Synopsis
In his address to the legislative Assembly, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla emphasized the state's vulnerability to climate change and outlined proactive governmental measures, including investments to support women farmers and enhance forest cover amidst financial challenges.Key Takeaways
- Himachal Pradesh is vulnerable to climate change.
- Proactive measures are being taken to enhance environmental resilience.
- Investment of Rs 91 crore to support women farmers.
- High dependence on central grants for financial stability.
- Capital expenditure is being maintained despite financial constraints.
Shimla, March 10 (NationPress) The Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, highlighted the state's significant vulnerability to climate change during his address to the legislative Assembly on the opening day of the 16-day Budget session. He remarked, as a Himalayan region, the state is particularly at risk.
“The government is implementing proactive strategies to bolster environmental resilience and avert future disasters,” he stated in his speech, which lasted for one and a half hours and was delivered in Hindi.
“The state has been chosen for a bilateral initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in partnership with Climate Adaptation and Finance in Rural India.
“From 2023 to 2026, an investment of approximately Rs 91 crore will be directed towards enhancing the adaptive capacity of 5,000 women farmers in areas prone to drought and climate sensitivity.
The Governor pointed out that currently, 15,580 sq km (28 percent) of the state is classified as an actual forest area. “To boost forest cover, the government has initiated plantation drives under CAMPA and centrally-sponsored schemes. Out of the 8,000 hectares targeted for afforestation this financial year, 6,715 hectares have already been completed, with the remaining target expected to be fulfilled by the fiscal year's end.
On the economic front, the Governor mentioned the state's insufficient resources, leading to a high dependency on central grants.
“Following the rollout of the GST, the state's reliance on central support has intensified, as many state-imposed taxes have been merged into GST. This transition has resulted in considerable financial losses, initially mitigated by a GST compensation for five years, which ceased in July 2022, worsening the state's financial situation. The inadequate Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) recommended by the 15th Finance Commission has also contributed to the fiscal challenges.
“In its interim report for 2020-21, the 15th Finance Commission proposed an RDG of Rs 11,431 crore. However, this grant has been progressively decreasing since 2022-23.
“For the current financial year, Rs 6,258 crore has been recommended, and by the final year of the 15th Finance Commission, it will drop to Rs 3,257 crore.”
Governor Shukla reported that capital expenditure was Rs 5,309 crore in 2020-21, Rs 6,029 crore in 2021-22, and Rs 5,630 crore in 2023-24.
“In the current financial year, the budget estimate is set at Rs 6,270 crore, indicating that the government has prevented a decline in capital expenditure despite the tapering RDG, and development projects are advancing swiftly,” the Governor concluded.
