Outcry Over Budget Cuts for Tribal Areas in Himachal Pradesh: Former Leaders and Locals Raise Voice Against the State Government and MLA Anuradha Rana...
Shimla/Keylong: Former Minister and Lahaul-Spiti MLA Dr. Ram Lal Markande, along with Ravi Thakur, former MLA and now a turncoat critic of the government, have raised serious allegations against the state administration, accusing it of drastically slashing the budget allocated under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) for the tribal regions of Himachal Pradesh.
This decision has sparked widespread anger and discontent among the local population.
They have not given figures on the cut on budget, but they have targeted Rana and are going from village to village in their bid to rope in locals to rally behind them.
They have sought answer from the sitting Congress MLA Anuradha Rana, who so far has not reacted to the criticism from her opponents and locals, who had High hopes on her.
Historical Context:
During the 1974-79 Five-Year Plan, it was mandated that at least 9% of the total state budget must be allocated for Scheduled Tribe (ST) areas.
Distribution of funds among tribal areas was laid out as:
Kinnaur: 30%
Lahaul: 16%
Spiti: 18%
Pangi: 16%
Bharmour: 19%
The funding structure includes contributions from both the state and central governments, Special Central Assistance (SCA) under Article 275 of the Constitution, and schemes from the Ministry of Social Justice.
As per budget estimates of 2023-24, Himachal Pradesh earmarked approximately ₹798 crore under the Tribal Sub-Plan, which was already a marginal decrease from the previous year.
In the revised estimates, however, allocations were reduced by over ₹100 crore, raising concerns that development works like road connectivity, healthcare facilities, education, and livelihood schemes would suffer.
Local leaders argue that while tunnels and improved roads have made access easier, the harsh geographical realities and inadequate health and public services continue to impact the lives of tribal residents severely.
Ground Voices:
Local resident Himal Singh Thakur from Sashin village remarked:
"Tunnels have eased travel, but they can’t change the geography or the hardships we endure every winter. Policymakers should experience life here in places like Chhika Rari, Koskar, Telling, Yangla, Tino, Myad, Khungser — only then will they understand our daily struggles.
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