Shimla, Feb 10 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Sukhu, on Tuesday reiterated the state’s dedication to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and numerous public welfare programs, even in light of the Central government’s withdrawal of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG).

CM Sukhu stressed that the government would continue these vital schemes by utilizing its own resources, ensuring that the rightful entitlements of the citizens are safeguarded at all times.

Countering the Opposition's claims, the Chief Minister informed the media that had the BJP been in power, they would have substituted the OPS with the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), thereby terminating the security currently provided to government employees.

Drawing from his own humble beginnings, he expressed a profound understanding of public concerns and vowed that his administration would never compromise the welfare of the people.

He mentioned that while the Finance Department handled the state’s fiscal details, the government’s focus remained on enhancing resources for the state's progress.

CM Sukhu accused the previous BJP government, led by Jai Ram Thakur, of severe financial mismanagement during the 2018-2021 period.

He highlighted that during its five years in power, the former government received a significant Rs 54,000 crore as RDG and Rs 16,000 crore as GST compensation. However, he claimed these funds were misappropriated to benefit contractors, citing nearly Rs 1,000 crore spent on constructing buildings that are currently vacant and underutilized.

In contrast, the current government has only received Rs 17,000 crore in RDG over the last three years yet has managed to uphold strict economic discipline.

He noted that the government has generated Rs 26,683 crore from its own resources and intends to implement further measures to strengthen the economy.

Emphasizing that the interests of the state should transcend party affiliations, he urged the BJP to support the state’s demands before the Central government rather than misleading the public.

Addressing the critical significance of the Revenue Deficit Grant, which is allocated under Article 275 (1) of the Constitution to bridge the revenue-expenditure gap, the Chief Minister cautioned that an annual shortfall of Rs 10,000 crore would greatly limit the budget of a small hill state like Himachal Pradesh.

CM Sukhu characterized the withdrawal of the grant as “step-motherly treatment” from the Centre, asserting that Himachal Pradesh, due to its geographical and economic nature, remains a revenue-deficit state. He declared his intention to meet with the Prime Minister to advocate for the restoration of the RDG, describing himself as a “warrior” determined to fight for the state's rightful share on every platform.

CM Sukhu also rebutted claims from the Leader of the Opposition regarding the absence of a formal invitation to a financial briefing. By presenting copies of personal letters sent to Jai Ram Thakur and other BJP MLAs, he clarified that they were invited to discuss the financial implications of the discontinuation of the RDG.

CM Sukhu criticized the BJP for intentionally avoiding the meeting and called upon all stakeholders to rise above political divisions to jointly advocate for the welfare of the people of Himachal Pradesh.