Shimla:

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that the small States should not be suppressed and ignored but they should be provided with their legitimate rights.

He said that despite the Supreme Court’s decision, Himachal was being deprived of its share in Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) which was pending since last many years even after the State has urged the Governments of Punjab and Haryana to release the same.

CM said that request was also made to fund the power component in Kishau Hydroelectric Project on the basis of 90:10 ratio between the union and the state government or to provide interest free loan facility for 50 years in all the power components.

Targeting the BJP, he said that the previous BJP government pushed Himachal Pradesh into heavy debt but the state government during its 14-month regime, has initiated various measures to improve the economy.

“As the budget reflects the face of the government, we are committed towards the welfare of every section of the society together making several provisions in the budget to encourage the green industry in the state. The state government is promoting e-vehicles with a subsidy component to support self employment to the local youth. Six green corridors are being built in Himachal and provisions were also being made for setting up e-charging stations to facilitate the commuters” he asserted.

CM also counted the other innovative schemes  being implemented as Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start Up Scheme worth Rs 680 crore, the Sukh Ashray Scheme along with its benefits and the other achievements of the government.

“The State Government has increased the compensation manifold in its special relief package by changing the norms during the worst natural calamity that wreaked havoc during the last monsoons to give relief to the disaster affected from its limited resources” the CM said.

He also raised the issue of special package to the state which was not given by the union government.