MLA development funds to be released only after improvement in fiscal health: CM

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday said the release of MLA local area development (LAD) funds and discretionary grants would depend on an improvement in the state's financial condition.Responding to questions about the BJP legislative party's meeting with governor Shiv Pratap Shukla over the issue, Sukhu said the state govt was constrained by its current fiscal situation.
He said the situation could improve if the BJP legislators stop approaching the central govt to stall grants meant for Himachal Pradesh. "As soon as the financial situation improves, we will move forward and consider releasing the MLA funds," said the CM.Sukhu further remarked that it would have been more constructive if the BJP legislative party had raised the issue of the central govt stalling nearly Rs 10,000 crore annually to Himachal Pradesh under the revenue deficit grant (RDG), which significantly affected the state's finances.On the allegations that the state govt failed to properly present its case before the Centre, Sukhu said he met the Union finance minister and the chairman of the 16th Finance Commission four times each. "We worked extremely hard and presented our case thoroughly. Saying that the case was not presented properly is completely wrong," he said.The CM further said if the BJP leaders still believed the state's case was inadequately presented, the govt was willing to jointly approach the central govt again, as the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission regarding the RDG were yet to be accepted. However, he pointed out that the final decision did not lie with the finance minister alone. "This issue has to be raised before the Prime Minister. If you take time from the Prime Minister, I am ready to accompany you (BJP)," he said.Meanwhile, the issue of RDG discontinuation is likely to be discussed in detail in an upcoming cabinet meeting on Feb 8. In addition, the chief minister has convened an all-party meeting on Feb 8 to deliberate on the issue and seek consensus on the way forward.MSID:: 127986609 413 |