Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is set to travel to Delhi once again to raise issues related to the state’s financial interests and development. At the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 18 and 19, the Chief Minister will present the state’s key financial demands before the central government.
The state government has already prepared its demand draft and presentation for the meeting.
Senior officials from the Finance and Planning departments are also expected to accompany CM Sukhu. Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar and State Planning Advisor Ravinder Kumar are also likely to attend the meeting. As in the previous two years, the Chief Minister himself is preparing to present Himachal Pradesh’s case before the Centre.
Demand Draft Prepared for the Meeting
Several meetings of state government officials have already been held ahead of the NITI Aayog meeting. Discussions focused on Himachal Pradesh’s financial position and pending demands from the Centre.
The draft presentation prepared by the officials has also received approval from the Chief Minister.
The government will focus on issues that have a direct impact on the state’s revenue position and development programmes.
Demand for Restoration of Revenue Deficit Grant
CM Sukhu is expected to raise the issue of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) prominently before the Centre.
The state government is demanding that the grant be restored or that Himachal Pradesh be provided with special central assistance to compensate for the reduction or discontinuation of the grant.
For a hill state such as Himachal Pradesh, financial assistance from the Centre is particularly important. Any reduction or withdrawal of the Revenue Deficit Grant could put additional pressure on the state’s financial resources.
GST Compensation and ₹1,500 Crore Demand
The state government is also preparing to raise issues related to GST compensation before the Centre.
The government’s argument is that after the implementation of the GST system, it is important to protect Himachal Pradesh’s financial interests while taking the fiscal requirements of states into account.
In addition, a demand involving approximately ₹1,500 crore is also expected to be raised prominently during the meeting.
The upcoming NITI Aayog meeting is therefore likely to be important for Himachal Pradesh as the state seeks greater financial support and assistance from the central government for its development and fiscal requirements.
