Himachal CM Sukhu slams Centre for ‘discriminatory’ allocation of tourism funds

Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has slammed the Centre for allegedly discriminating against the state in allocating funds for tourism promotion. In a scathing attack, Sukhu accused the Modi-led BJP government of meting out “step-motherly” treatment to Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu expressed his disappointment on X, stating that the Centre had allocated Rs 3,296 crore to 23 states under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, but Himachal Pradesh was excluded from the list. “In a federal structure, having this kind of discriminatory approach towards Himachal is very wrong, and the people of the state will not forgive BJP for this,” he wrote.

The CM also pointed out that the Centre’s claims of supporting Himachal Pradesh’s development were at odds with the reality on the ground. “What is most surprising is that BJP MPs are sharing the list of beneficiary states as if they have made a big achievement. At times, I wonder whether they represent the people of Himachal or not,” he remarked.

Sukhu also criticised the Centre for its response to natural disasters in the state. “Despite the most adverse and challenging circumstances, we have achieved new heights in the tourism sector,2 he said.

The issue has sparked a political debate, with a letter from Union Ministry of Finance on November 26. The letter revealed that the allocation for the 23 states was made based on a list of 40 projects under Part III of the Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale for the year 2024-25.

While Uttarakhand has been given Rs 100 crore for developing a rafting base station in Rishikesh, Punjab has received Rs 53.45 crore for developing a heritage street at SBS Nagar. While Centre has allocated Rs 99.17 crore for the eco-tourism and cultural hub at Roerich and Devika Rani Estate in Bengaluru’s Tatagung, not a penny has been given to Himachal, which also has Roerich Trust at Naggar in Kullu.