Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday firmly dismissed claims of a financial crisis in the hill state, asserting that his Government is taking bold reformative measures to ensure economic self-reliance by 2027.

Sukhbu, in a candid interaction with the media on the sidelines of an event at Gaiety Theatre, emphasized that while reform processes may temporarily create challenges, they are essential steps toward making Himachal Pradesh one of the most prosperous states in India by 2032.

The Chief Minister’s remarks come in response to allegations from opposition parties, particularly the BJP, accusing the government of financial mismanagement. Sukhu accused the BJP of spreading misinformation and challenged them to verify their claims.

“There is no financial mess in the state,” he said, highlighting that the State Government has been diligently disbursing dues to employees and pensioners. He pointed out that arrears for 28,000 pensioners above the age of 75 have already been released, and the government has granted a seven percent Dearness Allowance to all government employees.

Sukhu further elaborated on the government’s financial strategy, which includes demanding rightful funds from the Central Government, including Rs 9,200 crore deposited under the National Pension Scheme (NPS), Rs 9,300 crore for the previous year’s disaster management, and Rs 4,300 crore as Himachal’s share from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). “These funds are crucial for the state’s ongoing development initiatives,” he argued.

Addressing concerns about subsidies, the Chief Minister criticized the previous government for what he termed as “irrational subsidy distribution”. He emphasized the need for targeted subsidies, arguing that individuals who can afford to pay electricity and water bills should not be receiving government assistance. This, he said, would ensure that state resources are allocated to those who truly need them.

In a broader context, Sukhu outlined his Government’s commitment to the welfare of all sections of society, including farmers, labourers, orchardists, women, and small shopkeepers. The State Government’s efforts are not limited to economic reforms; they also extend to improving critical sectors such as health and education, which the Chief Minister claimed had been neglected by the previous administration.

CM Inaugurates ‘Master's Universe’ Exhibition at Gaiety

Earlier, Chief Minister inaugurated the ‘Master's Universe’ exhibition at the historic Gaiety Theatre in Shimla. The exhibition, organized to mark the 150^th birth anniversary of renowned Russian artist and thinker Nicholas Roerich, will be open to the public until September 25, 2024. The event was a collaboration between the International Centre of the Roerichs (ICR), Moscow, the International Roerich Memorial Trust Naggar, District Kullu, and the Department of Language and Culture, Himachal Pradesh.

During the inauguration, Sukhu praised Nicholas Roerich’s contributions to art, culture, and peace. Roerich, who spent nearly two decades in Himachal, was deeply immersed in the study of Himalayan culture and became one of the earliest advocates for preserving the cultural heritage of the Kullu Valley. Sukhu highlighted Roerich’s global influence, particularly through the “Roerich Pact”, an international treaty signed on April 15, 1935, by 21 countries to safeguard cultural heritage.

The Chief Minister also underscored the deep cultural ties between India and Russia, noting that these centuries-old relations have been strengthened by shared values and mutual support in times of need. He assured that the State Government would continue to bolster the International Roerich Memorial Trust at Naggar, furthering Roerich’s legacy in the region.