SHIMLA, 11.11.26-MLA Dharampur, Chander Shekhar today said that Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is firmly committed to making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant and that the State Government was consistently taking historic steps towards achieving this objective. He said that the Chief Minister had demonstrated unwavering political will in mobilising resources, ensuring optimum utilisation of the State’s existing natural resources and safeguarding the interests of Himachal Pradesh.

He said that water and forests were the State’s principal natural resources, from which neighbouring States and the country as a whole had been benefiting for decades. However, despite contributing these valuable resources, Himachal Pradesh had not received its rightful share of benefits and had long been deprived of its legitimate dues. Under the effective leadership of Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the present State Government had strongly raised the State’s concerns at various forums and pursued its claims on the basis of facts and legal merit, resulting in favourable decisions for Himachal Pradesh.

Whether it was presenting a strong case before the courts to protect the State’s rights or advocating its interests at various political and institutional forums, the State Government, under the Chief Minister’s guidance, had achieved significant milestones, he added.

Chander Shekhar said that the Chief Minister had clearly outlined his vision in his very first Budget Speech in 2023, setting the goal of making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant, one of the most prosperous States and a leading green energy State. The core of this vision was to strengthen the rural economy, empower women, encourage youth towards self-employment and entrepreneurship, create greater employment opportunities and ensure the welfare of disadvantaged sections of society.

He said that the Chief Minister was taking several far-reaching decisions aimed at public welfare, whose positive impact would be reflected in the State’s economy and overall development in the years to come. Initiatives such as the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana, Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana and Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Yojana were examples of this progressive and visionary approach.

He said that the historic verdict delivered by the Supreme Court on 6th November in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) matter marked a significant milestone in the struggle initiated by the Chief Minister to secure the legitimate rights of Himachal Pradesh. The State had been pursuing its outstanding share of power from BBMB projects for several decades. Although a judicial decision in 2011 had, in principle, recognised Himachal Pradesh's 7.19 per cent share in the project, the issue of arrears remained unresolved. The present State Government took up the matter vigorously and sought a clear response from Punjab and Haryana regarding Himachal Pradesh's legitimate entitlements.

Chander Shekhar further said that the Chief Minister had also ensured that the interests of the State were not compromised in matters relating to the Kishau Dam Project, Wildflower Hall and the Karcham-Wangtoo Hydroelectric Project. Regarding the Kishau Dam Project, the State Government had made it clear that the States requiring water from the project must also bear its financial cost. The Chief Minister had maintained that Himachal Pradesh would not shoulder any unnecessary financial burden arising out of the project. By firmly safeguarding the State's interests, the Chief Minister had succeeded in ensuring that Himachal's concerns received due priority. The project is expected to generate an annual revenue of approximately Rs. 1,200 crore to Rs. 1,500 crore for the State in the future.

Similarly, the resolution of BBMB-related issues is expected to generate additional annual revenue of around Rs. 1,000 crore for Himachal Pradesh.

He said that the Supreme Court's verdict in the royalty matter concerning the 1,045 MW Karcham-Wangtoo Hydroelectric Project had also gone in favour of Himachal Pradesh. Consequently, the State was now receiving 18 per cent royalty instead of the earlier 12 per cent, which would result in additional annual revenue of approximately Rs. 150 crore.

He said that the matters relating to the Kishau Dam Project, BBMB, Karcham-Wangtoo Project and Wildflower Hall clearly demonstrated the State Government's seriousness in securing the rightful value of Himachal Pradesh's resources. The Chief Minister himself was closely monitoring these matters to ensure that the State received its legitimate financial benefits.

Chander Shekhar said that under the dynamic leadership of Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Himachal Pradesh was steadily progressing towards self-reliance. With the State Government's firm political commitment, Himachal Pradesh would emerge as an economically stronger State in the near future, while its dependence on Central assistance and grants for accelerating development works would gradually reduce.