We are protecting jungles should get green bonus: Himachal CM

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in the Assembly said that the state’s financial condition. The CM reported significant financial challenges, claiming Union Government funds had not been allocated as expected.

"We have the lungs of Northern India," he said during the Assembly session. "Our forests to Delhi provide oxygen, but we get nothing in return."

He added, "Attacks on our forests are occurring, and we've imposed severe penalties for cutting down a single tree." "We've presented our case to the 16th Finance Commission, asking for a 'forest bonus' for protecting these forests, but receive nothing," the Chief Minister stated. "We've brought this issue before the Prime Minister, emphasizing that our forests are crucial."

मुख्यमंत्री बोले- “अगर हम जंगल काट दें तो एक लाख करोड़ की आय हो जाए, दो साल में पूरा कर्ज उतर जाए।हम काट नहीं रहे तो इसके एवज में हमें ग्रीन बोनस मिलना चाहिए।” pic.twitter.com/sv4pyyc7lG

— In Himachal (@InHimachal121) August 29, 2024

He said, "If we cut them down, we could generate one lakh crore rupees, enough to cover the ninety thousand crore debt. We could clear this in two years, but we prioritize environmental and climate considerations."

"We have strict penalties for cutting down trees, but should we continue to be exploited?" Sukhu questioned. "We're not receiving funds for green projects, so I've raised this issue with the Prime Minister and the 16th Finance Commission, asking for a green bonus, and we will continue to push this issue."

CM claimed that the central government has not sent the state any money from the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), which totals Rs 9,042 crore. He also mentioned that the National Pension System (NPS) contribution from the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has not been received.

Himachal Pradesh is facing financial problems because of too much borrowing, rising costs for salaries and pensions, less help from the central government, and not enough income.

The state government has implemented five election promises. These include Rs 1,500 per month to five lakh women, costing Rs 800 crore annually. Restoring the Old Pension Scheme will benefit 1.36 lakh employees and cost Rs 1,000 crore annually.

He told the state assembly that due to a financial crisis, all state ministers, chief parliamentary secretaries (CPS), and cabinet-rank members won't draw salaries and allowances for two months.

The state government spends Rs 20,639 crore on salaries. Pay, pension, and interest payments will consume 46.3% of the total 2023-24 spending.

In the state, there are over 1,89,466 pensioners, expected to increase to 2,38,827 by 2030-31. This will raise the annual pension burden by nearly Rs 20,000 crore.

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