Himachal Pradesh Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani on Wednesday sought an enhancement in financial aid to the state from the Centre in the upcoming budget, citing the state’s vulnerability and losses caused due to natural disasters.
Speaking to reporters, he said the state has been placed in the highly vulnerable ‘Category-6’ zone in terms of earthquakes.
“In the coming years, the cost of constructing buildings using earthquake-resistant technology in the state is expected to rise by around 20 to 25 per cent. Due to growing environmental imbalance at the global level, Himachal Pradesh continues to face frequent natural disasters. In such a situation, the state has demanded generous financial assistance from the Centre for reconstruction work and compensation for disaster-related losses,” he said.
The minister said the revenue deficit grant received by the state under the 15th Finance Commission has declined sharply from Rs 11,432 crore to Rs 3,257 crore, resulting in major financial strain.
He said that during a recent meeting with the Union finance minister in Delhi, he raised several key issues related to the state’s interests and urged appropriate decisions.
He also raised important demands before the Centre, including increased financial assistance under the 16th Finance Commission, return of National Pension System (NPS) contributions of state employees, release of Himachal Pradesh’s share in the BBMB project, and transfer of the Shanan hydroelectric project to the state.
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