On Saturday, January 25, 2025, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressed a significant gathering during the 55th Statehood Day celebration held in Baijnath, Kangra. In his speech, Sukhu focused on the financial recovery efforts of the state government, despite the challenging financial legacy left by the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) administration. He shared an optimistic outlook on the state’s economic future, emphasizing the reforms and strategies that have been implemented in the past two years under his leadership.

Sukhvinder Sukhu Attacks BJP

Sukhu began his address by acknowledging the financial constraints faced by Himachal Pradesh, highlighting that these challenges were the result of the policies and financial decisions made by the previous BJP government. He stated that the state’s fiscal situation was such that, despite the newly formed Congress government’s focus on revenue generation, a significant portion of the loans taken in the last two years were being used to repay the debts accumulated by the previous administration.

“Despite the ongoing constraints, we are focused on generating revenue rather than relying solely on loans. In the past two financial years, the state government has borrowed a total of ₹30,080 crore, and out of this amount, ₹18,854 crore (approximately 63%) has been used to repay the principal and interest of the previous BJP government’s loans,” Sukhu said. This revelation pointed to the high debt burden that the Congress government inherited, which led to a need for strategic reforms in multiple sectors.

According to Chief Minister Sukhu, the Congress government has managed to generate an additional ₹2,200 crore in revenue through a series of systematic reforms across various sectors. These reforms, he emphasized, have been implemented in key areas such as excise, tourism, power, and mining. The outcomes of these reforms have been promising, with encouraging economic growth observed across these industries.

Sukhu further elaborated on the importance of these reforms in creating sustainable sources of revenue for the state. By focusing on improving the state’s internal financial mechanisms and reducing dependency on external loans, the government has been able to begin the process of fiscal recovery, setting the stage for long-term economic stability.

Government’s Focus on Job Creation and Rural Economy

In addition to financial reforms, one of the primary focuses of the Congress government has been the empowerment of rural areas and the creation of employment opportunities. Sukhu proudly announced that over 42,000 jobs had been provided within the last two years, a significant improvement compared to the 20,000 jobs created under the previous BJP government in a span of five years.

“We are committed to generating jobs and creating opportunities for self-employment, particularly in rural areas. Our vision for the state’s economy revolves around sectors such as dairy farming, natural farming, agriculture, horticulture, and fisheries. These sectors play a crucial role in strengthening the rural economy and offering employment at the grassroots level,” Sukhu stated.

The government’s strategy is to foster economic growth by focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, which can bring economic benefits to the villages and remote areas of Himachal Pradesh. The creation of new employment avenues is a key aspect of the state’s development agenda, and it aligns with the broader vision of uplifting rural communities.

Promises and Achievements of the Congress Government

The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to highlight the successes of his government in fulfilling its electoral promises. Sukhu revealed that the Congress government had delivered on six out of the ten promises made during the 2022 State Assembly elections. These promises were central to the party’s campaign, and the government’s progress on these fronts demonstrates its commitment to the people of Himachal Pradesh.

However, Sukhu was candid about the challenges ahead. He acknowledged that the upcoming fiscal year would pose difficulties, particularly given the economic constraints the state is grappling with. Despite this, he expressed confidence that, with the support and cooperation of the people of Himachal Pradesh, the government would overcome these challenges and continue its journey toward economic recovery and progress. “We are facing a tough fiscal year ahead, but I am confident that with the collective effort of our people, we will navigate these challenges successfully. The reforms we’ve implemented will pave the way for a stronger financial foundation for Himachal Pradesh,” said Sukhu.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s address at the 55th Statehood Day celebration in Baijnath painted a picture of resilience and progress despite the financial constraints faced by the state. The Congress government’s focus on generating additional revenue through reforms, coupled with job creation in rural areas, offers a promising path forward. While challenges remain, the government’s emphasis on sustainable development and fiscal responsibility signals a commitment to the long-term economic prosperity of Himachal Pradesh.

As the government continues to implement its reform agenda and focus on the revitalization of key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and mining, there is hope that Himachal Pradesh can overcome its financial hurdles and emerge as a model of economic resilience in the years to come. The road ahead may be challenging, but the strategic vision and reforms laid out by the Congress government offer a clear path toward economic revival and prosperity for the state’s future.