Shimla
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister has said his government safeguarded the state’s financial interests by renegotiating the proposed Kishau Dam agreement, claiming that the revised terms would significantly strengthen the state’s revenue position while protecting its long-term economic interests.
Speaking at a public interaction programme in Shimla, the Chief Minister alleged that the previous agreement linked to the Kishau hydropower project would have resulted in substantial financial losses for Himachal Pradesh. He said the state government rejected the earlier arrangement in 2023 and pursued fresh negotiations to secure more favourable terms.
According to the Chief Minister, the revised agreement is expected to generate an additional annual revenue of around ₹600 crore for the state. He described the move as a major policy decision aimed at ensuring that Himachal receives a fair share of the economic benefits arising from its natural resources.
The Chief Minister said the government’s broader governance agenda was centred on institutional reforms and strengthening public welfare. He maintained that the administration had focused on translating policy commitments into measurable outcomes, particularly for socially and economically vulnerable sections of society, including orphaned children, widows, single women, meritorious students and other disadvantaged groups.
Referring to the devastation caused by recent natural disasters, he said the state had substantially enhanced financial assistance for families whose homes were completely destroyed. The compensation, he noted, had been increased from ₹1.30 lakh to ₹8 lakh through state resources, describing it as one of the country’s highest relief packages for disaster-affected households.
The Chief Minister said the government had taken these measures despite mounting financial pressures, including a significant reduction in the Revenue Deficit Grant received by the state. He maintained that the administration remained committed to building a financially self-reliant Himachal Pradesh while continuing to invest in welfare and reconstruction.
He also criticised the Centre, alleging that the state had not received adequate financial support following major natural disasters. Referring to the Prime Minister’s earlier announcement of disaster assistance during a visit to Kangra, the Chief Minister said the promised financial package had yet to be released. He further claimed that the state’s Members of Parliament had failed to collectively press the Centre for early disbursement of the funds.
Highlighting his personal contribution during times of crisis, the Chief Minister said he had donated ₹51 lakh to support families affected by natural disasters. He also recalled contributing ₹35 lakh to the state’s relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Responding to a question on national politics, the Chief Minister accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of using central investigative agencies for political purposes ahead of elections. He also alleged that internal divisions within the opposition had weakened public confidence in the party in Himachal Pradesh.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister asserted that his government had maintained transparency and accountability in administration. He claimed that during the past three-and-a-half years, no allegations of corruption had been levelled against his Council of Ministers, describing clean governance as one of the defining features of the present administration.
The remarks came at a time when infrastructure development, fiscal management and disaster rehabilitation remain among the most closely watched issues in Himachal Pradesh, with the proposed Kishau Dam project continuing to be viewed as strategically important for the state’s future hydropower and revenue generation prospects.
