Himachal Minister Questions Declining Revenue Deficit Grant from Centre

Shimla, February 27 – Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Minister Aniruddh Singh has raised concerns over the declining Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) from the Centre, stating that it has dropped from ₹10,300 crore in 2021-22 to ₹3,257 crore in 2025-26. Addressing a press conference at the state secretariat on Thursday, Singh argued that such a reduction goes against the principles of federalism.

He also pointed out that Himachal received over ₹3,000 crore annually as GST compensation until July 2022, when the Centre discontinued the payments. Criticizing the previous BJP government, he alleged that despite receiving substantial RDG and GST compensation, it failed to clear arrears of employees and pensioners. Instead, it distributed over ₹5,000 crore in pre-election freebies, worsening the state’s financial condition.

Singh also took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that Modi presents himself as a native of whichever state has upcoming elections, citing his recent statements in Bihar.