Shimla: Himachal Pradesh govt generated Rs 26,683 crore from its own resources over the past three years, reflecting the state’s efforts to strengthen its financial position, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Saturday.Sukhu spoke during the first session of the MLA priority meeting held on the second day of discussions for the financial year 2026-27 with MLAs from Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts, focusing on constituency-wise development priorities. Highlighting key achievements, Sukhu said the state earned a financial benefit of around Rs 401 crore after acquiring ownership of the Wildflower Hall Hotel in Shimla district and is expected to generate nearly Rs 20 crore annually from the property.
The chief minister further stated that the royalty share of the Karcham-Wangtoo Hydropower Project increased from 12% to 18% due to the present govt’s efforts. This enhancement will provide Himachal Pradesh with an additional annual income of approximately Rs 150 crore. Sukhu also detailed the revenue deficit grant (RDG) received under the 15th Finance Commission, amounting to Rs 37,199 crore, released in a phased and declining manner between 2021–22 and 2025–26. Expressing concern over the 16th Finance Commission’s decision to discontinue the RDG, he said the move could result in a loss of nearly Rs 50,000 crore to the state. He termed the decision unjust for a hill state with difficult geographical conditions and urged the Centre to restore the grant and provide special financial assistance. Initiatives to promote border tourism began at Shipki-La Pass on the India-China border, he added. Sukhu also criticised the exclusion of Himachal Pradesh from the proposed Buddhist Circuit in the Union Budget 2026–27, calling it discriminatory, and noted the lack of specific budgetary provisions for tourism development despite the state’s global tourist appeal. Education minister Rohit Thakur, public works minister Vikramaditya Singh, vice chairman of the state planning commission Bhawani Singh Pathania, and senior officers were present at the meeting.
