Ever since the Congress government has been formed in Himachal Pradesh, this state has been in the headlines. First the political crisis and now the economic crisis has been the talk of the town even in Delhi. But Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu says that the state had inherited an empty treasury and in the last one year he has improved the economy of the state. Similarly, he has made such arrangements that no one will dare to topple the state government now. Hindustan’s political editor Madan Zaira spoke to him on the economic-political situation of the state. Here are the main excerpts of the conversation.
● Why is Himachal Pradesh facing economic crisis?
There was an economic crisis earlier. In the last one year, we have improved it and the state’s economy has improved by 20 percent. Now this issue has become more discussed because we have regulated salary and pension payments. Salary will be paid on the 5th of the month and pension on the 10th. By doing this, we have saved interest on the salary and pension amount.
●Himachal’s debt has reached 95 thousand crore rupees. BJP is citing free schemes as the reason.
We inherited a debt of Rs 85 thousand crore and employees’ dues of Rs 10 thousand crore after the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission from the BJP government. This debt is the gift of the BJP government. As for the free schemes, they were started by the BJP government. We are limiting them.
●But the old pension scheme is also causing a loss to the treasury?
The old pension scheme was necessary. 1500 people are getting its benefits. So it does not have much impact. We are earning and giving it to people, whereas in the BJP government, it was being given by taking loans.
● Natural disasters occur very often, how will you deal with this challenge?
This is a big challenge. Last year there was damage due to disasters. For this, Rs. 9000 crores were to be received from the Centre which has not been received till date. The Central Government is deliberately trying to create an economic crisis for us for political reasons.
● Did you return the Centre’s money for the Medical Device Park?
Its provisions were complex. For example, for the medical device park, the state government will have to provide electricity at the rate of three rupees per unit and water at the rate of one rupee. Himachal Pradesh buys electricity at the rate of seven rupees per unit in summers, how can we provide it to the industry at three rupees. Therefore, it was decided that the medical device park will be built but with our own resources and on our own terms.
● What are your long-term goals for Himachal?
My goal is that Himachal will be self-reliant by 2027 and will become the most prosperous state of the country by 2032.
● What measures are you taking to increase employment?
In view of the geographical conditions of Himachal Pradesh, we are making efforts to increase the rural economy. Himachal is the first state in the country to declare the minimum support price of milk. The government purchases cow milk at Rs 45 and buffalo milk at Rs 55 per liter through the milk union. Similarly, we are promoting natural farming. We have fixed the MSP of wheat produced through natural farming at Rs 40 and maize at Rs 30 per kg. This will increase the income of livestock farmers and farmers in rural areas. The state will be the first state to set up a one megawatt project of green hydrogen.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “A political crisis was created. But we were 40 and today we are 40 again. We have made such arrangements that now no matter how powerful the government in Delhi is, it will not be able to try to topple the government in Himachal. We have permanently stopped the salaries, allowances and pensions of the MLAs who are disqualified by the Speaker. Even if they win the election again.”
