Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla caught attention on the first day of the Budget Session by swiftly concluding his 50-page customary address, omitting sections related to the 16th Finance Commission. This move, seen as avoiding a contentious issue concerning the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant, has set a bold tone, especially towards the Opposition BJP. The Governor’s brief address focused on passing supplementary demands for 2025–26, the Budget for 2026–27, and other legislative matters.
The Governor’s concise delivery, lasting only a few minutes, deviated from the usual lengthy addresses that highlight government achievements. His decision to skip portions discussing the 16th Finance Commission’s impact on small and hill states, particularly Himachal Pradesh, has drawn varied reactions. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu downplayed the Governor’s actions, emphasizing the significance of the Revenue Deficit Grant for the state’s development projects and welfare schemes.
Notably, the Governor’s address underscored the crucial role of the Revenue Deficit Grant in supporting development initiatives, social welfare programs, and disaster management efforts in states like Himachal Pradesh. The omission of paragraphs concerning the discontinuation of the Grant by the 16th Finance Commission has sparked discussions on the state’s financial landscape and the implications for its future projects.
