Sun Mar 16 11:59:41 UTC 2025: ## Himachal Pradesh CM Claims Financial Stability Despite Central Government Obstacles
**Shimla, March 16, 2025** – Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Sunday that the state is on a path to financial stability, despite challenges posed by the central government. A day before presenting the 2025-26 state budget, Mr. Sukhu credited his Congress-led government with generating over ₹3,000 crore in additional revenue in the last year, boosting the state’s per capita income to ₹2,57,212. He attributed this success to economic reforms implemented in excise, tourism, power, and mining sectors. A key revenue generator was the shift to an auction system for liquor vends, yielding ₹2,631 crore in revenue.
However, Mr. Sukhu criticized the BJP-led central government for hindering Himachal Pradesh’s progress. He highlighted the state’s increased reliance on central assistance after the implementation of GST, coupled with the discontinuation of GST compensation in July 2022 and a reduction in the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG). He also criticized the delay in releasing Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) funds following the 2023 monsoon disasters. Despite these challenges, Mr. Sukhu stated that the state’s capital expenditure remained robust, with a budget estimate of ₹6,270 crore for the current financial year. The Chief Minister will present the 2025-26 budget on Monday.
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