Three Day Budget Session Begins with Governor’s Address
Shimla, February 15: Discussions on the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant and its impact on the state economy are set to dominate the three day budget session of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, beginning Monday with the Governor’s address.Addressing journalists after a meeting of the press gallery committee, Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania confirmed that 125 notices have been received so far. These include 111 oral starred questions, 14 unstarred written questions, one call attention notice under Rule 62, and one notice for discussion on the Revenue Deficit Grant under Rule 102.
The first phase of the session will comprise three sittings from Monday to Wednesday. The decision on whether the session will continue after a break will be taken later, depending on the legislative business schedule. As this is the budget session, government business will take priority.
Revenue Deficit Grant Discontinuation in Focus
The Congress government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is expected to lead discussions on the economic impact of discontinuing the Revenue Deficit Grant, as recommended by the 16th Finance Commission.The Chief Minister has earlier stated that the abolition of the Revenue Deficit Grant would result in a loss of approximately Rs 10,000 crore annually between 2026 and 2031. He noted that nearly 12.7 per cent of the state budget currently comes from the grant, making its withdrawal a significant financial challenge.
According to available figures, Himachal Pradesh’s total revenue stands at Rs 41,950 crore. This includes Rs 18,000 crore from state resources, Rs 13,950 crore as the state’s share in central taxes, and Rs 10,000 crore through borrowings. Meanwhile, committed expenditure stands at Rs 48,000 crore, creating a revenue expenditure gap of Rs 6,050 crore.
Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur has maintained that the discontinuation of the grant is not a sudden move but part of structured recommendations of successive Finance Commissions, where phased reduction and eventual withdrawal were clearly indicated.
Speaker Pathania described the situation arising from the 16th Finance Commission’s recommendations as new and unusual. He pointed out that since the sixth Finance Commission, revenue deficit grants were recommended for states facing revenue shortfalls, and the withdrawal marks a significant shift.
Key Questions and Policy Issues on the Agenda
Apart from the Revenue Deficit Grant, several other issues are set to be raised during the session. Questions received pertain to the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi scheme, school mergers, road and bridge construction, detailed project reports of approved roads, and the upgrading of colleges, schools, and health institutions.Legislators have also submitted queries regarding filling vacant posts in departments, rising drug abuse among youth, increasing criminal cases, solar energy initiatives, and the transportation system.
Protocol Complaint and Administrative Response
Responding to questions about alleged protocol violations by the Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, the Speaker confirmed that a complaint has been received from Congress MLA Yadavindra Goma, who also serves as Ayush minister. The Vidhan Sabha Secretariat has written to the Chief Secretary regarding the matter, and the reply is awaited.Security Measures in Place for Assembly Session
In view of possible protests, demonstrations, and rallies during the Assembly session, the Assembly complex and surrounding areas have been divided into four police sectors.About 75 trained commandos from the Quick Reaction Team, Special Security Unit, and other special forces will be deployed at various locations. A total of 872 police personnel and Home Guard personnel will also be deployed in plain clothes to gather intelligence and strengthen security.
In addition to the traffic police, 50 police personnel and 30 Home Guard personnel have been deployed under supervision to maintain smooth traffic flow in Shimla city. CCTV cameras have been fully activated, and digital videography, photography, and drone surveillance will be used if necessary.
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