Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met PM Modi in Delhi, demanding Rs 50,000 crore compensation for the closure of the RDG scheme, which has severely impacted Himachal's economy and education sector.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and demanded a compensation of Rs 50,000 crore for the closure of the Resource Development Grant (RDG) scheme. The CM emphasized that the discontinuation of RDG has adversely affected the state's economy, including funding for education and infrastructure.
Key Points
- CM Sukhu met PM Modi to discuss RDG closure impact
- Demanded Rs 50,000 crore compensation for economic losses
- RDG scheme was crucial for Himachal's development projects
- Education sector funding at risk due to revenue shortfall
The RDG scheme, which provided central assistance for resource development, was a major source of revenue for Himachal Pradesh. Its closure has left a significant gap in the state budget, affecting allocations for schools, colleges, and other educational institutions. The CM argued that without adequate compensation, the state's ability to maintain quality education and infrastructure would be severely hampered.
During the meeting, CM Sukhu highlighted that the state's economy relies heavily on central grants, and the sudden withdrawal of RDG has created a financial crisis. He urged the Prime Minister to release the compensation amount to ensure uninterrupted development works, especially in the education sector, which is vital for the state's future.
The state government has been proactive in seeking alternative funding sources, but the CM stressed that immediate central intervention is necessary to prevent further damage. The demand for Rs 50,000 crore is based on the projected losses over the next five years, covering both direct revenue loss and indirect impacts on employment and social sectors.