BJP leaders in dilemma, failed to clarify stand on RDG: Chief Minister
- CM criticizes BJP for walking out of All-Party Meeting
An All-Party Meeting was held here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to deliberate on the likely impact of the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) in the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission.
Addressing media-persons after the meeting, the Chief Minister said that the meeting was convened as the proposed withdrawal of RDG is a matter of serious concern for the State and could adversely affect the State’s economy.
He criticized the BJP for walking out of the meeting midway, terming the move as highly condemnable. He said it reflected a lack of seriousness on their part and alleged that they attended only to politicize the issue, rather than to safeguard the interests of the people of the State.
Referring to Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, the Chief Minister said that not only the Congress, but also the CPI(M), Aam Aadmi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party have expressed willingness to meet the Prime Minister to press for the reinstatement of the RDG. He added “It appeared the BJP was not willing to stand for the rights of the State and had attended the meeting only under public pressure before leaving it midway.”
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the previous BJP government had received Rs. 54,000 crore as Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) and Rs. 16,000 crore as GST compensation during its tenure, whereas the present State Government has received only Rs. 17,000 crore as RDG so far. He, however, asserted that through due diligence and fiscal prudence, the present State Government is steadily moving towards making the State self-reliant.
The Chief Minister said that RDG is a constitutional right of the States under Article 275(1), aimed at bridging the gap between revenue and expenditure, a mechanism that has been in place since 1952. He further remarked that the State Government is well aware of how to fight for its rights, but alleged that the BJP’s stance was not in the interest of the State. He said “This issue was not about any particular government, but about safeguarding the rights of the people of the State.” He added that BJP leaders appeared to be in a dilemma and had failed to clearly present their stand on the issue of RDG before the people.
Sh. Sukhu said “Although BJP leaders may feel that the withdrawal of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) is not a right step, they lack the courage to take a firm stand.” He further alleged that the BJP has never stood with the people of the State. Referring to the disaster of 2023, he said, “When we brought a resolution seeking a special package from the Union Government to assist disaster-affected families, they were the first to walk out. The people of the State are observing the anti-Himachal attitude of the BJP and will not forgive them.”
The Chief Minister added that governments may come and go, but safeguarding the rights of the people must remain paramount.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan and National Spokesperson of the Congress Party Kuldeep Singh Rathore also criticized the BJP for walking out of the All-Party Meeting midway.
During the meeting, the CPI(M), Aam Aadmi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party extended their unconditional support to the State Government on the issue.
Former MLA Rakesh Singha said that everyone must understand the hardships being faced by the people of the State and emphasized the need to arrive at a consensus to effectively safeguard their interests.
Representative of AAP Dr. Rajesh Chanana, stressed the need for adequate financial assistance from the Centre, stating that the State has limited resources of its own. He also submitted a party resolution supporting the demand for reinstating RDG.
The representative of the BSP said that the State must collectively raise its voice for its rights. He added that after facing the COVID-19 crisis, the State has also endured two major disasters in the last three years, further straining its resources.
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CM directs retention of Lien to protect promotion avenues of CBSE Teachers
- Chairs the meeting of Education Department
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Education Department to retain lien in the parent cadre for teachers selected for CBSE-affiliated schools, ensuring that their promotional avenues remain unaffected. Presiding over a high-level meeting, the Chief Minister instructed the department to expedite the affiliation process of government schools with the CBSE. He stated that 140 government schools will be affiliated with CBSE from the next academic session and in the first phase, 99 schools have already secured affiliation, while the process for the remaining schools is underway.
Sh. Sukhu also directed the relaxation of the existing service conditions for appointment of Principals in these CBSE schools, reducing the requirement of three years of remaining service to two years. He further said that the CBSE-affiliated schools will have a distinct logo and a uniform colour scheme. Emphasizing the State Government’s commitment to quality education, the Chief Minister said he would personally monitor the progress of academic standards in these institutions. He assured that adequate funds would be provided to strengthen infrastructure in the schools.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the implementation of the ‘No Mobile Phone Policy’ in schools, which will come into effect from March 1 this year. He directed the department to complete all necessary formalities within the stipulated timeframe.
Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar, Director of School Education Ashish Kohli, State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan Rajesh Sharma and other senior officers of the Education Department were present in the meeting.
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Education Minister issues directions to ensure safety in Schools
Expresses grief over the killing of mid-day meal worker
Education Minister Rohit Thakur expressed profound grief over the brutal killing of Mid-Day Meal worker Salochana Devi at the Primary School in Gram Panchayat Chanaur, Dehra in district Kangra. Terming the incident as deeply unfortunate and distressing, he emphasized that educational institutions must always remain the safest spaces for children, teachers, and all school staff.
The Minister stated that the accused has been arrested and assured that strict and appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the law to ensure justice.
He directed the Education Department to immediately review and further strengthen security arrangements in all the schools across the state to safeguard the lives of students, teachers, Mid-Day Meal workers and supporting staff and to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents in the future.
Expressing heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, Sh. Thakur stated that the Department stands firmly with them during this difficult time and will extend all possible assistance.
He also prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and for strength and courage to the family to bear this irreparable loss.