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Himachal Pradesh budget disappointing, state debt at record high: Jai Ram Thakur

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], April 2 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Leader of Opposition (LoP) Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday termed the Himachal Pradesh Budget Session 'deeply disappointing', alleging fiscal mismanagement, rising debt and lack of development vision under the Congress government. Addressing the reporters after the conclusion of the Budget Session, Thakur said the budget would be remembered for the "wrong reasons", noting that it was reduced by nearly Rs 3,000 crore compared to the previous year. "Since the formation of Himachal Pradesh, budgets have always been growth-oriented. This time, despite excuses, the reality is that the budget reflects confusion and financial distress," he said. He alleged that internal discord within the ruling Congress had impacted governance and budgetary planning. "The atmosphere of chaos within the government was visible even during the session," he added. Raising concerns over the state's finances, Thakur claimed that the borrowing rate under the current government had reached an all-time high. "During previous governments, including that of and, the annual borrowing rate was around 10 per cent. During my tenure, it was 7.2 per cent. Now, under the present government, it has risen to 16 per cent," he said. He further alleged that the state's total debt had crossed Rs 1.10 lakh crore from about Rs 69,600 crore when the BJP left office. "The Chief Minister keeps talking about loans, but the record borrowing has happened under his government," Thakur said. The former Chief Minister said there was "no visible roadmap for development", and accused the government of failing to fulfil its guarantees, including employment generation. "No provision has been made to clear employee arrears or deliver on promises. Even salary deferment decisions have been taken, which is unprecedented," he said. On the law and order situation, Thakur alleged deterioration, citing incidents of crime, alleged mafia activities and unrest in educational institutions. He referred to a recent university incident involving a student's death and ongoing protests, claiming the government had failed to respond adequately. He also accused the government of shielding corrupt officials. "Serious allegations have been raised against certain officers, yet they continue to hold key positions. The Chief Minister is neither taking action nor responding in the Assembly," he said. Targeting the amendment to the anti-defection law, Thakur termed it "politically motivated and driven by vendetta." "If reforms are needed, they should be prospective. But targeting former legislators by stopping pensions raises serious legal questions. Similar actions have been struck down by courts earlier. This, too, will be challenged," he said, adding that the opposition would examine legal options. On Panchayati Raj amendments, he criticised the provision allowing Deputy Commissioners to alter reservation rosters by up to 5 per cent. "Reservation should be based on a uniform formula linked to population and rotation. Giving discretionary powers will lead to misuse," he said. The BJP leader also questioned the state's handling of entry tax and toll-related decisions, alleging policy inconsistency and confusion among the public, particularly in border areas. Responding to the Chief Minister's claims regarding reduced central assistance, Thakur presented figures to assert that Himachal Pradesh continues to receive substantial funds from the Centre. "The assistance has remained largely consistent over the years. Blaming the Centre for financial mismanagement is incorrect," he said. He further criticised what he termed "contradictory statements" by the Chief Minister on making Himachal self-reliant. "On one hand, the government says the state cannot be surplus; on the other, it claims Himachal will become self-reliant by 2027 and the most prosperous state by 2032. There is no clear roadmap," he said. Thakur also cited alleged lapses in welfare schemes, including a case where a beneficiary was reportedly declared dead, leading to the discontinuation of benefits. "Such incidents reflect administrative insensitivity," he said. Summing up, the LoP said, "This fourth budget of the Congress government has disappointed all sections of society, youth, employees and farmers alike. People are realising their mistake and will respond at the appropriate time." He asserted that the BJP had "strongly raised public issues inside and outside the Assembly" and would continue to hold the government accountable. (ANI)

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