MANDI: Grappling with a severe financial crisis, Himachal Pradesh is struggling to manage even basic salary payments to its employees and pensioners. This dire situation is a result of prolonged financial mismanagement and reliance on loans to run government operations.
In light of the ongoing financial difficulties, former Lok Sabha poll candidate Ashray Sharma has shed light on a significant but unrealised opportunity for the state. Sharma revealed that during the BJP’s tenure in Himachal Pradesh, his grandfather and former Union Minister late Pandit Sukh Ram, who was then the chairman of a committee on employment generation, had prepared a comprehensive vision document. The document outlined a phased action plan designed to boost the state’s income and optimise resource exploitation.
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Missed potential due to change of government
According to Sharma, the vision document had the potential to generate resources worth Rs 50,000 crore for Himachal Pradesh. However, the change in government in 2003 led to the abandonment of the proposed plan. Sharma criticised the current financial practices, which include heavy reliance on loans, leading to the state’s inability to manage payroll effectively.
Accountability and governance issues
Sharma pointed out that the current predicament could be solely blamed on current Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. He highlighted the role of previous governments, criticising the lack of accountability and the mismanagement of funds. Sharma emphasised that institutions were opened without proper budgeting and the long-term impact of such decisions is now evident.
Call for vision-driven approach
In response to the current crisis, Sharma called for a renewed focus on resource mobilisation and a shift away from partisan politics. He stressed the need for a vision-driven approach to revitalise the state’s economy. Sharma proposed concrete steps to foster employment generation, attract investment and promote eco-friendly industries and small-scale enterprises.
Revamping tourism and horticulture
To enhance the state’s revenue, Sharma suggested improvements in tourism policies and horticulture. He advocated for a strategic approach similar to Pandit Sukh Ram’s tenure as Telecom Minister, which brought significant advancements to the country and the state within a short period.
