inefficiencies.
Sukhu remains optimistic, concluding, "Our work speaks for itself. The challenges are enormous, but with the support of the people, we will overcome them and build a stronger, greener, and more prosperous Himachal Pradesh."
