Shimla, February 7
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today held discussions with MLAs from Kullu, Mandi and Shimla during the first session of the second day of MLA Priority Meetings for the financial year 2026-27. The meeting focused on the development priorities of the respective constituencies.
The Chief Minister said that during the last three years, the present state government has generated Rs. 26,683 crore in revenue from its own resources. He said that the state earned a financial benefit of about Rs. 401 crore from acquiring ownership of the Wildflower Hall Hotel and it was expected to earn around Rs. 20 crore annually from it. He said that due to the efforts of the present government, the royalty share for the Karcham-Wangtoo Hydropower Project has increased from 12 percent to 18 percent, which would provide the state with an additional income of nearly Rs. 150 crore every year.
The Chief Minister further said that under the 15th Finance Commission, Himachal Pradesh received a total of Rs. 37,199 crore as Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), which was released in a gradually decreasing manner. 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 said that the decision of the 16th Finance Commission to discontinue the RDG would result in a loss of nearly Rs. 50,000 crore to Himachal. He said this decision was unjust for a hill state with difficult geographical conditions and said it would adversely affect 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, keeping in view the state’s unique circumstances.
Sukhu said that to promote border tourism and allied activities have been started at the Shipki-La Pass on the India-China border. He said that although the Union Budget 2026-27 announced a “Buddhist Circuit” for the North-Eastern states, Himachal Pradesh, which was a major centre of Buddhist culture has been excluded, which was discriminatory and a step motherly treatment with the state. He said that despite having world-famous tourist destinations, no specific budgetary provision has been made for tourism development in the state.
