Una, February 1: Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has strongly reacted to the budget presented by the Central Government, stating that it is a direct betrayal of the interests of Himachal Pradesh. He said that the budget has done injustice to Himachal Pradesh and has completely ignored the special geographical and economic circumstances of the hill states.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that this attitude of the Central Government is contrary to the spirit of the federal structure, which will have a direct and serious impact on the state's development, welfare schemes, and financial stability.
He informed that during the period of the 15th Finance Commission, from 2021-22 to 2025-26, Himachal Pradesh received approximately Rs. 38,000 crore as revenue deficit grant from the Central Government, but now this crucial assistance has been completely stopped. The state had expected that this grant would be increased, keeping in mind its challenging geographical conditions and limited resources.
Mukesh Agnihotri said that the discontinuation of special grants given to hill states like the North East, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh will not only adversely affect the state's development works but will also pose serious challenges to public welfare schemes and financial stability.
The Deputy Chief Minister demanded that the Central Government reconsider the budget provisions and provide Himachal Pradesh with equitable budgetary support in accordance with its constitutional rights and actual needs.