Himachal’s Fiscal Strain Sparks Calls for Unity and Safeguards

Principal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, Naresh Chauhan, highlighted on Tuesday that Himachal Pradesh is grappling with a serious fiscal challenge—a nearly 15% gap in its finances following the withdrawal of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG). This shortfall, he explained, touches every section of the state’s 7.5 million residents. For a small, hilly state like Himachal, such grants have been vital in sustaining development projects and welfare programs.

Chauhan warned that the omission of this constitutional provision could cost the state around ₹10,000 crore annually, adding up to ₹50,000 crore over five years. He stressed that bridging such a gap through internal resources alone is unrealistic, framing the issue not as political but as a matter of Himachal’s rightful claim and long-term stability.

He noted that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has already held detailed discussions with the Union Finance Minister, presenting constitutional arguments to protect the state’s interests. Chauhan urged opposition parties to rise above politics and stand together for Himachal’s future.

On the recent youth protests during the AI Summit, Chauhan clarified that the demonstrations were not against the summit itself but reflected concerns over the proposed US-India trade agreement’s impact on agriculture and horticulture. He emphasized that peaceful protest is a democratic right and should not be mischaracterized as anti-national.

Chauhan also criticized the Delhi Police for conducting operations in Himachal without warrants or prior intimation, calling it a breach of protocol. He reaffirmed that the state government acted within constitutional norms, and urged unity when state interests are at stake.

Turning to international concerns, Chauhan expressed worry for the 40,000–42,000 Himachalis living in Gulf countries amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel. He assured that the state is coordinating with the Union Government, setting up helplines and communication channels, and preparing assistance once flights normalize.

Finally, on the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, Chauhan stated that Congress currently holds numerical strength in the Assembly, with the candidate to be chosen by the party high command. He urged all parties to uphold democratic traditions, warning that past disruptions only bred instability and mistrust.