Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday pressed the state's claim for a 7.19 per cent share in the Union Territory of Chandigarh under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, and demanded the return of the Shanan hydel project from Punjab.
Meeting with Punjab Governor
Sukhu met Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria in Chandigarh to discuss several long-pending issues of vital importance to Himachal Pradesh. He sought the Governor's support for expeditious resolution of these matters, expressing confidence that they would be resolved through constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and the spirit of cooperative federalism.
Claim over Chandigarh
“Himachal Pradesh is a successor state to the erstwhile Punjab and is entitled to its legitimate share of 7.19 per cent based on the population ratio of the areas transferred to the state,” Sukhu stated. He argued that Chandigarh was developed from the consolidated resources of undivided Punjab, and while Punjab and Haryana have benefited from the city's land, assets, and governance structure for over five decades, Himachal Pradesh has yet to receive its rightful share.
BBMB dues
The chief minister also sought intervention for the settlement of long-pending dues related to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). “The Supreme Court had recognised Himachal's entitlement to a 7.19 per cent share in BBMB projects, but the state is still awaiting realisation of its entitlement to 13,066 million units of power and the associated financial dues for over a decade,” he said.
Shanan hydel project
Sukhu raised the issue of Himachal's legitimate claim over the Shanan hydel project in Mandi, with the 99-year lease to Punjab expiring on March 2, 2024. He clarified that Mandi district was never part of the composite state of Punjab; rather, it acceded to and merged with the Union of India in 1948. Himachal Pradesh was constituted as a Part ‘C’ state in 1951 and was subsequently declared a Union Territory from November 1, 1956.
“Mandi district was never included within the ‘transferred territories’ as defined under Section 2(n) of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. Consequently, the provisions of the said Act have no applicability to the area in which the project is situated, nor can any rights over the project be derived thereunder,” Sukhu emphasised. He added that with the expiry of the lease, all rights flowing therefrom stand extinguished, and any claim to continued operation, management, or possession based on the expired lease lacks legal basis and is unsustainable in law.
Additional Himachal Sadan
Sukhu also highlighted the need for an additional Himachal Sadan in Chandigarh to meet the growing requirements of people. “The existing Himachal Bhawan, built decades ago, is no longer adequate to accommodate the increasing number of students, patients, and other visitors from Himachal Pradesh. Chandigarh continues to serve as a major centre for higher education, healthcare, and administrative services for the people of Himachal,” he said. Following consultations with the Chandigarh Administration, a suitable site measuring 4.736 acres in Sector 52 has been identified for the proposed Himachal Sadan.
