Himachal Pradesh Leaders Defer Salaries to Help Economy, Seek More Disaster Relief Funds
In Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, many people have welcomed the decision of the Chief Minister and Ministers to defer their salaries and allowances. This move aims to symbolically boost the state’s economy.
Vikramaditya Singh’s Statement
Vikramaditya Singh, the Public Works Department (PWD) Minister of Himachal Pradesh, emphasized that all legislators should follow this example as a small yet meaningful step toward economic recovery. Singh stated, “We are making every effort to strengthen our resources. This includes revising taxation policies, enhancing the mining policy, and managing water resources more effectively, all of which have the potential to generate significant revenue for the state. Additionally, we are considering the legalization of hemp cultivation for medicinal purposes. A committee of legislators will soon bring this matter up for discussion on the floor of the house.”
Need for Disaster Relief Funds
Singh mentioned the pressing need for disaster relief funds from the central government. “We have suffered enormous losses due to recent disasters and floods, but the funds we have received from the Union government for disaster relief have been insufficient,” he explained. The state government is committed to ensuring equal development across all regions. Funds have been allocated through the PWD to aid in the restoration efforts.
He reported that about 160 roads remain closed across the state. “Our department teams are on the ground daily, monitoring and assessing the situation,” Singh said. “We have allocated 500-600 crore rupees to the PWD to expedite the restoration process. We are doing everything we can to resolve these issues and will continue to seek additional support from the central government.”
Remarks on Kangana Ranaut
Addressing remarks made by senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Simranjit Singh Mann, Singh expressed respect for Kangana Ranaut, a prominent figure associated with Himachal Pradesh. “Kangana is a respected member, and we hold her in high regard as a woman. However, it is important for her to reflect on her recent comments,” Singh noted. “Even the BJP has advised her to exercise more restraint, and we hope that will happen. We respect her fully and will support her in any development work she undertakes in relation to Himachal.”
Chief Minister’s Statement
Earlier today, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu laid out a statement on the financial condition of the state during the third day of the monsoon session of the Assembly. The CM claimed that the funds from the Union Government had not reached the state. “The financial condition of the state is not good. There are many reasons for this. The Revenue deficit grant, which was Rs 8,058 crore, has been reduced to Rs 6258 crore. Next year, in 2025-26 it will be further reduced by Rs 3000 crore to Rs 3257 crore,” the statement read.
The Chief Minister claimed that out of the about Rs 9042 crore of PDNA, the central government has not sent any amount to the state. The statement mentioned the amount for the NPS contribution from the PDRDA has not reached the state government. Moreover, the CM claims that the GST compensation for the state has been stopped after 2022. “NPS contribution of around Rs 9,200 crore from the PFRDA has not been received from the Union government. GST compensation has been stopped since 2022, and because of that around Rs 2500-3000 has been reduced for the state. Because of OPS, the state’s borrowing has been reduced by around Rs 2000 crore too. It is not easy to get ahead of these problems,” the statement read.
Doubts Revealed
Himachal Pradesh -: Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India, known for its beautiful mountains and valleys.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in a state in India, similar to a principal in a school but for the whole state.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu -: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the current Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, responsible for making important decisions for the state.
PWD Minister -: PWD stands for Public Works Department, which takes care of building and maintaining roads, bridges, and other public structures. The PWD Minister oversees this department.
Vikramaditya Singh -: Vikramaditya Singh is the PWD Minister in Himachal Pradesh, helping to manage public construction projects.
Deferred Salaries -: Deferred salaries mean that the leaders have decided to delay taking their paychecks to help save money for the state.
Economy -: The economy is how money is made and used in a place, like a state or country. It includes jobs, businesses, and trade.
Disaster Relief Funds -: Disaster relief funds are money given by the government to help people and places recover from natural disasters like floods or earthquakes.
Central Government -: The central government is the main government of India, which makes decisions for the whole country.
Floods -: Floods happen when there is too much water, usually from heavy rain, and it covers land that is normally dry.
Taxation -: Taxation is the process of collecting money from people and businesses by the government to pay for public services.
Mining Policies -: Mining policies are rules about how minerals like coal or gold can be taken from the ground.
Hemp Cultivation -: Hemp cultivation is growing hemp plants, which can be used to make things like clothes, paper, and even some types of medicine.
Financial Challenges -: Financial challenges mean having problems with money, like not having enough to pay for important things.
Grants -: Grants are sums of money given by the government or other organizations to help pay for specific projects or needs.
GST Compensation -: GST stands for Goods and Services Tax, a tax on things people buy. GST compensation is money given to states to make up for any loss in revenue due to GST.
Union Government -: The Union government is another name for the central government of India, which makes decisions for the entire country.
