The Impressive TimesNEW DELHI – Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Monday to seek urgent financial support for the state, which is reeling under the impact of recent heavy rains and flash floods. The Chief Minister apprised her of the grim fiscal condition of the state and requested an increase in the state’s borrowing limit to help meet its growing financial needs.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the substantial damage caused by incessant rainfall, cloudbursts, and landslides, which have severely impacted infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods in various districts of the state. He informed the Finance Minister that the estimated losses run into thousands of crores and have strained the state’s financial resources.
Seeking urgent assistance from the Centre, Sukhu said that the unprecedented scale of the natural disaster had disrupted road connectivity, washed away bridges, and damaged public infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and power projects. He stressed the need for special financial support from the Union Government to undertake timely restoration and relief measures.
The Chief Minister also emphasized that Himachal Pradesh’s unique geographical and climatic challenges require the Centre’s proactive support. He requested that the Union Finance Ministry consider providing Himachal Pradesh with a financial relief package and allow more fiscal space by raising the borrowing ceiling under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act.
In addition to disaster-related concerns, the Chief Minister also held detailed discussions with the Union Finance Minister on various issues linked to the Ministry of Finance that impact Himachal’s development. These included pending central grants, release of funds under centrally sponsored schemes, and clearance of GST compensation dues.
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena and Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh were also present during the meeting. Both officers supported the Chief Minister’s submissions with data and documentation highlighting the state’s financial challenges and the scale of recent natural calamities.
The meeting concluded with the Finance Minister assuring the delegation that the Centre would sympathetically consider the state’s demands and that all possible support would be extended within the fiscal framework.
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