Shimla, February 8: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhu held discussions on development priorities with legislators from Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts on the second day of the priority meetings for 2026-27.
The Chief Minister reported that the government has generated a revenue of ₹26,683 crores from its resources over the past three years. He highlighted that the acquisition of the Wildflower Hall Hotel has provided the state with a financial benefit of approximately ₹401 crores, with an expected annual income of around ₹20 crores.
He noted that due to government efforts, the royalty share for the Karchham-Wangtoo hydroelectric project has increased from 12% to 18%, resulting in an additional annual income of about ₹150 crores for the state.
Under the 15th Finance Commission, Himachal Pradesh received ₹37,199 crores as revenue deficit grant (RDG), which has been released at gradually decreasing rates. The state received ₹10,249 crores in 2021-22, ₹9,377 crores in 2022-23, ₹8,057 crores in 2023-24, ₹6,249 crores in 2024-25, and ₹3,257 crores in 2025-26.
The Chief Minister expressed concern that the 16th Finance Commission’s decision to discontinue RDG would result in a loss of nearly ₹50,000 crores for Himachal Pradesh. He described this decision as unjust for the mountainous state, which faces challenging geographical conditions, and warned that it would adversely affect development projects, welfare schemes, and the payment of salaries and pensions.
He urged the central government to consider the state’s unique circumstances and restore the RDG (Buddhist tourism sector) while providing special financial assistance. CM Sukhu also mentioned that activities have been initiated at the Shipki La Pass along the India-China border to promote border tourism.
