Dy CM urges PM intervention on RDG continuation

Shimla: Amid rising tensions over the 16th Finance Commission's decision to withdraw the revenue deficit grant (RDG) to Himachal Pradesh, deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Tuesday called for urgent intervention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that the hill state was "left midstream." Agnihotri, addressing the state assembly during the discussion on the state govt's resolution against the abrupt stoppage of RDG, appealed to BJP legislators, led by leader of the opposition Jairam Thakur, to support the resolution urging the Centre to restore the grant. He warned that Rs 55,000 crore is at stake for Himachal Pradesh, framing the issue as one of the state's rights and identity. "This is the question of Himachal and Himachaliyat. The larger states' lobby prevailed this time, depriving smaller states like ours of rightful funds," he said, highlighting that the RDG constitutes nearly 13% of the state's budget.
Holding a copy of the Constitution, Agnihotri cited the framers' vision of revenue sharing between the Centre and states, arguing that only 41% of central funds currently reach states. He stressed that if all 68 MLAs in the Vidhan Sabha do not support the resolution against the RDG discontinuation, it will be a historical record of neglect. He further alleged that the Centre curtailed states' rights in recent years, citing the non-release of Rs 1,227 crore under the Jal Jivan Mission. Agnihotri also accused the leader of the opposition of approaching the Centre to block funds to the state govt. In its response, the BJP questioned the Congress-led govt's financial management. The leader of the opposition asked whether the state ever acknowledged the Centre's released funds amounting to crores under various schemes. He also accused the state govt of financial mismanagement. BJP MLA Bikram Singh cited delays in pension disbursements by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation, headed by Agnihotri, even while receiving RDG funds. He asked why the govt did not settle the liabilities of state employees, including the pending 13% dearness allowance till now. He also questioned that if the financial condition is not good, why the state govt increased the allowances of various chairmen and why SUVs are being purchased for Agricultural Produce and Marketing Committees (APMC) chairmen. BJP MLAs Vinod Kumar and Prakash Rana accused the govt of using the RDG issue as an excuse to delay employees' dearness allowances and shirk responsibilities. Congress MLAs defended the grant, with Bhawani Singh Pathania challenging the opposition to clarify their stance. Technical education minister Rajesh Dharmani emphasised that the abrupt cessation of RDG could hinder the state's progress towards revenue independence, urging cross-party support for decisions in Himachal Pradesh's interest. MSID: 128470095 413 |