Sukhu slams Nadda remarks, says funds from Centre HP’s right, not charity

Shimla: Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Monday that the funds allocated by the central govt to Himachal Pradesh are the state’s rightful entitlement and not an act of charity.Himachal is an integral part of the federal structure, where each state has both rights and responsibilities, he added. “Where does the Union government collect its taxes from? It is the states’ contributions that form the central revenue. Therefore, states have a legitimate claim on this tax revenue. The Union government is not distributing charity but returning what is due,” asserted Sukhu. The chief minister also added that the revenue deficit grant is a rightful entitlement of the people of Himachal, and the state is also entitled to its share in central taxes. Condemning BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda, the chief minister said that as a Union minister Nadda’s recent statements are inappropriate. “Those who have recently become NaddaJi’s advisers were previously associated with the Congress party. It would be wise for him to stay cautious of such advice,” he warned.The chief minister also clarified that the Himachal govt has neither withdrawn the electricity subsidy for the common people nor issued water bills. But, the subsidies for five-star hotels and luxury properties have been rationalised, he added. Sukhu also said that the state govt has allocated Rs 200 crore each for the completion of the Chamba and Hamirpur medical colleges and these funds have been sourced from the state’s resources. “We are also recruiting doctors and nurses using our own funds to ensure better healthcare services for the people of the state. The Union government is not providing these funds,” he underlined.

Did Himachal govt impose 'toilet tax'? Here's what CM Sukhu said

Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu denied claims of a Rs 25 'toilet tax' on urban households, stating there is only a Rs 100 optional water connection fee. The contentious notification, which suggested per-seat charges for sewerage use, was swiftly withdrawn after the deputy CMs intervention, sparking political backlash and criticism from Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Himachal CM denies of imposing Toilet Tax in state

Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu denied the existence of a 'Toilet Tax,' calling related claims baseless and politically motivated. Controversy stemmed from a notification on revised water supply rates, including a Rs 100 monthly charge in rural areas. Sukhu criticized the previous BJP government for offering free water and emphasized rationalizing subsidies.

State revenue minister defends allotment of salt pan land to Savarkar trust

State revenue minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil defends the allotment of prime Wadala land to the Veer Savarkar Charitable Trust, despite opposition from the finance and revenue departments. The land, valued at Rs 74.5 crore, is slated for a new primary and secondary school. Opposition accuses the government of distributing public land unjustly.

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.