Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held meetings with senior Union ministers in New Delhi on Thursday to seek greater central assistance for the hill state’s health sector and fiscal stability.
During discussions with the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda, Sukhu pressed for accelerated development of health infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, including support for state projects and expanded funding under national health initiatives.
The talks highlighted the challenges of delivering quality healthcare in mountainous terrain and the need for strengthened medical facilities and services.
In separate engagements with the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the chief minister outlined the state’s fiscal concerns ahead of forthcoming budget decisions. He urged that the annual Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) be fixed at a minimum of ₹10,000 crore, emphasising that reduced central grants in recent years have constrained the state’s financial flexibility. CM Sukhu also sought approval for additional borrowing equivalent to two per cent of the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) to help bridge funding gaps and support development programmes.
The meetings underscore Himachal Pradesh’s efforts to secure enhanced central support for critical sectors like healthcare and fiscal tools that could help sustain infrastructure development and economic resilience in the face of geographic and demographic challenges.
