HP CM Sukhu Urges Sitharaman to Lift Restrictions on External Borrowings

Kuldeep Chauhan Editor-in-chief www.Himbumail.com

Himachal CM rushes to Nirmala Sitharaman as debt crosses ₹1 lakh crore, seeks bailout from Centre

Shimla / New Delhi, 20 March 2025

Facing a mounting financial crisis with debt crossing ₹1 lakh crore, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday made an urgent pitch to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman seeking a bailout.

Sukhu requested the Centre to ease borrowing restrictions and allow Himachal Pradesh to access external aid, especially from the World Bank, to prevent stalled projects from turning into abandoned assets.

During his meeting in New Delhi, Sukhu strongly urged Sitharaman to review the Department of Expenditure’s cap on external borrowings, blaming it for choking the state’s cash flow and stalling critical infrastructure projects.

“Many projects are stuck midway as funds have dried up. The cap has pushed the state towards a deeper financial mess,” he reportedly told the Finance Minister.

The Chief Minister, last week, had presented a ₹58,524 crore budget for 2025-26 in the Vidhan Sabha, which left the state staring at a fiscal deficit of over ₹10,534 crore. Sukhu had announced a slew of new schemes, further tightening the financial rope.

This fresh push for external borrowings aims at keeping the state afloat and fulfilling his commitments to employees and pensioners, especially regarding arrears.

Seeking an urgent breather, Sukhu also requested approval for Himachal’s reconstruction and rehabilitation proposal under a new multilateral funding window of the World Bank—over and above the borrowing ceiling imposed by the Ministry of Finance.

Worried over the shrinking Revenue Deficit Grants, the Chief Minister admitted that despite the state’s attempts to mobilize additional resources, it isn’t enough to meet the growing budgetary obligations for 2025-26.

Sukhu demanded permission for additional borrowing up to 2 percent of the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) to bridge the gap.

"High-altitude, tough terrain and unpredictable weather escalate construction costs here. Himachal deserves special consideration for additional central resources," Sukhu argued, pointing towards the rising cost of infrastructure development in the hill state.

As the current financial year draws to a close, the Chief Minister is desperately trying to position himself on a better financial footing.

All pleas to get the state’s rightful share in the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) have been cut down to dismal levels, much below expectations.

The state’s share of GST compensation is still awaited, while the Centre is sitting on a whopping ₹10,500 crore deposited by Himachal under the New Pension Policy (NPS).

The amount is crucial to honour Sukhu’s commitment of paying Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to lakhs of pensioners.

Adding to the financial mess, the faltering states of Haryana and Punjab are not releasing Himachal’s pending arrears on account its share of 7.19 per cent in BBMB projects, despite a clear Supreme Court order directing immediate payment. The arrears now stand at over Rs4200 crore.

Ironically, the government spokesperson did not clarify whether CM Sukhu reiterated these crucial pending demands for release of the state’s dues before the Union Finance Minister.

The financial pinch has deepened with the Centre slashing revenue deficit grants, forcing the debt-ridden state to knock on Delhi’s door once again.

Officials accompanying the CM—Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Principal Advisor Ram Subhag Singh, and Resident Commissioner Meera Mohanty—briefed the Union Ministry on the worsening fiscal scenario.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assured the CM of sympathetic consideration, but the real test lies ahead as Himachal stares at an uphill fiscal battle.

With debt now breaching the ₹1 lakh crore mark, Himachal is fast sliding into a financial quagmire.

Political observers say Sukhu’s appeal to the Centre may be his last shot at preventing a full-blown fiscal crisis as more borrowins mean more debt burden.

Whether the Centre bails the hill state out remains to be seen. But insiders say the Centre wants to keep the Sukhu government at edge.

#HimachalPradesh #HimachalBudget2025 #FiscalCrisis #HimachalDebt #SukhuGovernment #NirmalaSitharaman #WorldBank #RevenueDeficit #EmployeesArrears #PensionersDues #FinancialCrisis #HimachalPolitics #HimachalNews #GSTDues #OPS #NPSFunds #PendingArrears #PunjabHaryanaDues

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The trouble started on March 10 when a convoy of bikers crossed the SADA barrier at Sumropa near Manikaran without paying the mandatory Rs 50 fee. When the SADA staff tried to stop them, the bikers not only refused to pay but also abused the staff, broke the barrier, and sped away towards Kasol.

Their highhandedness led to a loss of revenue as several other vehicles also crossed without paying. Based on a complaint by local resident Yograj, FIR No. 25/2025 was registered at Manikaran Police Station. Police said the accused are being identified, and investigations are on priority.

The same day, another violent episode unfolded at Sharni (Baabdi) near Kullu, where local resident Aman Sood, his wife, and driver Ramesh were caught in the middle of a scuffle involving the same gang of bikers.

Aman Sood, who tried to intervene when the bikers were seen misbehaving with a couple, was instead attacked.

Shockingly, one biker pulled out a sword while another assaulted Ramesh with a stick, injuring him. What raised more alarm was the presence of a black flag with Bhindranwala’s photo and slogans in Punjabi fluttering from one of the bikes.

The attackers fled, leaving their flag behind. FIR No. 27/2025 under serious sections of BNS and the Arms Act was registered. One of the bikes — PB 02EX-5887 — has been identified.

Meanwhile, in Manali's Rambagh Chowk, the situation escalated further when two young bikers without helmets were flagged down by police. Their bike, PB 06BD 1041, had a Bhindranwala flag mounted on it.

When the cops asked them to remove the provocative flag, they refused and threatened to kill the complainant. One of the riders was identified as Deepak Kumar from Gurdaspur. The incident, captured on video, led to FIR No. 30/2025 being registered.

The fourth case came from Nangabagh near Bandrol, where local resident Kheem Chand was threatened and abused by a group of 10-12 bikers from Punjab.

It started with one of the bikes skidding and falling. When Kheem Chand tried to help, the gang turned on him, hurling abuses and issuing death threats without any provocation.

Locals intervened, and the entire scene was recorded by bystanders. FIR No. 61/2025 was filed at Kullu Police Station.

Confirming the incidents, Himachal Pradesh Police said, "All the accused are being identified and tracked. These cases are being investigated on top priority. No one will be allowed to disrupt peace in Himachal Pradesh, especially in sensitive tourist areas like Kullu and Manali."

Police have appealed to tourists to respect local laws and not indulge in activities that disturb communal harmony or threaten public safety.

#HimachalPoliceInAction #KulluKasol #ProKhalistanFlags #LawAndOrder #HimachalTourism #NoTolerance #SafetyFirst #PunjabBikers #KulluViolence #SaveHimachal #BhindranwalaFlagBan

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Two ITI Students Drown in Sainj River, Bodies Recovered in a Daylong SeRcg

Kullu, March 21 —A fun outing turned tragic for two ITI students as their bodies were fished out from a deep pool of the Sainj River near the Bihali Power Project in Sainj area of Kullu district early Friday morning.

The victims — Dharmendra (18), son of Geeta Nand from Murah village, and Ghanshyam, son of Daya Ram from Kahra village, both hailing from Bali Chowki in Mandi — had gone missing on Thursday afternoon while bathing in the river.

According to eyewitnesses, the duo entered the river despite warnings about the rising water levels due to snowmelt and dam releases. The swift current pulled them in, and both disappeared within moments, leaving their friends in shock.

The local police, district administration, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) launched a massive search operation.

However, poor light conditions forced the teams to call off the search late Thursday evening. The operation resumed early Friday, and both bodies were recovered from a river pool after hours of effort.

The bodies have been sent for post-mortem to ascertain the exact cause of death. A case has been registered, and police are investigating the circumstances that led to the tragic accident.

Locals blamed a lack of proper warning signage and safety measures near the riverbanks, especially close to hydropower project areas where sudden water surges are common.

The district administration has once again appealed to tourists, locals, and students to stay away from riverbanks and avoid venturing into rivers, especially during this season when the water flow remains unpredictable.

#KulluTragedy #ParvatiRiver #RiverDrowning #HimachalPradesh #ITIDrowning #HimachalNews #KulluNews #NDRFRescue #ParvatiValley #RiverSafety #HydelProjectRisks

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BJP Smells Cover-up in Vimal Negi's Death Case, Demands CBI Inquiry

BJP Smells Cover-Up in Vimal Negi Death Case, Questions IAS-Officer-Led Probe — Demands CBI Inquiry

Shimla: The mysterious death of HPPCL Chief Engineer Vimal Negi has snowballed into a full-blown political storm in Himachal. BJP has gone all guns blazing against the Congress government, questioning how one IAS officer can probe another when the FIR itself names the department’s MD.

Led by Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and state BJP chief Dr. Rajeev Bindal, the BJP delegation knocked on the Governor’s door, demanding a CBI probe into the case.

Jai Ram am minced no words — "How can the government expect a fair probe when they’ve handed it over to another IAS officer? Is this a joke?"

‘Nation wants to know — why no action when family cried for help?’

Jairam said the entire country is watching how a senior officer went missing for days, the family ran pillar to post, but no FIR was registered.

"On March 18, Vimal Negi’s body is fished out from Gobind Sagar lake, and still, the government tries to hush it up. Is this how a life is treated in Himachal now?" he lashed out.

The BJP made it clear — this wasn’t a simple case of suicide. "Negi was under immense pressure. His family and HPPCL employees openly named MD Harikesh Meena and Director Desh Raj for mentally harassing him to toe the line on illegal tasks. That pushed him to the edge," Jairam alleged.

‘FIR names the post, not the man — are they shielding someone?’

The BJP tore into the FIR, questioning how it mentions the ‘post’ of MD but not the officer’s name.

"By the time FIR was filed, the MD had been changed. So, is the case against the post or the officer who drove him to death? Looks like a cover-up," Jairam said.

‘IAS probing IAS? Justice is a far cry in this setup’

"How can an IAS officer investigate another IAS? Isn’t this a classic case of conflict of interest?" Jai Ram fumed. BJP warned that if the government doesn’t act, employees and family members won’t sit quiet.

‘CBI probe only way forward, 2 years of HPPCL’s working must be audited’

BJP demanded:

1. The second officer’s name must be added to the FIR.

2. A CBI probe should be ordered — not just into Negi’s death, but also into HPPCL’s functioning over the past two years.

‘This is not just Himachal’s issue anymore — the nation is watching’

The way Vimal Negi’s body was placed outside HPPCL office by grieving family members and angry employees speaks volumes.

"They forced the government’s hand to act. Still, the MD was just replaced, not suspended. What more proof does one need of a cover-up?" BJP leaders asked.

#JusticeForVimalNegi #HPPCLDeathMystery #IASUnderScanner #MentalHarassmentOrMurder #CBIInquiryNow #HimachalPolitics #SuicideOrMurder #NegiDeathCoverUp #HPPCLScam #NationDemandsAnswers

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BJP Stages Walkout Over Vimal Negi's Death Case from Vidhan Sabha, Seeks CBI Probe

BJP Stages Walkout Over Chief Engineer Vimal Negi’s Mysterious Death, Demands CBI Probe

Shimla, March 20:

The Himachal Pradesh Assembly witnessed high drama on Wednesday as BJP MLAs led by Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur staged a walkout, accusing the state government of shielding the guilty in the mysterious death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), whose body was recovered from Bhakra Dam near Swarghat on Tuesday.

Thakur tore into the Congress government, alleging a cover-up. “When I asked the Chief Minister to speak on the matter, he signaled to the Speaker not to allow the debate. What is the government hiding?” questioned Jai Ram, demanding a CBI probe in line with the demand of protesting employees and Vimal Negi’s family.

Thakur slammed Revenue Minister Jagat Negi, who retorted that CBI is under the Centre’s control. “This is an unfortunate statement. The government is refusing to order a probe even when serious allegations have surfaced. Is the government scared of the truth coming out?” he asked.

The BJP accused the state government of shielding the guilty. “The FIR clearly names Des Raj, but the MD’s designation is also mentioned. Still, the government is busy protecting the accused, ignoring what Vimal Negi’s wife Kiran Negi is saying,” Jai Ram added.

The BJP team met Kiran Negi at the protest site outside HPPCL headquarters and backed the family’s demand to suspend top officials. “HPPCL has become a hub of controversies in the past two years. There is massive corruption and political shielding. The Chief Minister must break his silence,” Thakur said.

With tempers running high, the BJP walked out of the House in protest, warning the government of a bigger agitation if a fair probe is not ordered.

#JusticeForVimalNegi #HPPCLControversy #CBIProbeNow #HimachalNews #HimachalPolitics #CorruptionWatch

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HPPCL Director Des Raj Suspended in Vimal Negi’s Mysterious Death Case

Himachal Power Corp rocked by mysterious death of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi; Director Electrical Desraj suspended, FIR under BNS abetment to suicide, BJP demands CBI probe

Shimla: The mysterious death of Chief Engineer and General Manager of HP Power Corporation, Vimal Negi, whose body was fished out from Bhakra Dam near Swarghat, has shaken Himachal Pradesh, triggering political uproar and serious allegations of a cover-up at the top.

The Sukhu government, under massive pressure from protesting family members, employees, and relatives, late last night suspended Director Electrical Desraj and ordered a high-level probe headed by Additional Chief Secretary Omkar Chandra Sharma, who will submit his report within 15 days.

Acting on the complaint filed by Vimal Negi’s wife, Kiran Negi, the police have registered an FIR under Section 108(3)(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023—the new law replacing IPC for abetment of suicide.

Shockingly, the FIR has named Desraj but not HPCL Managing Director Harikesh Meena, raising serious suspicion of shielding Meena, an IAS officer. Sources claim the Chief Secretary himself is protecting Meena, leading to unrest among employees and protests intensifying.

Kiran Negi, backed by family and employees, has alleged continuous mental harassment by Meena and Desraj that forced her husband to take the extreme step. Under BNS Section 108(3)(5), abetment of suicide is a non-bailable and cognizable offence, punishable by up to 10 years in jail and fine. Legal experts say Meena’s exclusion from the FIR looks deliberate, especially when the family’s complaint clearly names him.

Sensing the political storm, BJP’s Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, along with several MLAs, rushed to Shimla, met Kiran Negi, and joined the protesters.

Jai Ram accused the Sukhu government of protecting senior officers and demanded an immediate CBI probe and suspension of Meena and Director (Finance and Personnel) Shivam Pratap Singh.

It was only after Desraj’s suspension that the family agreed to lift the protest and took Vimal Negi’s body to his native Katgaon village in Kinnaur for the last rites.

The government also removed Meena and Shivam Pratap Singh from HPCL, transferring them to other departments while handing over the MD’s charge to Rakesh Prajapati. However, the move has failed to douse the political fire, with the BJP alleging that Meena is being quietly protected.

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has personally spoken to the family, assuring them of justice and strict action. But the big question remains—will Meena face arrest or walk away shielded by the system?

#HPPowerCorp #VimalNegiDeathMystery #JusticeForVimalNegi #AbetmentToSuicide #BNS108_3_5 #NonBailableOffence #HimachalNews #Shimla #Kinnaur #BhakraDamMystery #CBIProbeDemand #JaiRamThakur #HimachalPolitics #CorruptionExposed #HPPCLScandal #JusticeForEngineer #SukhuGovtUnderPressure #IASShielded #BreakingNews

Legal position:

Section 108(3)(5) BNS 2023 (Abetment of Suicide): Non-bailable and cognizable offence.

Punishment: Up to 10 years imprisonment and fine.

Exclusion of Meena from FIR despite being named by the family raises serious legal and ethical questions. Bail for Desraj will depend on Sessions Court’s view of the evidence.

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