State Generated Rs 26,683 Crore from Own Resources in Three Years: CM Sukhu.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that the present state government has generated Rs 26,683 crore from its own resources over the past three years, reflecting improved fiscal management and focused revenue mobilisation. He was chairing the first session of the second day of MLA Priority Meetings for the financial year 2026–27, during which he held detailed discussions with MLAs from Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts.
The Chief Minister said the state earned a financial benefit of about Rs 401 crore after acquiring ownership of the Wildflower Hall Hotel and is expected to generate nearly Rs 20 crore annually from the property. He added that due to the efforts of the present government, the royalty share from the Karcham-Wangtoo Hydropower Project has been increased from 12 per cent to 18 per cent, resulting in an additional annual income of around Rs 150 crore for the state.
Referring to central assistance, Sukhu said that under the 15th Finance Commission, Himachal Pradesh received Rs 37,199 crore as Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), released in a gradually reducing manner. He said the state received Rs 10,249 crore in 2021–22, Rs 9,377 crore in 2022–23, Rs 8,057 crore in 2023–24, Rs 6,249 crore in 2024–25 and Rs 3,257 crore in 2025–26. He expressed concern over the decision of the 16th Finance Commission to discontinue the RDG, stating that it would result in a loss of nearly Rs 50,000 crore to Himachal Pradesh. He termed the decision unjust for a hill state with difficult geographical conditions and said it would severely impact development works, welfare schemes and the payment of salaries and pensions. He urged the Central Government to restore the RDG and provide special financial assistance to the state.
The Chief Minister said initiatives have been taken to promote border tourism, with allied activities started at Shipki-La Pass on the India-China border. He expressed disappointment that despite being a major centre of Buddhist culture, Himachal Pradesh was excluded from the “Buddhist Circuit” announced in the Union Budget 2026–27, calling it discriminatory. He also pointed out that no specific budgetary provision had been made for tourism development in the state despite its world-famous destinations.
Kullu District:
MLA Manali Bhuvneshwar Gaur opposed the discontinuation of RDG and sought collective efforts for its restoration. He demanded an ice-skating rink in Manali, strengthening of the Left Bank Road, additional police deployment during the tourist season and snow clearance machinery.
MLA Kullu Sunder Singh Thakur demanded expansion of Kullu Airport, timely completion of PMGSY roads, an alternative road to Manikaran and increased staff at the Mother and Child Hospital.
MLA Banjar Surender Shourie sought road strengthening, power upgrades at the Bajaura sub-station, improvement of the Aut-Luhri road and water sports at Larji.
MLA Anni Lokender Kumar demanded better facilities at the Model Health Institution, strict action against drug mafias, more police personnel and installation of anti-hail guns.
Mandi District:
MLAs raised demands related to construction of educational institutions, hospitals, bridges, drinking water schemes, road repairs, improved bus services, power and water supply, and disaster-damaged infrastructure across constituencies including Karsog, Sundernagar, Nachan, Drang, Jogindernagar, Dharampur, Balh, Mandi and Sarkaghat.
Shimla District:
MLA Chopal Balbir Verma demanded improvement of the Sanj–Deha–Chopal road, filling of vacant government posts and improved electricity supply during snowfall.
Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission Bhawani Singh Pathania, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Principal Secretary (Finance) Devesh Kumar, senior officers and department heads were present during the meeting.
